2021 Ohio WR Lorenzo Styles Jr. Commits To Notre Dame

Lorenzo Styles Jr.‍ knew where his heart was leading him and made it official on Saturday as the 2021 Pickerington Central (Ohio) receiver committed to Notre Dame.

“I felt comfortable with the coaching staff and life after football,” the four-star prospect stated. “I really got to see how successful I can be after football and I feel comfortable playing there for four years.”

Offensive coordinator Chip Long and receivers coach Del Alexander were instrumental in pulling the 6-foot-1, 182-pounder out of Central Ohio.

It wasn’t an easy decision to leave home for South Bend, but in early August, Styles told Irish coaching staff he was coming to Notre Dame, but wanted to wait for the perfect time to announce.

In fact, Styles earned an offer from Florida following his performance in week two game in Atlanta, but it didn’t matter at the end of the day as it was always going to be Notre Dame or Ohio State.

“I’ve had conversations with my parents for quite a while about the pros and cons of really just Notre Dame and Ohio State,” explained Styles. “My decision really came down to me wanting to have my college experience away from home and Notre Dame can offer me that.”

While the coaching staff was a significant part of his decision, Notre Dame 2021 commits also played a major role in his recruitment as quarterback Tyler Buchner‍ and offensive lineman Blake Fisher‍ were all over Styles for several months.

“I know Blake and Tyler,” laughed Styles. “Blake is going to get the best offensive line in the country. Tyler is a great quarterback and I feel we can really develop a connection there.”

Fisher couldn’t have been more excited to hear Styles had committed to the Irish as the four-star lineman did a lap around his house.

“It was unbelievable,” Fisher said. “It was crazy. I actually ran all over my house. I’ve been working on getting that due for a long time. He’s a phenomenal guy and I know he likes to work. We talked to Tyler Buchner right after he did it and he made a group chat with us. We were both excited because that’s a big dude and a big get for us.”

Styles knows there will be some blowback from Ohio State fans, but he's ready to leave the heart of it all to head to South Bend.

“I expect to get some because it’s one of their players leaving the state,” said Styles. “I’m very happy with my decision and I hope they can respect it.”

Styles was the second receiver in the Class of 2021 to commit to the Irish on Saturday, following Deion Colzie’s announcement earlier in the day.