Top 2021 OL Rocco Spindler: 'I'm ready to take the next step'

2021 Clarkston (Mich.) offensive lineman Rocco Spindler‍ is one of the most coveted prospects in the country and his recruitment hasn't exactly gone as planned. 

The four-star prospect wanted to be committed in the spring, but Covid-19 delayed his decision as Spindler hoped to get to take his five official visits.

For Spindler, the five official visits were about having fun to end his recruiting process and giving schools one final chance to impress him. 

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic hasn't slowed down when it comes to recruiting visits and Spindler will now make his commitment on August 8th at his high school. 

"I just knew I wasn't going to be able to take them," Spindler told Irish Sports Daily. "I talked to the coaches and they said I wasn't going to be able to take my official visits. I decided to move it up and wrap this thing up." 

LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State will have hats on the table, but at this point, the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder is looking at aspects beyond football. 

"I'm not basing my decision on just football," explained Spindler. "I'm focused on academics and athletics. I'm looking at who I have the best relationships with when it comes to coaches and commits. 

"I'm looking at the networking opportunities I'm going to get from each school. I want to win a National Championship and I want to find a place I can be developed to get to the NFL. Who is going to take care of me after my time is done playing football? That's really what I'm looking at right now." 

Over the weekend, Spindler heard pitches from his finalists over Zoom, including Notre Dame. The Clarkston star didn't necessarily need to know more about each school as the Zoom conversations centered around his parents. 

"It was good," said Spindler. "It's not really for me right now. It's really for my parents. They wanted to refresh on everything from each school. They were able to ask their questions on certain topics. 

"How long are your contracts? How are they going to take care of my son? How are you going to coach my son? 

"I want to be in a Business school and they asked questions about that. They asked the typical parent questions." 

Notre Dame did an excellent job with the Spindler family as they had their questions answered and were shown just about every small detail about the program.

"They showed my parents their parents tailgates and my parents were all for that," laughed Spindler. "My parents have a party bus for high school. They are all for those things and that's some of the stuff my parents wanted to see so they can enjoy the college football experience." 

The Notre Dame staff also catered to Spindler as they made sure to put a personal touch on the presentation. 

"I've heard every sales pitch," Spindler stated. "It was truly meaningful with Notre Dame with what they did. They showed their love and they truly care. They want me to be part of their family." 

It's been a long process for Spindler and the next few weeks will be about going into decision mode, shooting a commitment video and then making his announcement. 

"I cannot wait," said Spindler. "I'm going to have a dope video and I'm ready to wrap it up. I've been talking, texting and answering phone calls for four years now. 

"I'm ready to take the next step and commit to the place where I'll be for the next four or five years."