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Prep Profiles Top-40 Offensive Lineman Lists ND Among Favorites West Palm Beach (Fla.) Central junior offensive tackle Kc McDermott has always felt a connection to Notre Dame through his grandfather, John Albert McDermott, a WWI veteran that would tune in to watch the Irish play every Saturday during the fall months. The elder McDermott passed away on Kc’s birthday, April 18, five years ago from a stroke, never getting the opportunity to see his grandson play at the high school level — but Kc knows he has quite the guardian angel looking down on him. The smile from above was that much brighter when McDermott landed a coveted offer from Notre Dame and head coach Brian Kelly during the spring evaluation period. “I never really had much contact with them at the beginning of my recruitment, but they saw some of my highlight film, and my coaches talked to them about me,” the 6-6, 285-pound player said. “They heard really good things and Coach Kelly knew about me when I was a freshman because my brother [Shane, the starting center at Miami] played in high school with their starting punter at Cincinnati, Patrick O’Donnell.” McDermott’s other brother, Tyler, played at Colorado State before graduating this past December. McDermott made a Midwest swing to Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State in late July. He had a plan in place prior for his visits with a list of what he wanted to see at each program. “I’m looking for strong tradition, a winning attitude, and a program that cares about their players,” he said. “I want to win a national championship, but I also need coaches that will help me prepare for the next level.” Despite there being plenty of time to go in the process and many more visits he wants to take, McDermott noted that three programs have emerged. “Definitely Miami because I’ve rooted for them my whole life and my brother is there,” McDermott shared. “Ohio State is sticking out because my mom’s entire side of the family is right in Ohio. … Another school that I’m really interested in is Notre Dame. My grandfather was the biggest Notre Dame fan around.” The younger McDermott doesn’t necessarily plan on following in his brother’s footsteps at this point, but he does have intentions of taking a similar route. “Right now, my course of action is to make my decision after my junior season,” he shared. “That’s what my brothers did when they made their commitments to their schools. But even if I do, I still plan on going to different campuses and taking official visits because I only go through this process once.” — Jason Sapp Kc McDermott 4 stars Palm Beach Central High School Wellington, Fla. Position: Offensive Tackle Ht.: 6-6 · Wt.: 285 247Sports Ranking: No. 7 recruit in Florida, No. 5 offensive tackle in the land and No. 37 overall player in the country Irish Extend Offer To Defensive End After Camp Audition Demarest (N.J.) Northern Valley Regional junior defensive end Andrew Trumbetti traveled to South Bend last year for Notre Dame’s three-day camp and returned for the 2012 event as well. After heading to campus last summer as a prospect looking to break onto the scene, he came this summer as a legitimate target on the Irish recruiting board. Following a performance that proved he was capable of fitting into the defensive scheme, he received the offer he was looking for. “The camp was really good,” the 6-5, 250-pound player said. “It was great working out with [defensive line] Coach [Mike] Elston. I couldn’t believe I was actually there, and it was just awesome. [Irish head] Coach [Brian] Kelly is great, and I really enjoyed it. “I didn’t know I was going to get the offer. The coaches were really excited about me, and Coach Kelly gave me the offer when I met with him.” Trumbetti, who traveled to campus with his father, a friend (also participated in the camp) and his friend’s father, may have already seen the campus, but he liked what he saw just as much the second time around. “The facilities, the Grotto … all of those things are cool,” he said. “The stadium is just awesome, and I couldn’t even imagine running out of that tunnel. The tradition is amazing, and I love everything about it.” The New Jersey native noted that the coaching staff liked his quickness off the ball and his body control along the edge of the defensive front. Other programs have taken notice of his playing ability with offers already in hand from Boston College, Maryland and Rutgers. Besides a trip back to Notre Dame, he’d also like to visit Alabama, Ohio State and Rutgers this season. While he isn’t prepared to make a choice just yet, one program was able to emerge to the top. “Notre Dame is my favorite school,” Trumbetti shared after the camp experience. “I want to make sure it’s the right time for me first, though. I don’t want to jump the gun. “Getting a great education and going to a place with a strong tradition is important to me. I really haven’t decided when I’ll choose a school yet, but I just don’t want to make it too quick.” He’s in no rush to make a decision, but the Irish began in a good position after extending an offer. — Jason Sapp Andrew Trumbetti 4 stars Demarest High School Demarest, N.J. Position: Defensive End Ht.: 6-5 · Wt.: 250 247Sports Ranking: No. 7 prospect in New Jersey, No. 10 strongside defensive end nationally and No. 193 overall recruit in the country