Correct, it was the "west coast sources", whatever that means, that have been claiming this. Partially why everyone was so confident. Also, Mr. Graham, at one point, was all in on Thomas ending up at ND. Outside of the Barnett family crying in BK's office when he committed to ND, I'm not sure I've seen a more enthusiastic parent, when talking about their son, potentially, ending up at ND. Both from Cali, and neither ended up at ND, lol
Just hearing the stuff I heard about Barnett as a parent it wouldn't shock me if he told Blake "Blake this is where you are going to school, so march your ass into BK's office and commit right now"