Kerry Neal gave a verbal commitment to Notre Dame more than 11 months ago.

In the world of college football recruiting, that's an eternity.

But on Wednesday at 8:05 a.m., the defensive end from Bunn, N.C., made that commitment to Notre Dame binding by faxing a signed letter of intent to the Irish football offices. Neal spoke with the entire Notre Dame football coaching staff over speakerphone and received a straightforward message.

"They said they were really excited and they told me to be ready to come in," Neal said. "They said they're looking for big things from me as a freshman."


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