BREAKING | 2021 LB Prince Kollie Commits To Notre Dame

Notre Dame already had momentum heading into Rocco Spindler’s announcement on Saturday and the Irish just got a great deal more, scoring a commitment from 2021 Tennessee linebacker Prince Kollie‍.

The Irish beat out some of the nation’s top programs for the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, who had a top five of LSU, Georgia, Oklahoma and Louisville.

Kollie gives Notre Dame 16 verbal commitments in the Class of 2021 and gives the Irish their first linebacker pledge this cycle.

The Irish offered the David Crockett High School star back in May and have stayed in constant contact with him since. Kollie has always been looking for a strong blend of athletics and academics and clearly found what he was looking for with the Irish.

David Crockett head coach Hayden Chandley believes Kollie’s best football is ahead of him and it starts with leadership. 

“I definitely think he’s got a lot more potential to be gained,” Chandley said. “Me and him have had conversations since his junior season ended, and we’ve talked leadership. He says, ‘Coach, I just want to lead these guys, be more vocal, be a leader.’ He was voted as a team captain as a junior, and he was the only junior team captain. I think it speaks volumes to what his teammates think about him. He reiterated he’s gotta be a better leader. And I told him, ‘Leaders lead from the front, and don’t ask teammates to do what you won’t do,’ to steal a line from Michael Jordan.”

He represents a major talent at an important position, one the Irish passed at last cycle, but that’s not it. Kollie could play any of the three linebacker positions because of his versatility. 

“He went to an invite-only camp at Virginia Tech and ran a laser-timed 4.62 (40-yard dash),” Chandley said. “That’s why position-wise, a lot of folks are recruiting him as a weakside linebacker, and I think he could be that.

“I think he could keep weight where it is or put some on and play a hybrid/rover outside ’backer position as well.”

The Irish landed four 2021 commitments last month – tight end Mitchell Evans, running back Logan Diggs, cornerback Chance Tucker and offensive lineman Joe Alt – along with a pair of commitments in the 2022 class – tight end Jack Nickel and offensive lineman Joey Tanona.

Film Don't Lie | Prince Kollie