Christmas Coming Early For Chris Tyree, Notre Dame

Brian Kelly wrapped up a busy day with one of the most important prospects in Notre Dame’s 2020 recruiting class and the Irish head coach made sure to let running back commit Chris Tyree‍ know.

“It was great,” Tyree said of the in-home visit on Thursday night with Kelly, Lance Taylor, Del Alexander and Brian Polian.

“We had a really good time, so that was good. It just felt like it was family in the house. We had a real good time and just sat down and talked for about two hours.”

Kelly started the day visiting receiver commit Jay Brunelle before heading to Virginia to visit with Tyree and his mother and eventually to Kentucky to check in with tight end commit Michael Mayer.

“Just pretty much how they feel about me,” the elite running back said of the message. “We talked a little bit about how Coach (Chip) Long is leaving, but their message was that that doesn’t really change how they feel about me.”

Tyree has been committed to the Irish since May and said it feels “really good” to know they haven’t changed the way they feel about him at all.

“It’s been relieving since I committed in May,” he said. “Ever since then, it’s been a relief.”

Tyree did acknowledge being surprised to hear the news that Long would be leaving Notre Dame.

“But it’s part of the business,” he continued. “Coaches are chasing their dreams just like we are. I lost no respect for Coach Long. I still have a lot of respect for him.”

But it doesn’t impact Tyree’s decision at all.

“You choose Notre Dame for what it is and what the school brings to you, not just your relationship with the coaches, so that didn’t really change my decision,” he explained.

Tyree is excited about National Signing Day next Wednesday, when he will make it official.

“Making it official is really going to be like an early Christmas present to be honest. It’s been a long time coming, so I’m excited.”