In January, the Notre Dame coaching staff told Alvonte Bell (Everglades/Miramar, Fla.) that an offer would be on the way, but he'd have to wait until after National Signing Day.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid had to wait a few weeks past signing day, but on Monday Irish assistant Kerry Cooks made it official.
"I've known this was coming for a little while, but it's still awesome to get an offer from a school like Notre Dame," he said. "They have a lot of tradition and offer a great education."
Bell has also received offers from Louisville, Ole Miss and Southern Methodist. He's receiving interest from Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Kentucky and Boston College.
While the Florida native is interested in Notre Dame, he plans on checking out the in-state programs first.
"Before I visit any schools outside of Florida, I'm going to look at South Florida, Central Florida, Miami and Florida State," he explained. "It's not that distance is a factor, but I would like to be somewhat close to home."
Some of the in-state programs the Everglades star mentions are also starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
"South Florida and Miami are two schools I really like," he stated. "I think they're both great programs and they're on the rise."
Even though Bell is looking at the local programs first, he's still open to other suitors but they have to meet the credentials he's looking for.
"If I left Florida, I have to feel like I was at home," he described. "Good coaches and players that are going to mentor me about more than just football. I need a good environment that I can fit into."
With a high interest in the Florida programs, is Notre Dame a school Bell would consider visiting?
"I'd be interested in visiting them, but not right now," he shared. "I'd definitely consider taking an official visit to Notre Dame."
Even though the Southern defender is favoring a few programs, don't expect a decision anytime soon.
"I'm going to take my time and get all the info I need before I decide," he said. "I don't plan on making a decision until signing day of next year."
