BREAKING | 2021 DE Jason Onye Commits to Notre Dame
The 2021 Notre Dame recruiting class has hit double-digits as Bishop Hendricken (R.I.) defensive end Jason Onye went public with his commitment to the Fighting Irish on Thursday.
The 6-foot-5, 251-pounder is the second commit of the week for Notre Dame as four-star cornerback Philip Riley committed on Tuesday.
"I felt comfortable at Notre Dame with the commits, the people there and the fanbase," Onye told Irish Sports Daily.
The relationship with defensive line coach Mike Elston also went a long way towards the Irish securing a commitment.
"Coach Elston offered and recruited all kinds of defensive ends, but he wanted a kid from Rhode Island," said Onye. "He came to my school twice. I just felt comfortable."
Onye, who has essentially played football for a year, also enjoyed his conversations with head coach Brian Kelly.
"He told me to go with the flow of things and that this stuff has never happened," explained Onye. "He hopes to get me on campus soon.
"He also told me how he sees me as a player at Notre Dame."
The Rhode Island native hasn't been to Notre Dame and might not be able to make it for a few more months, but he remains hopeful.
"I wish I had the opportunity to take an official visit next month, but it probably won't happen due to the coronavirus," Onye stated.
"It's frustrating, but I'm not the only kid in this situation. You can't get too down because there are thousands of other kids fortunate to have offers and trying to make the best of it. It is a difficult situation to be in."
The fact he hasn't been on campus isn't a significant factor as Onye has built strong relationships and has allowed him to know it's the place to be.
"A lot goes into committing for me," explained Onye. "I wanted to see how a school was going to help me football-wise and academically."
Onye also already knows he'll fit right in with Notre Dame's 2021 commits.
"They're all cool kids," said Onye. "I love them a lot. They feel like my brothers, to be honest. I talk to Blake (Fisher) and Pat (Coogan) a great deal. I've talked to Gabriel (Rubio) too. He's someone who just works."
Coach | Jason Onye "Perfect Fit" For Notre Dame