LB is No. 20 for Notre Dame

After a big win Saturday over Navy, Rivals250 linebacker Morrice Richardson gave his verbal commitment to coach Weis and Notre Dame. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder with 4.54-second speed chose the Irish over offers from Virginia Tech, Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma and others.

"I told coach Weis on Saturday and the whole staff clapped and were happy for me," he said. "They told me they have their guy and are now focusing on one other linebacker they want to sign to join the family.

"I just felt like this was somewhere I could live and it's someplace different. On the visit, I liked how nice the people were and how organized the program was. I like that it's a small school that is really close knit and hands on. I'm not saying I didn't like other schools, but my overall experience at Notre Dame can't even be described."

Richardson is relieved to have the decision behind him so that he can focus on training for a starting job with Notre Dame next year.

"I'm going to take the next two weeks off and then start back to training," he said. "The coaches told me I could come in and fight for a starting position. The odds are very good and I'm going to work on my speed, cover ability and stuff to get ready.

"I feel I can bring my pass rushing ability and my competitiveness and willingness to play. I know they already have a lot of good players on defense and I feel lucky to be able to be in it, it's just a blessing to even be considered."

The four-star prospect is looking for the Irish to finish strong and land a BCS bowl this season.

"I'm pretty sure they'll beat Syracuse and Stanford," he said. "Then I'm just hoping they make a BCS bowl game because I felt they got cheated out of that game against USC."

Richardson had been planning to take an official to Florida on November 25th. Is he still looking to go to Gainesville?

"The way I look at it is if you're engaged you don't go dating other women if you're a guy with morals."

Richardson had a final word to say to the Irish faithful.

"They are great fans and nice people," he said. "I can't wait to be a part of what they're doing and I feel the fans are a big part of their team. I can't wait to come there and work together with this team to get a national championship."