Julian Okwara Commits To Notre Dame

Charlotte (N.C.) Ardrey Kell four-star defensive end Julian Okwara did what he said felt was right on Tuesday, and that was commit to Notre Dame.

Okwara, who is the younger brother of current Irish senior defensive end Romeo Okwara, announced last week that he was going to make a decision on April 30 between his five finalists — Notre Dame, Clemson, Georgia, Ole Miss and Michigan.

It was a sound plan at the time, but one that didn't last long. The Rivals250 defensive end said Tuesday that he knew where he wanted to go to school, and he didn't want to wait any longer to let the coaching staff know.

"I felt like everything was going right. I kind of wanted to get everything over with because I knew where I was going. I talked it over with my family and I felt like it was the right thing to do," Okwara said. "I just loved everything the coaches told me about Notre Dame. Just being up there on my visit, I felt like I was part of the team with the coaches talking to me all the time, going through meetings, hanging out with my brother and going to class with him — it just felt right."

And that's a good thing, because while Okwara was able to find his future home, Notre Dame was able to lock up an elite talent at a position of need in the process.

The 6-4, 220-pound Okwara is listed as a linebacker, but projects as a defensive end at the next level, and that's where the program is expected to sign at least two prospects in the class of 2016.

Okwara racked up 95 tackles and added 10 sacks last season. He is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 6 recruit in North Carolina, the No. 16 outside linebacker in the country and the nation's No. 179 overall prospect.

He becomes the fifth commitment for Notre Dame this cycle and the second on the defensive side of the ball, joining LaGrange Park (Ill.) Nazareth Academy three-star cornerback Julian Love.

"I can bring a lot of tempo and a lot hits to the defense," Okwara said. "Just getting to the quarterback and making plays — a lot of stuff like that."

Rivals.com's Mid-Atlantic recruiting analyst Adam Friedman contributed to this story.

More from Okwara's commitment...

Analysis: Okwara commits, what does it mean?

Coach's Take: Less serves, more sacks for Okwara.

Film Review: Breaking down what Okwara brings to Notre Dame.

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