Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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2016 RECRUITING ISSUE easy path. I could get a decent educa- tion and try to focus on the NFL." He knew going to a more presti- gious academic institution would be demanding. It would be a challenge, but one he ultimately wanted to take. "I felt like that wasn't best for my future, that was best for me now," Eichenberg continued. "If I go to Notre Dame I'll get one of the best educations in the country, and if foot- ball doesn't work out I'll still have a degree from Notre Dame. I couldn't pass up on the education." With Notre Dame having played for the title in 2012, Eichenberg knew he would still be a part of a winning pro- gram. In the end, the bigger picture won out. The easy road has not been a part of Eichenberg's football career. St. Igna- tius plays one of the nation's tough- est schedules every year, consistently facing the top teams in Ohio and matching up against some of the best programs on the East Coast. Facing strong competition on a weekly basis has Eichenberg more than prepared for Notre Dame. "When I went down to the Under Armour All-American Game I thought I was going to get my butt kicked," Eichenberg said with a chuckle. "But going down there, I realized I play these types of kids every week. It wasn't that big of a change for me. "I was thinking if these are the guys I'm going up against I'm going to be fine in college because I kicked their butts." ✦