Vaughn Commits To Notre Dame

Notre Dame has finally found its cornerback to play on the outside.

Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven four-star cornerback Donte' Vaughn committed to the Irish Monday, picking Notre Dame over his other finalists: Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas A&M, Missouri, LSU and Mississippi State.

"I love Notre Dame," Vaughn said. "They are going to give me the best of both worlds in terms of being one of the best schools in football and one of the best schools academically."

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Vaughn has been a longtime target for the Irish and defensive back coach Todd Lyght. He was first evaluated by the staff in May, but wasn't offered a scholarship until he visited campus in June.

It was a move that proved to pay off for the Irish, who lured Vaughn's family back to South Bend for an official visit the weekend of the Texas game Sept. 5.

"Coach Lyght was just saying how they really want me, and how they plan to use me in the defense, which is as a corner and kind of a nickel player," Vaughn said following the visit. "[Head coach] Brian Kelly just wanted to meet my parents because he didn't get to talk to him the last time I was there. They think he's a great coach and a good role model."

And that was enough to sell Vaughn on Notre Dame.

The 6-2, 195-pound cornerback fills an immediate need in the class on the boundary. The Irish have spent the past few months looking to find a cornerback to pair opposite of LaGrange Park (Ill.) Nazareth Academy three-star cornerback Julian Love and the goal was to find one with length. Vaughn and his frame provide just that.

The senior is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 7 prospect in Tennessee and the No. 18 safety in the country. He was named to the The Star Physical Therapy Class 6A Preseason All-State football team.

More on the commitment:

Story: Vaughn breaks down his decision with Rivals.com recruiting analyst Woody Wommack and explains why he's headed to Notre Dame. — Link

Story: Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry said the interest from top schools started early with Vaughn, who began his career as a quarterback — Link

Analysis: Vaughn becomes commit No. 16 for the Irish and the fifth defensive back to pledge to the class. What does that mean moving forward? — Link