Check this out...Looks like ND is back in the picture....We need this kid, now that Tuck is leaving.
Seven Irish assistant coaches traveled to Akron, Ohio on Sunday to visit with Wilson, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end that withdrew his verbal commitment to Notre Dame after the firing of Tyrone Willingham.
"It was a bit overwhelming," Wilson said. "But it was good. I couldn't believe all seven came. I was shocked."
Included in the Irish contingent were defensive coordinator Rick Minter, offensive coordinator Mike Haywood, recruiting coordinator/receivers coach Rob Ianello, offensive line coach John Latina, defensive backs coach/assistant head coach Bill Lewis, defensive line coach Jappy Oliver and special teams coach Brian Polian.
Head coach Charlie Weis was absent, as he was leading the New England Patriots offense to a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC Divisional Championship game.
"My other son was home and was giving us updates," said mother Sarah Wilson.
The first stop for the coaching staff was a 3 p.m. visit to St. Vincent–St. Mary's High School to take in Wilson's basketball practice. Following that stop, the group moved to the Wilson home to discuss the future of Notre Dame football and where the defensive end fit into that plan.
"We talked about how important they felt he was," Sarah Wilson said. "They talked about how special a place Notre Dame is. We were very impressed."
When Wilson spoke with Weis on the telephone, the Irish head coach had indicated that Wilson could also line up as a tight end. That was again discussed during the visit.
"They said they didn't care what position I played," Wilson said. "They said they just want me there."
The in-home visit ended around 7:30 p.m.
Following the firing of Willingham, Wilson re-opened his recruitment and took an official visit to Florida (Jan. 5) and scheduled another to Michigan (Jan. 21). The trip to Michigan has not yet been finalized.
Recently, Wilson had named Ohio State as his leader followed by Florida and then Michigan and Notre Dame.
After today's meeting, that all could change.
"It absolutely had an effect on him," Sarah. Wilson said. "He was overwhelmed, in a good way."
For Wilson, the in-home visit moved Notre Dame back into a three-way tie with Florida and Ohio State. Now, he'll work to decide which school best meets his needs.
"Basically, I'm just looking for that comfort level," he said. "I'm looking at the whole situation. The academics and the football program."
