FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Skip Snow Director of Athletic Communications Notre Dame College 216.573.5319 [email protected] www.NotreDameFalcons.com Notre Dame announces 2012 gridiron recruits Falcons bring in a wealth of football talent from in and out of the state of

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio, Feb. 1 -- Notre Dame Head Coach Adam Howard announced the program's 2012 recruiting class on Wednesday.

The class of prospective incoming freshman and transfer students already enrolled at NDC marks the program's fourth since being launched in November 2008.

“We were able to really focus in on a number of targeted needs, and we wound up with a class we’re thrilled with,” said Howard.

The class is comprised of players from seven states - in addition to a wellspring of talent culled from the Buckeye State, Notre Dame recruited student-athletes from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan and Pennsylvania. (Player profiles)

“We received some very talented out-of-state commitments,” Howard indicated, “along with some solid Ohio guys and a few exciting transfers who are players returning to . Cedric Hill and Brandon Watkins from Michigan are three-star players with immense ability. Jeremy Glass is a big-time line prospect from Kentucky. Among our Ohio recruits, we’re very happy with players the caliber of Akyee Henderson (), Joseph Nawalaniec (Parma) and Seth Rall (Bucyrus). And those names are just the tip of the iceberg.”

Hill is a free safety who had 71 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass break-ups in his 2011 senior season at Southfield High School in Detroit. His Southfield teammate Brandon Watkins -- a running back -- garnered 40 touchdowns in a three-year prep career and rushed for 1,300 yards in 2011. Glass is a strong 6-foot-2, 275-pound offensive lineman who was a four-year starter with a long list of accolades at Holy Cross High School in Louisville, Ky.

Henderson is a lockdown corner back from Glenville Academic Campus who performed extremely well at a summer camp at NDC in 2011. Nawalaniec was a three-time All-District defensive lineman at Benedictine High School (Cleveland). And Rall -- a tight end -- heads to College Road from Wynford High School where he caught 77 passes in a three-year prep career.

Notre Dame’s 2012 commitments include 49 high-school players and three college transfers. Those student-athletes join a Falcon program that itself is heading into its "junior" season. The Notre Dame program was launched in fall 2010, becoming the only collegiate scholarship football program in metropolitan Cleveland.

The Falcons went 2-9 in their inaugural season and improved to 5-6 last season. In fall 2012, Notre Dame will begin its first season of play as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, a league recognized by many to be the top football circuit in NCAA Division II.

For media inquiries, contact Director of Athletic Communications Skip Snow at [email protected] or 216-373-5319.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

List of recruits:

Player Ht.Ht.Ht. Wt. Pos. Hometown (Previous School) HS Coach

Patrick Barrett 6-0 185 S Niles, Ohio (Niles McKinley HS) Brad Yeager

Azarie Battle 6-6 260 DL North Royalton, Ohio (North Royalton, Ohio) Nick Ciulli

Kyle Bobo 6-2 270 OL Groveport, Ohio (Groveport Madison HS) Tim Brown

Mario Carson, Jr. 5-10 295 C Detroit, Mich. (Detroit Consortium) Dion Godffrey

Zach Chatlain 6-3 220 QB Bucyrus, Ohio (Wynford HS) Tom Phillips

P.J. Cleary 6-2 195 SS Pickerington, Ohio (Pickerington North HS) Tom Phillips

Matthew Cox 6-2 225 OL Lorain, Ohio (Lorain HS) Mark Solis

Nicholas Davidson 5-8 190 LB Solon, Ohio (Solon HS) Jim McQuiade

Richard Ellis III 6'2 215 TE Toledo, Ohio (St. Francis DeSales HS) Mike Blochowski

