Early Signing Period: 4-Star WR Kevin Austin to Notre Dame

Kevin Austin hails from the Butterfly Capital of the World, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the four-star talent is spreading his wings and flying to the Midwest.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish coaches had to hope the Coconut Creek, Fla. athlete wouldn’t flutter away after the 6-foot-3, 198 pound receiver “committed” to the Irish on Aug. 11, but said he’d take official visits elsewhere.

Austin — considering a business major — has prioritized academics almost as much as he has athletics. So it was no surprise to see this recruitment come down to two highly regarded academic programs: the Duke Blue Devils and the Irish.

Austin kept Irish fans on their toes when he hinted his commitment “might shock some people” before ultimately committing to Notre Dame.

By September, Austin had put his wandering eye in its place, telling Irish Illustrated:

“I don’t want to get caught up with the whole, everyone wondering whether I’ll de-commit, flip or anything. So, I’m going to take my only official visit to Notre Dame to prove that I’m rolling with them only. I’m so excited. I can’t wait.”

While the Irish have a multitude of bodies at wide receiver, they’re no consensus on who is actually leading the pack. Can Austin be a future top dog?

Tom Lemming, a CBS Sports recruiting analyst, told the South Bend Tribune:

"He has good size, really good hands. He would be a four-plus guy. ...”

“He can stretch the defense. He has good, not great, speed. He has the length and strong hands. When I was down there, a lot of people were saying good things about him."

Jones is currently the fourth-highest rated recruit in Notre Dame’s class, according to the 247 Sports Composite. He’s also one of two receivers, with three-star Micah Jones the other.

Austin played both ways during his senior season, as well as on special teams. He tallied 1,475 all-purpose yards (390 rushing, 761 receiving, 163 kick returning and 161 punt returning) and 13 touchdowns (2 rushing, 11 receiving), according to MaxPreps.