Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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"I loved the people up there," said Coney, who posted 172 tackles as ju- nior and was named a second-team all-state selection in 8A, Florida's larg- est school classification. "They made me feel like I was home. They made me feel like I knew them forever. I could tell they wanted me to succeed. They were really nice to me and were very welcoming." Coney, who will enroll early at Notre Dame in January, says he will shut down his recruitment and turn his attention toward his teammates, along with preparing for college in a few, short months. "I think it's going to help me a lot," Coney said regarding enrolling early at Notre Dame. "Things will be a little slower, so I'll be able to focus more on school and pick that up. The transition with football will come, but I'll be able to get in the playbook and learn from the coaches and just have a feel for the school." Alford, Notre Dame's state of Flor- ida recruiter, was key in getting Co- ney interested in the Irish, and their relationship was a major factor behind Coney's decision to commit. "Coach Alford has always made me feel like I mattered to the staff and always made me a priority," Coney noted. "He just showed me that I was important to the class." Coney, who is expected to play in- side linebacker when he arrives at Notre Dame, has big plans for his time in South Bend. "In my next four years, I'm hoping to graduate with a great degree," Coney said. "Hopefully, if it's in God's plans, I can go on to the NFL. I just want to be able to look back and say that I made a great decision, and Notre Dame helped me a lot in life." ✦