Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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prep profiles Irish Out In Front For Lone Star State Defensive Tackle Bishop Dunne Catholic in Dallas has produced several top prospects that Notre Dame has had its eyes on. Senior fourstar cornerback Nick Watkins committed to Notre Dame Nov. 1, senior three-star safety Payton Hendrix is expected to make a decision soon and the Irish are in the running, and now junior three-star defensive tackle Darrion Daniels has put Notre Dame high on his list. The 6-4, 290-pound prospect, who's known to be fast for his size (he boasts a time of 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash), received offers from Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Arizona State and Baylor within days of each other at the start of his junior season. Texas Tech, Louisville and Arkansas soon followed suit, but Notre Dame is in very good shape with Daniels. "Notre Dame is my top choice right now, and if not the top, it's a strong second," he said. Daniels had no idea Notre Dame was even looking at him before his offer, but was surprised and happy to receive it. "It sort of came out of nowhere," Daniels said. "Schools come out to see guys like Nick [Watkins] and Payton [Hendrix],and they see me when they come out. "I'm lucky to have those guys around. It's all been really cool and surprising to me. "Now I talk to Coach [Kerry] Cooks once every two weeks." Daniels also attended the Shamrock Series game versus Arizona State Oct. 5 in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which Darrion Daniels ✪✪✪ Bishop Dune Catholic High School Dallas Status: Offered Class: 2015 Position: Defensive Tackle Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 290 40-Yard Dash: 4.80 247Sports Rankings: No. 54 prospect in Texas and No. 30 defensive tackle in nation only pushed Notre Dame higher on his list. "It was really exciting. The fans have a lot of pride in the school, and all celebrate with each other like they're family," he said of the atmosphere during Notre Dame's 37-34 triumph over the Sun Devils. "Every time I walked out to go to the bathroom they were throwing facts at me for why I should choose Notre Dame." Daniels is looking for a school that has strong math and business program and one where he will feel at home. Playing with high school teammates at the college level may tilt his decision in Notre Dame's favor even more. "Nick [Watkins] has mentioned Notre Dame to me a few times," Daniels said. "He has a big impact on me and an impact on my game." Daniels hopes to visit South Bend in the summer and will make a decision thereafter. — Staci Gasser