Perkins stays home

David Perkins exited the Guglielmino Center after a Notre Dame spring practice two months ago with the look of a prospect going through the paces. Despite starring at nearby Washington High School in South Bend, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound athlete appeared to be a wait-and-see prospect for his hometown program.

But other offers continued to come. So did star performances at combines. Then at the end of the spring evaluation period Notre Dame made its move on one of the top prospects in Indiana when Brian Kelly offered a scholarship to a player who can play a half dozen positions at the high school level.

A week later Notre Dame learned it would have the task of figuring out where Perkins fits on the college stage. Perkins said Notre Dame wants him as an outside linebacker or a running back.

"I would like to thank the University of Note Dame for the life changing opportunity," Perkins said.

Perkins committed to the Irish on Tuesday morning at Washington High School, choosing Notre Dame over offers from finalists Syracuse, Tennessee, Michigan State and Mississippi State.

Perkins becomes Notre Dame's 10th verbal commitment in a class that's already spanned nine states.

As a junior Perkins carried 82 times for 765 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 176 yards and another four scores. On defense he posted 63 tackles, 16 stops for loss, 13 sacks and four forced fumbles in his first year at Washington. Perkins transferred from Kalamazoo Central in Michigan before last season.

Check back on Irish Illustrated later today for video of Perkins' announcement and an interview with the newest member of Notre Dame's class.