Rivals100 DT has solid visit to ND

Notre Dame had many of the top 2007 prospects in attendance at their spring game this past weekend including Rivals100 defensive tackle Marvin Austin. The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder out of Washington (D.C.) Coolidge had a long trip to South Bend, but enjoyed his short visit there.

"It was an ok visit," he said. "I had a good time meeting with Charlie Weis and the rest of the team. Basically, I met the coaches, talked to some of the players and interacted with the fans. I also got to check out the spring game and it was a good experience overall.

"It was great talking with coach Weis. He's a good guy and really cool. He tries to get the best out of his players and really understands how to gauge them in determining whether they need a pat on the back or a kick in the butt. The thing I liked about him was that he said he wouldn't press me ever on a decision. He'll give me as much time as I need and I respect that because a lot of other schools are starting to press me already and that just pushes me away."

Though he didn't get to see much of the spring game, Austin witnessed a little bit of it and liked the atmosphere there.

"The team looked pretty good, but I was very impressed with the over 40,000 fans that came to the spring game. I've never seen that," he said. "I thought the line looked pretty good, but I could definitely see myself step in and be a player for them right away. I didn't think the linemen were really that fast, but it was hard to gauge their skill overall since a lot of them were hurt."

The defensive tackle prospect was impressed by his trip to South Bend, but still claims to have no leaders at this time.

"I'd say all the schools are the same," he said. "The visit to Notre Dame definitely helps them because I got to see one of the biggest traditions in the country and wonderful fan support. Now I have to see other schools and compare and contrast my visits."

Currently Austin holds approximately 40 offers. He is planning to attend the Elite College Combine and Nike Camp at Penn State next month.

As a junior, Austin registered 76 tackles, 12 for loss and eight sacks. He finished the year earning all-metro and all-league honors.