Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Surprise Top-100 Pledge Notre Dame Lands FOOTBALL RECRUITING BY JASON SAPP have both Oklahoma and Texas ahead of Notre Dame on his list heading into his third and final official visit to Nor- C COMMITMENT PROFILE COLE LUKE man to see the Sooners host the Irish. However, seeing Notre Dame play in person for the third time had an unex- pected impact on him that ultimately led to his final decision — committing to the Irish. "After the Oklahoma game I knew Notre Dame was where I wanted to be," the four-star, 6-0, 170-pound player said. "It was just the best deci- sion in all aspects — not just my re- cruitment." Luke first reported to BlueandGold. com Oct. 31 that he would announce his decision from the three programs over the weekend, but opted to make his choice sooner and informed his re- cruiter, safeties coach Bob Elliott, and head coach Brian Kelly of his commit- ment the next morning. "I could hear them cheering in the background," he shared. "The coach- ing staff is just phenomenal. And I know they will be there for a while." The nation's No. 8 cornerback and No. 65 overall player in the land ac- cording to 247Sports registered 63 Luke, who was thought to favor both Oklahoma and Texas over Notre Dame before picking the Irish Nov. 1, is listed as a four-star prospect, the No. 8 cornerback nationally and the No. 65 overall player in the class of 2013 by 247Sports. PHOTO COURTESY 247SPORTS tackles, 12 passes broken up and three interceptions as a junior. He was hosted by fellow Arizona native and freshman wide receiver Davonte' Neal on his of- ficial visit to Notre Dame for the Michi- gan game Sept. 22. He was able to meet other members of the 2013 recruiting class during that trip, and it played a part in his overall comfort with the program. "The IrishMob13 [the nickname for the class of committed recruits] is an amazing group and the fanbase is the same way," Luke said. "That makes Notre Dame who they are on a na- tional level with all of that support." It's been evident that even though handler (Ariz.) Hamilton corner- back Cole Luke was considered to