Sunday, August 07, 2005

Webb makes it an even 10 | by Pat

On his third trip to Notre Dame since the beginning of April, offensive lineman Bartley Webb pledged his committment to the Fighting Irish and the recruit ticker hit double digits. The 6'7", 285 lb offensive tackle chose Notre Dame over a final five that also included home state team Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, and Texas. Other schools that offered Webb include such programs as Oklahoma, Nebraska, Tennessee, LSU, Clemson, Michigan State, Maryland, and Louisville. That's quite the impressive offer list.

Webb becomes the first offensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2006 to select Notre Dame, which is a great start to the most important position in this year's class. After only signing four offensive lineman in the past two years, any and all offensive lineman in this recruiting class will have ample opportunity to see the field early and often.

But when it came to explain why he picked Notre Dame, Webb's explanation is rather simple.

"It beats all the others hands down," he said. "It was the place I was supposed to be."
It's not often you see the word Arkansas next to a player committed to play for the Irish. In fact, a quick search of the all-time roster (which means said player actually got in a game) only turns up two other players who hailed from The Natural State. John "Tree" Adams played for the Irish from 1942-44, and Skip Holtz, who spent time in Fayetteville while his dad Lou coached the Razorbacks. The only states with fewer ND players than Arkansas? New Mexico(2), Nevada(2), Vermont(1), and Alaska(1).

Geography aside, Webb is an excellent addition to an already impressive recruiting class. Big #78 has his own website, so if you want to satisfy your inner Lemming there are some free highlight videos of him on passing plays and running plays. Enjoy.