BREAKING | Rocco Spindler Commits to Notre Dame, Goes In-Depth on Decision

Rocco Spindler‍ is Irish. 

The 2021 Clarkston (Mich.) offensive lineman has committed to Notre Dame and it marks the end of a long process for the four-star prospect. 

"It was definitely a tough decision," Spindler told Irish Sports Daily. "It was almost like splitting hairs between the five schools. I'm blessed with this opportunity to be committed to Notre Dame."

The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder chose the Irish over LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. 

Relationships pushed Notre Dame over the top, but it was a long time coming as Spindler had promised his late grandfather he'd suit up in the blue and gold. 

"It was the relationship I had with Coach Kelly and Coach Quinn," explained Spindler. "I made a promise to my grandfather when I was a very young boy to be committed to Notre Dame. That was his wish and unfortunately, it was somewhat his dying wish for me. I made that promise when I was about five years old." 

Spindler had hoped to commit in May, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed his decision.

"Someone may ask why I played it so long, but it was a tough decision," said Spindler. "There were great opportunities from all these schools. Notre Dame gave the same opportunities and I just wanted to play at Notre Dame."  

Spindler wasn't the only one fired up with his decision to attend Notre Dame as it was an emotional moment when he told the Irish coaching staff in July. 

"My parents were very excited for me to commit to Notre Dame," laughed Spindler. "My parents had tears of joy because they knew how much my grandfather loved Notre Dame and how much he wanted me to play there.

"They'll get to experience that now and it's very heartwarming." 

Spindler's father, Marc, played at Pitt before a long NFL career and was able to help guide his son through the process. Now, he'll get to see his son play at Notre Dame.

"It's just a blessing," Spindler stated. "He went through it himself. Now, he got to experience it again through me. It's bittersweet because he loved to put the pads on, but now he can enjoy watching and seeing me on the field." 

Perhaps the only other person happier than Spindler, his family and the Notre Dame staff is 2021 Irish offensive line commit Blake Fisher. 

The two met at an Ohio State camp following their freshman season and created a close friendship over the last two years.

And now, Fisher and Spindler will look to carry on the offensive line tradition at Notre Dame. 

"We're not just going to be teammates," said Spindler. "We're not just going to be roommates. We're going to be brothers for life. He really stepped up to recruit me to play with him. 

"Being part of Notre Dame, it's something special. We forged something before it was official, but now that it's official, we're looking forward to filling the shoes of Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley and Mike McGlinchey. We looked up to those guys and now we have to do our part."