The Notre Dame football team secured a commitment last night from Louis Nix, defensive tackle from Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Nix had previously committed to Miami and was also considering the Florida Gators. Nix is rated among the top seven defensive tackles—a position of need for the Irish—by various recruiting services.

Louis camped at Notre Dame this summer, made an official visit to Notre Dame for the Michigan State game, and an unofficial visit for the Southern Cal game.

Nix’s surprise commitment, especially to a team without a head coach, was obtained by assistant coach Tony Alford. ESPN recruiting reports, “He (Alford) told me about the situation with the coaches, and he said if he wasn’t going to be there, he thought I should still go there, and that Notre Dame was the best school for me. For someone to tell me that, who possibly wouldn’t be coaching me, that’s something worth listening to.”

Rivals describes the newest Irish commit: “Nix is very physical and a dominant force when he has low pad level at the point of attack. He has surprisingly good agility and athleticism for a big man. Knows how to extend his arms and control the opponent by steering where he wants. Conclusion: If Nix comes into camp in shape, he will most likely play early on because he has excellent overall size and strength. Expect him to be a three-year starter with NFL potential.”

Tom Lemming, recruiting analyst of MaxPreps and formerly of ESPN, said of the 6’2″, 320lb. defensive tackle: “He’s coming to Notre Dame because of the academics and the university and what it could do for his future.”

To secure such a commitment without a head coach is not only surprising but almost unprecedented. This is a testament to Weis and his staff’s abilty to form relationships with recruits and to convey their belief in the importance of attending the University. Even without their head coach, the Irish staff continue to recruit.

Lemming ends with, “They get a great player without a coach. No one could do that but Notre Dame.”