Linebacker Nyles Morgan (IL) Verbally Commits to Notre Dame!

Coach Brian Kelly received his 23rd verbal commitment for the 2014 class today from Nyles Morgan (Crete, IL - Crete-Monee).  He is listed at 6'1"/225 lbs and runs a 4.79 40 yd dash.

Morgan announced his decision during the US Army All-American game and has visited South Bend several times this fall including for the USC game and most recently for the Awards Banquet.  He chose Notre Dame over Vanderbilt and holds over 30 offers, including Alabama, Florida, USC, Oklahoma and Ohio State.

~~~

Recruiting Service Rankings:

ESPN - 4 star (#4 ILB, #2 IL), 84 Grade (#65 Overall)

Rivals- 4 star (#5 ILB, #2 IL), 5.9 Grade (#75 Overall)

Scout- 5 star (#3 MLB, #35 Overall)

247Sports - 4 star (#3 ILB, #3 IL), 96 Grade (#86 Overall)

247Sports Composite Score - 4 star (0.9742, #54 Overall (#3 ILB, #2 IL)

~~~

Highlights:

Nyles Morgan All-American LB 6'2" 230 ℅ 2014 | Mid-Season Highlights | Crete-Monee HS

(via Wyideopensports JB)

~~~

Impact:

Immediate Future:

Morgan is a consensus Top 100 player and Top 5 inside linebacker from this class-praise that was earned and well deserved.  He comes to Notre Dame with a thin and inexperienced ILB corps due to the graduation of Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese.  Given his current trajectory, he should be able to secure a spot in the two deep at either MIKE or WILL and also contribute on special teams.

Long Term/Career:

To put it simply, Morgan is a tackling machine.  He is a very instinctual linebacker who has a knack for reading the play and getting to the right spot.  He is an ideal fit to roam the middle in the defense built by Bob Diaco.  He is listed from 220 to 230 lbs currently, and will probably add some additional weight (cue a Murtaugh eye roll along with 1,000 word rant about oversized LBs) to get to around 240.  Overall, Morgan is an excellent prospect with plenty of upside.

Welcome to Notre Dame Nyles!