The biggest football recruit in the history of the state of Hawaii -- Manti Te'o -- has chosen to play football for Charlie Weis and Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish beat out USC and UCLA for Te'o's services after he dropped the favored BYU Cougars from his list after a visit several weeks ago. Te'o is a 6'2", 225-pound middle linebacker long considered one of the nation's top prospects.If Vontaze Burfict wasn't the nation's top linebacker, Te'o was, and both spurned longtime favorites USC on signing day.The Irish have had a rough signing day, losing several recruits to USC, but this should sweeten things a bit with the bluest of blue chip players ending up on their defense.
Te'o will likely end up playing middle linebacker, but can play all three spots and likely make an immediate impact. Of some concern is his mission status as Te'o is Mormon so the Irish may have to part ways with him at some point in his career, similar to what happened with Ben Olson and BYU.
Regardless, this is a huge get. The Irish have loaded up on skill players the last few years, but couldn't quit land that impact defensive player -- until now.
FanHouse takes you into the belly of the college football beast that is recruiting. We'll be around before, during and after Signing Day '09.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-04-2009 @ 1:13PM
joe cardillo said...
I saw this morning that golic son is going to notre dame
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2-04-2009 @ 2:20PM
kcnorris49 said...
Michigan will kick the day lights out of him!
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2-04-2009 @ 4:45PM
rickrand3 said...
how in the world can you pass up playing for Pete Carroll to go to Notre Dame???I think this dude hit one too many running back's in high school!!
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2-04-2009 @ 4:59PM
mberry5555 said...
You go to ND for the standards that they set and what they represent as a school with ethics and standards. At USC you can commit a felony and still play? Do you just want to win football games at any cost or do you want to do so and keep some level of integrity? Reggie Bust,(Bush), took money, O.J. Mayo took money, O.J committed murder & robbery, Sanchez arrested for rape, etc., etc.
2-04-2009 @ 9:49PM
tarjr said...
You ever think education came into play when he made him mind up to attend Notre Dame? Maybe actually getting a degree means something to him.
2-04-2009 @ 5:31PM
Brian Grummell said...
Who committed a felony?
Taking money is against NCAA rules, but in the real world its called compensation for your abilities, or how people actually get by in life.
Also, USC didn't compensate Bush or Mayo, outside parties well beyond USC's control did.
O.J. happened well after he was out of school.
Sanchez was arrested, but that's different from being convicted or even being charged, neither of which happened because the prosecutor's office found insufficient evidence to pursue either.
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