Paskorz impressed by visit to South Bend

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Hampton linebacker Steve Paskorz headed to South Bend this weekend for a visit with the Irish. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder was impressed by the trip to Notre Dame. What in particular stood out?

"We got the royal treatment there as I got to talk to coach Latina and Weis while we ate," he said. "Then I went out to see the game and all the fans were asking for autographs to sign their shirts and stuff, it was crazy.

"On the visit, I basically showed up and talked to the coaches, ate and then went to the spring game. The atmosphere at the game was great and I could tell they have a very good team coming back this season. The offense looked strong with Darius Walker and Brady Quinn and the secondary was very impressive too. I kept an eye on the linebackers since that is what they are recruiting me for and they looked solid, but not quite as aggressive as last year."

During the Rivals100 prospect's visit, he got to meet with his recruiter John Latina and head coach Charlie Weis.

"My conversation with both of them was really good," he said. "Coach Latina and Weis told me that they like how I play but want to see some more defensive snaps before they offer. Besides that, they were very nice and easy to talk to."

Despite not coming away with an offer from Notre Dame this weekend, Paskorz was still stunned by the visit.

"The atmosphere and the way they treat their players really stood out to me. The whole team gets the royal treatment," he explained. "I was also very impressed with coach Weis. He is a player's coach and someone I can really talk to."

Did the visit influence the linebacker anymore about a potential decision?

"I can say with certainty that I really like Notre Dame," he said. "I went there for a junior day and didn't get to see the atmosphere because it was Christmas break, but this time I got the whole college experience and Notre Dame is definitely among my favorites. I'm not sure what other teams are up there with them because my list changes so much."

Due to an ankle injury, Paskorz doesn't have any combines scheduled this spring.

"I'm hoping if my ankle is back to normal I can show up for a Notre Dame camp this summer," he said. "My injury is coming along and it should be 100% by the end of June."