Notre Dame has landed a big commitment from Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany four-star linebacker Niuafe Tuihalamaka. The class of 2022 recruit is the latest prospect to pledge to the Fighting Irish.
“Junior” as he’s called by those closest to him, chose Notre Dame over an offer list that includes Texas, Arizona State, Oregon, Stanford, Cal, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State and USC, a school he once committed to. Tuihalamaka is ranked as the No. 108 overall player in the country, No. 11 linebacker nationally and No. 10 prospect in California per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The 6-2, 238-pounder is ranked No. 120 overall per 247Sports.
“Definitely excited to see the school and meet the coaching staff,” said Tuihalamaka ahead of his Notre Dame official visit. “I can’t wait to finally meet coach Freeman and coach Brian Kelly. Those are the things I’m excited for.”
“I have a very strong relationship with coach Freeman,” he continued. “We have a great relationship overall. We communicate well with one another. I love how he sees myself coming in and playing that inside linebacker position and playing great roles and leading in that program.”
247Sports Scouting Report: Thick build and could grow in to a defensive lineman by the time he hits a college field. Extremely physical player, natural inside ‘backer who loves to hit and plays with a nice edge to his game. An effective blitzer who can rush the passer off the edge or right up the gut. A high motor player who plays with relentless passion and is a natural leader. Needs to continue to work on his speed, change of direction and quickness but is a natural athlete and looks comfortable playing in space or dropping in coverage. Does a nice job getting off blocks and shows the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Projects as an impact upper tier Power 5 starter and future mid-high round NFL draft pick. — via 247Sports National Analyst Greg Biggins
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman did an outstanding job through Tuihalamaka’s recruiting process. Those two hit it off from day one of him taking over the defense and coming over from Cincinnati. In addition, special teams coordinator Brian Polian and defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Mike Elston also helped separate the Fighting Irish from the rest.
Stay locked to IrishIllustrated.com for a ton of content around the new Notre Dame commit.
