Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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prep profiles Notre Dame Offer "Special" For Four-Star Defender Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller defensive tackle Elijah Taylor visited Notre Dame for its game against USC Oct. 19, and the four-star recruit was caught off guard by his discussion with Irish defensive line coach Mike Elston. The 6-3, 275-pound prospect was nearing the end of the tunnel to walk out onto the field with his family when Elston pulled him aside to share some good news. "Coach talked to me and my family for a few minutes, just checked on us and made sure we were enjoying ourselves and made sure everything was good," Taylor noted. "Then he let me know that I had a scholarship offer from Notre Dame. It was incredible. It was a really special moment for me and my family." Notre Dame joins Illinois, Louisville, Michigan State and West Virginia as the schools that have extended early scholarship offers to the Ohio native, but he said that the Irish offer stands out. "I don't have any leaders and I don't want to name a favorite, but Notre Dame is a school that I've wanted to hear more from. It's just a place that has so much tradition and greatness around it," Taylor said. "I was really excited to get this offer, and this one will be a big one for me." Taylor and his family watched Notre Dame's 14-10 victory over the Trojans and took close notice of the game-day atmosphere and the team itself. Elijah Taylor ✪✪✪✪ Archbishop Moeller High School Cincinnati Status: Offered Class: 2015 Position: Defensive Tackle Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 275 40-Yard Dash: 4.95 247Sports Rankings: No. 7 prospect in Ohio, No. 18 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 200 overall recruit in the country "I was impressed with the fan turnout and them pulling out the win," Taylor said. "Everyone was so loud and they really cheered hard for the team. It was pretty cool to see — I've been other places that were much more quiet. "I'm pretty exciting to have this opportunity and the chance to play in front of a crowd like this. I'm also excited to have the opportunity to be coached by a great coaching staff like the one here." On the drive home, Taylor called Elston and thanked him for the offer and even got an opportunity to speak with head coach Brian Kelly for a few minutes. "I also thanked Coach Kelly for the offer and told him that I've really considering Notre Dame, and he was excited," Taylor noted. "He was happy to hear that I have great interest in them." — Tom Loy