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Randolph Makes Switch Complete
Friday, 07 September 2012 11:21 Christian McCollum
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Even before C.J. Prosise signed with Notre Dame as a member of the 2012 recruiting class, Woodberry Forest head coach Clint Alexander talked about the potential of creating a pipeline from Virginia to South Bend.
Construction of that project is well underway and possibly complete with 2013 linebacker Doug Randolph’s announcement of his commitment to Notre Dame today.
“I just think it’s a better fit for me,” said Randolph, who chose the Irish after decommitting from Stanford earlier this week.
Randolph becomes Notre Dame’s 20th verbal commitment in the Class of 2013 and gives the Irish five linebackers along with Jaylon Smith, Alex Anzalone, Danny Mattingly and Michael Deeb.
“There are some better things for me to be involved in and I think it’s just a better fit,” Randolph said.
He will join Prosise at Notre Dame next season and both will be joined by 2014 linebacker Greer Martini, who committed to the Irish this summer.
“That’s three in a row,” Alexander said. “I think three really great kids and special players who I think will all end up making big contributions.
“I certainly love Notre Dame and think it’s a great place, but the biggest thing for me is getting our kids to great schools. The attention that Notre Dame brings is great for all of our kids because it makes people realize that we’re starting to turn out a pretty good product here.”
Part of the reason for decommitting from Stanford was distance, but the opportunities at Notre Dame helped the Irish edge Virginia in the end. Randolph’s very close with his family and his parents support his decision.
“They’re very excited and they’re very happy for me,” Randolph said.
Randolph visited South Bend for the Irish’s Junior Day in March and it was clear Notre Dame made quite an impression.
“I really liked the coaching staff when I went there and I like everything about what they’re doing there and how they handle everything,” said Randolph.
Randolph remained in touch with 2013 Irish pledges James Onwualu and Alex Anzalone following the Junior Day and has also become close with other Notre Dame commitments throughout the process.
“I’m pretty excited to join the class,” he said.
The Irish are excited to have him.
“He’s very explosive,” said Alexander, who added Randolph now stands at 6-foot-3, 236 pounds. “He’s really grown a lot.
“I think they see some upside to him. He’s an explosive pass rusher. He’s very athletic, he’s long. He’s just high energy with a big engine. He does everything full speed. I think that’s a big plus for him.”
Alexander is excited about Randolph joining a talented linebacker recruiting haul.
“Doug is certainly an explosive, special type of guy,” his coach said. “There are some special things he does that some guys might not be able to do, where he’s just kind of that, I don’t know kind of that LT style. He can just do things that make you go, ‘Wow.’ It’s exciting.”
