Barron Collier (Naples, Fla.) tight end Mike Heuerman committed to Notre Dame on Thursday afternoon, choosing the Irish over offers from Ohio State and Miami.
Heuerman (6-4, 220) is a four-star prospect and the fifth-ranked 'Y' tight end in the Class of 2013. Heuerman's brother, Jeff, is a member of Ohio State's recruiting class of 2012. The younger Heuerman went to Columbus to watch his brother over the weekend and also took an unofficial visit to Miami for the Hurricanes' spring game in Mid-April
However, a four-day trip to Notre Dame last week sealed the deal for the Irish.
"I wanted to get back there and spend more time with the players in the program," Heuerman said. "When I took my first visit in March I mostly hung out with Aaron Lynch, who is a close friend of mine.
"However when he said he was going to transfer I wanted to meet more players, and I developed a good bond with Tyler Eifert and Troy Niklas. They were very cool, answered all my questions but they never pressured me or pushed me to make a decision. I really appreciated that."
As an athletic, pass-catching tight end Heuerman sees himself as a tremendous fit in the Notre Dame offense.
"Notre Dame probably uses its tight ends more than any school in the country and while that's not the main reason I made this decision it was a factor," Heuerman added. "Tyler is going to graduate after this season and go to the draft and the coaches want to move me around and use me in a similar fashion."
Heuerman was planning on announcing his decision tomorrow but felt like he didn't need to hold it in any longer. He will be an early enrollee for the Irish.
"I could have waited a day and if I wasn't sure I could have waited longer but I have Notre Dame in my heart," Heuerman said. "I couldn't be happier with my decision and happier with how everything has turned out. I can focus on my academics and enjoying my senior year with my teammates."
This toughest part may have been breaking the news to his brother.
"That was always tough because we're very close and I'm sure Jeff would have loved the idea of us playing college football together," Heuerman said. "But we'll always be best friends and each other's biggest supporters. He is very happy that I made the decision that's best for me and we will continue to cheer for each other."