BREAKING | Notre Dame Flips 2021 DE Devin Aupiu
Notre Dame has enjoyed defensive line depth over the last few years and Mike Elston has added yet another piece to the puzzle as 2021 Pacifica (Calif.) defensive end Devin Aupiu has committed to the Fighting Irish.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder committed to UCLA in April, but Notre Dame was too much to pass on.
"The culture is just second to none there," stated Aupiu. "It's obviously a Catholic school, but in total, the football culture is insane."
2020 has made it difficult for prospects to make decisions as the NCAA has implemented a dead period since the pandemic started, but it didn't stop Aupiu from researching the Notre Dame program.
"Everything about them is televised and on YouTube, so I've done my own research," Aupiu said. "I've done a lot of research on YouTube. The best way to get to know something is to see it. If you can't be there in person, so I've seen the pep rallies, filling up the stands and stuff like that.
"I know I can't go and see every school. UCLA and Notre Dame are similar."
Notre Dame's defensive success also went a long way. Aupiu has paid close attention to the Irish defense this fall, including watching the six sack performance against North Carolina.
"They see me at the Vyper position where Daelin Hayes and Isaiah Foskey play," said Aupiu. "The stand-up end.
"The season they are having this season, it's crazy to think I'm in a position that I'm in now."