LaLota swings through South Bend
Princeton (N.J.) Hun School defensive end Anthony LaLota joined teammate and Irish commit Tyler Stockton in South Bend this weekend. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder enjoyed the trip, but doesn't appear to be close to a pledge.
"I had a great time at Notre Dame," he said. "I got a chance to see and meet all the coaches for the first time. Coming out there, it really impressed me with the campus and how strong the academics are there. That is very important to me.
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"I got a chance to speak with some of the students about the academic programs and tutoring. Their academic support is very strong. As a student, they have a lot of things I'm looking for."
Of course the Rivals100 prospect's visit was for football and he was able to meet with head coach Charlie Weis on the trip.
"He is one of the most honest and direct coaches I've met so far," he said. "He tells you the way it is and doesn't sugarcoat anything. He is going to turn Notre Dame around this year in a big way. I'm looking forward to seeing that."
LaLota was on the visit for the spring game as well. What did he think of that?
"I think there is an opportunity for playing time," he said. "They have a lot of strong defensive linemen, but they try to get a bunch in there. The game itself was fun. Everybody was fired up and I even signed a bunch of autographs."
LaLota picked up an offer from the Irish on his visit. He discussed that a bit more.
"Notre Dame obviously is a school with a great tradition and a very strong business program."
Recently the No. 63 prospect in the country added offers from Cincinnati and UCLA too.
"The UCLA one is nice, it's in a nice area and they've got a new coach. They are a team on the rise. That is a nice option."
It has already been mentioned a bit that LaLota and Irish commit Tyler Stockton would like to play together. How does Stockton's decision this weekend affect his teammate?
"It makes it so if I decide to go to Notre Dame, I have someone I'm already close friends with," he said. "It would make the transition easier. It does make it a bit more attractive for me, but I've got to think hard about it and evaluate things.
"He's already in my ear a bit telling me we could be roommates."
At this time, the four-star prospect has no other visits planned.
"I'm going through the process and will keep evaluating. I think over the summer I may try to make it to Notre Dame, Virginia and a few other schools that I'm strongly considering. Then, I may have a decision before the season starts in August."