Taylor Decker couldn’t wait anymore.
The offensive lineman from Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio thought about committing on the spot when Notre Dame offered him a scholarship, but decided it would be best for him to think things over a bit.
He planned a couple of unofficial visits to Notre Dame in March, but said he was going to hold off on a decision until checking out Michigan, Northwestern and Wisconsin as well.
On Friday, he decided, “Why wait?”
“I really started talking with my parents last night about how Notre Dame has always been my top school and everything,” the 6-foot-8, 285-pounder said. “Like I said, I almost committed right away and I don’t think I’ll be able to keep it back because that’s the one I’ve been waiting for.”
Decker called Irish assistant Tim Hinton late this morning with the news.
“He seemed surprised that it happened right now,” said Decker. “He seemed excited about it, which made me feel great. They took time to evaluate everything and make sure that I would fit. It just felt really good to hear that they felt really positive about it, as do I. I’m going to work hard and do everything I can to be great.”
Decker didn’t get to talk with Brian Kelly, but he did get to speak with his future position coach, Ed Warinner.
“I didn’t get to speak with Coach Kelly today because he was out,” said Decker. “I got to talk to Coach Warinner and a couple of the coaches. I’m still looking forward to going down there and meeting with them and also seeing an academic advisor.”
Decker has set his one unofficial to South Bend for next Wednesday and will be back in town when the Irish start spring practice on March 23rd. He will not be taking those trips to Ann Arbor, Evanston or Madison anymore. Decker called each coach and they appreciated his honesty.
Decker becomes the second member of Notre Dame’s 2012 recruiting class, joining California defensive back Tee Shepard, who committed on Wednesday. Decker will do his part to try to get other prospects to join him.
“I don’t really look at all of the player rankings and stuff, but if other players see kids they’ve possibly played against or they know of have committed, it might make them feel more comfortable going there,” he said. “If I’m there and there’s some kids who are unsure, I wouldn’t have a problem putting in a good word because I obviously think it’s a great place.”
