Photo credit to Steve Helwagen, 247SportsBrenan Vernon, a highly-regarded defensive lineman, committed to Notre Dame on Tuesday. He announced his decision via Twitter.Vernon is the No. Vernon is the No. 18 overall player in 247Sports Composite rankings. He is also the sixth-best defensive player.It's a surprising decision, considering that five 247Sports experts predicted that the Mentor, Ohio native would stay close to home to join Ohio State.After visiting South Bend, Indiana, the 6'5" and 245-pound star spoke highly of Notre Dame.Bucknuts' Bill Kurelic heard him say, "I love Notre Dame." "I felt at home on campus from the moment I stepped foot. It clicked for me, especially with the staff, coaches Elston and Chad Bowden, Marcus Freeman and Chad Bowden. They make me feel at home, like I am part of the family.247Sports' Gabe Brooks described Vernon as tall and long-levered, with lots of frame space moving forward. He also added that he could line up at multiple spots along the line at each level.Vernon chose Ohio State because of the strong defensive lineman development the Buckeyes have made. Nick Young, Joey, and Nick Bosa are the obvious examples. Tommy Togiai and Sam Hubbard were all mid- to early round draft picks in recent decades.Pete Sampson, The Athletic's reporter, explained to us what Vernon's dedication could look like in the larger picture.ESPN's Tom VanHaaren also shared how Marcus Freeman, the defensive coordinator, is already paying off dividends.Before moving up the coaching ladder, Freeman was a star Ohio State linebacker. Before joining the Fighting Irish, he was Cincinnati's defensive coordinator.OSU will likely continue to dominate Ohio's high school recruiting landscape. However, Notre Dame could lose one or two top-notch recruits each year.
