Irish snag four-star athlete Spond

Colorado athlete Danny Spond has committed to Notre Dame, following an official visit to South Bend this past weekend. One of the top athletes in the nation, Spond is a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com and is one of the most exciting players to hail from Colorado in recent years. Spond has the versatility and frame to project as a linebacker, tight end, wide receiver or even potentially grow into a pass-rushing defensive end.

In addition to the Fighting Irish, Spond's finalists included TCU and Stanford. Spond will be given his choice of position at Notre Dame, but he expects the coaching staff to place him where he best fits at the next level.

"Coach Kelly told me that I will be given a chance to play any position that I would like," Spond said. "At the same time, I will do what it takes for the better of the program wherever it is, and I trust in the coaches putting me wherever they feel is the best."

Spond didn't receive his offer from Notre Dame until January 14, more than a month after Brian Kelly took over as head coach. The Columbine athlete said he knew almost immediately that the Fighting Irish were the right fit for him. He termed the offer "a dream" that he has had since he first began playing football as a youth.

"Having the privilege to play for the University of Notre Dame is a true blessing from God," Spond said. "I thank Him for the opportunity He has given me and the talent I have been blessed with. I can't wait for the upcoming years at Notre Dame."

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound athlete joins other notable recruits this year for the Fighting Irish, including quarterback Andrew Hendrix, Christian Lombard, Louis Nix and Austin Collinsworth. Kelly and the rest of the Notre Dame coaching staff are awaiting word from several other prominent recruits who are still uncommitted, namely Seantrel Henderson, the nation's top offensive line recruit, and top defensive end prospect Ego Ferguson.