Notre Dame lands Rivals250 DT Darnell Ewell

Notre Dame's run through early July has been very impressive and the commitment from Rivals250 defensive tackle Darnell Ewell adds to that momentum. The Norfolk (Va.) Lake Taylor star picked the Fighting Irish over Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Clemson.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

"I thought of it being not only for me but also for my family," Ewell said. "I thought about how I see myself after the next 20 years. I don't only want to play football and be a great athlete but I also want to be a responsible and successful citizen. It means a lot to me to a productive member of society, especially as an African American male. I have a heavy burden to perform academically and athletically.

"I chose Notre Dame because my life is pretty much set once I get this degree," he said. "This is a great opportunity I have and I'm ready to go make some history."

On defensive line coach Keith Gilmore: "I'm hopeful by to learn all that I can from him," said Ewell. "I'm going to try to absorb and soak in as much as possible. I'm going to put in the effort to do what I need to do. I'm going to take what he says, write it down, study it and study my film.

"We and I go way back," he said. "We've been talking for a long time and we know each other's history. We have a really good connection. He's really been there for me since way back, since 8th or 9th grade."

RIVALS' REACTION

Notre Dame might be the hottest team in America right now. Ohio State was seen as Ewell's leader almost from day one. The Buckeyes have landed a number of players from Lake Taylor over the past few years but the relationships and opportunities after football at Notre Dame clearly won Ewell over.