No one can argue that the Notre Dame football team isn't on a legendary recruiting run. The Fighting Irish scored another commit on Wednesday in the form of running back Jonaz Walton. But before him came a defensive line target that was among the most coveted in the country. And despite the best teams in the nation coming calling, Tiki Hola knew where he needed to go a ways before he announced his pledge.
Some people were surprised that the Irish were able to win over the defensive tackle, considering that USC has been on a rather impressive recruiting run this year. SMU was also in his home state and had been pushing quite a lot.
Tiki Hola commits to Notre Dame, citing culture and connection as deciding factors
Still, in talking to On3's Mike Singer, one of the newest Notre Dame football commits was certain about where he wanted to end up by the time he picked the squad.
"The week of my commitment, I talked about it with God and sat down with my family on Tuesday," Hola said. "That's where we finalized that Notre Dame is home."
"They have a different type of culture over there," Hola said, according to the Austin American Statesman. "The love that they put towards these athletes and everything — just the love that they have for this game and that they always are checking up on everybody and everything."
Hola will now get to help a defense that is rebuilding under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash. He'll be able to help set the culture and coming off a season where he recorded 102 total tackles, 10 for loss, and three forced fumbles in his breakout junior season, he might end up being one of those names that opponents fear not long after he sets foot in South Bend.
The Notre Dame football team got a bit addition with Tiki Hola.