Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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PREP PROFILES Legendary Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz once remarked regarding his beloved program: "If you've been there, no explanation is necessary. If you haven't, no explanation will suffice." That sentiment was echoed by Palatine (Ill.) Fremd junior safety Kenney Lyke after he visited Notre Dame for its Junior Day March 21. Similar to many recruits, the 6-2, 185-pound three-star prospect was well aware of the Irish's history entering his visit. He just didn't understand the magnitude of it all until he actually saw the school. "I didn't know Notre Dame, just the scale of everything, how it ties together," Lyke said. "The buildings are beautiful on the outside, and then inside they're so elegant. It's a nice feeling." Besides touring the facilities over the weekend, the junior also observed posi- tion meetings with defensive coordina- tor Brian VanGorder and attended a full Irish practice. Notre Dame didn't officially extend a scholarship offer, although Lyke's dis- cussions with the staff indicated one could come down the road. "Coach [Brian] Kelly was telling me they have a little tweaking they have to do, just some technical things, to make an offer official," he said. "I also talked to Coach [Mike] Denbrock after we fin- ished with practice. "We went on some tours around cam- pus, and they pulled me aside, him and Coach VanGorder, and we had a conver- sation about me and Notre Dame. They said I'd be a good fit for the school that they need some safe- ties. I know they have a couple guys who are going out as se- niors." Indeed, defensive back is a major focal point in Notre Dame's 2016 class. The staff aims to take up to five or six recruits in the position group. Lyke could be one of those after fin- ishing with 64 tackles (two for a loss,) and an interception as a junior, but it won't be an easy battle for his services. Michigan State, Maryland, Penn State, Iowa and Baylor are just some of his early offers, as well as in-state "Power Five" conference school Illinois. In ad- dition, Ohio State (where Lyke visited April 4) — like Notre Dame — has yet to extend an offer but is also in the mix. Still, seeing was believing for Lyke. The allure of suiting up for the Irish could be hard to turn down should that chance come down the line. — Jordan Wells Illinois Safety Awed By Notre Dame Visit KENNEY LYKE ✪ ✪ ✪ Fremd High School Palatine, Ill. Status: Being evaluated Class: 2016 Position: Safety Ht.: 6-2 · Wt.: 185 40-Yard Dash: 4.59 Rivals.com Rankings: Currently unrated