Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/259072
BY ANDREW OWENS T hree-star defensive tackle Daniel Cage always had interest in Notre Dame, but it required a change in de- fensive coordinators — and philosophy — for the Cincinnati product to receive an Irish offer. That day finally came for Cage Jan. 12, after the transition from outgo- ing defensive coordinator Bob Diaco to Brian VanGorder. "It was actually quite shocking when Notre Dame wanted to recruit me again because the old defensive coordinator really didn't like me," Cage said. "Now they have a new defensive coordinator who really likes me and wanted me to get up there. I was excited to go up there, and I loved it. "Coach Diaco didn't like me. I wasn't tall enough." Cage and his parents visited campus Jan. 22 in a weekend that would even- tually lead to him signing with the Irish over Michigan State, the program that appeared to be the frontrunner for much of his recruiting process. "We got a chance to see him here on his official visit, and he's got a great family," Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. "I think what stood out was with the poor weather conditions that we've had here, they made the drive up from Cincinnati. "His mom and dad were here, and got a chance to see Notre Dame for the first time. It was a family decision cer- tainly because the parents got a chance to really understand Notre Dame and understand how a degree from Notre Dame is really going to help Daniel." Winton Woods, Cage's high school, closed Feb. 5 due to a snow day when Cage was set to announce between the Irish and Spartans. Cage signed his Na- tional Letter of Intent and faxed it to Daniel Cage Finds Late Fit At Notre Dame Cage received an offer from Notre Dame Jan. 12 and committed to the Irish on National Signing Day. PHOTO COURTESY WINTON WOODS HIGH SCHOOL