Clayton Evans 6-1 250 DE Venetia, Pa. (Peter's Township HS) Rich Piccinini

C.J. Germany 5-10 170 WR Cleveland, Ohio (Villa Angela St. Joseph HS) John Story

David Gilchrist 6-3 245 OL Elyria, Ohio (Midview HS) Bill Albright

Jeremy Glass 6-1 270 OL Louisville, Ky. (Holy Cross HS) Mike Fletcher

Marco Gresham 5-10 165 DB Dayton, Ohio (Chamidade-Julienne HS) Marcus Colvin

Michael Hageman 6-5 210 TE Chagrin Falls, Ohio (Chagrin Falls HS) Mark Iammarino

Akyee Henderson 6-0 185 DB Cleveland, Ohio (Glenville HS) Ted Ginn

Cedric Hill 6-1 190 WR Detroit, Mich. (Southfield HS) Bill Conley

Darius James 6-2 230 DE Springfield, Ohio (Springfield HS) Rick Robertson

Johnnie Karban 6-3 220 LB Parma, Ohio (Parma Senior HS) Rob Gyr

Brennan Laird 6-3 210 QB Olmsted Falls, Ohio (Olmsted Falls HS) Jim Ryan

Brendan Large 6-2 225 LB Grafton, Ohio (Midview HS) Bill Albright

Christian Lee 5-10 175 DB Reynoldsburg, Ohio (Reynoldsburg HS) Buddy White

Nicholas Marchetti 6-0 185 LB Middletown, Ohio (Bishop Fenwick HS) Fred Cranford

Frank Marshall 5-10 210 LB Waldorf, Md. (North Point HS) Ken Lane

Tyler McKenzie 6-1 255 OL Sunbury, Ohio (Big Walnut HS) Joe Weaver

Malik Merriweather 6-3 210 LB Elyria, Ohio (Elyria HS) Kevin Fell

Patrick Moran 6-5 240 DE North Olmsted, Ohio (North Olmsted HS) Mike Ptacek

Caleb Morris 5-11 170 WR Columbus, Ohio (Hamilton HS) Nate Hillrich

Nicholas Myers 6-5 305 OL Decatur, Ind. (Bellmont HS) Larry Getts

Joseph Nawalaniec 6-0 250 DL Parma, Ohio (Benedictine HS) Ben Malbasa

Haakim Oliver 5-11 200 LB Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway HS) Terry Smith William Parker 6-2 215 S Wyandotte, Mich. (Wyandotte Roosevelt HS) Ron Adams

Skyler Parks 6-0 265 OL Canton, Ohio (Canton McKinley HS) Ron Johnson

Kyle Perkins 6-1 180 WR Westlake, Ohio (Westlake HS) Mark Campa

Kortez Prather 5-10 175 DB Waldorf, Md. (North Point HS) Ken Lane

Ryan Predovic 6-0 230 LB Macedonia, Ohio (Nordonia HS) Al Huge

Bill Pullman 6-0 170 FS Parma, Ohio (Parma HS) Rob Cyr

Seth Rall 6-4 220 TE Bucyrus, Ohio (Wynford HS) Travis Moyer

Brian Richards 6-2 250 OL Springfield, Ohio (Springfield HS) Rick Robertson

K.J. Rieder 6-5 270 OL Dayton, Ohio (Northmont HS) Lance Schneider

Ron Turner 5-11 175 S Cincinnati, Ohio (Northwest HS) Chad Murphy

Troy Vasquez-Atkins 6-3 305 OL Niles, Ohio (Ursuline HS) Daniel Reardon

Ty Vasquez-Atkins 6-5 320 OL Niles, Ohio (Ursuline HS) Daniel Reardon

Andrew Villolovos 6-4 270 OL Sylvania, Ohio (St. Francis DeSales HS) Mike Blochowski

Zenan Wample 6-8 360 OL Upper Sandusky, Ohio (Upper Sandusky HS) Jake Moyer

Brandon Watkins 5-10 190 RB Detroit, Mich. (Southfield HS) Bill Conley

Onslow Williams 5-9 170 DB Springfield, Ohio (Springfield HS) Rick Robertson

Trevor Winston 6-3 260 DL North Olmsted, Ohio (North Olmsted HS) Mike Ptacek

Garrett Wiska 6-0 265 DT Northville, Mich. (Detroit Catholic Central HS) Tom Mach

TRANSFERS

Player Ht.Ht.Ht. Wt. Pos. Hometown (Previous School)

Derrick Bavol 6-5 250 DE Tampa, Fla. (The Citadel)

Demetrius Best 6-3 290 OT Tampa, Fla. (Hampton College)

William Gray 6-1 225 DE Cleveland, Ohio (Erie CC)

Player profiles:

PATRICK BARRETT (6(6----0,0, 185 | S | Niles, Ohio ------Niles McKinley HS) Sure tackler with a nose for the football and a knack for creating turnovers … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Brad Yeager and the McKinley Red Dragons … was NMHS’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior (2011) when he registered 96 tackles, three interceptions, four sacks and a pair of forced fumbles … also earned the nod as team’s top defender in his junior season (2010) … tabbed as an All-All-American Conference performer and a First Team All-Trumbull County selection in all three prep seasons (2009-11) … son of Craig and Pam Barrett.

AZARIE BATTLE (6(6----6,6, 260 | DL | North Royalton, Ohio ------North Royalton HS) Strong, angular and athletic presence on the defensive line … was a three-year letter winner at North Royalton where he was a steady producer on the d-line for Head Coach Nick Ciulli … logged six sacks en route to being honored as an All-Northeast Ohio Conference First Teamer as a senior (2011) … was a First Team All-NOC defender in 2010 also, collecting four sacks … was also a thrower on the Bears Track & Field squad for two seasons … brother -- Ike Charlton -- played four seasons in the NFL (Seahawks, Jaguars, Giants) and several in the CFL in the 2000s … son of Ronnie and Angela Battle.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

KYLE BOBO (6(6----2,2, 270 | OL | Groveport, Ohio ------Groveport Madison HS) A blocker who finishes and plays with intelligence … earned three varsity letters for the Cruisers … was Head Coach Tim Brown’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award winner as a senior (2011) … son of Rodney and Kellie Bobo.

MARIO CARSON, JR. (5(5----10,10, 295 | C | Detroit, Mich. ------Detroit Consortium Prep) A versatile snapper who plays with leverage and tenacity … a four-year letter winner for Head Coach Dion Godfrey and the Cougars … named team MVP after his junior season (2010) … was an All-Michigan selection as a senior (2011) … also earned three letters in basketball and two in baseball … son of Mario Carson and Timika Smith.

ZACH CHATLAIN (6(6----3,3, 220 | QB | Bucyrus, Ohio ------Wynford HS) Athletic quarterback able to produce with his arm and legs … earned four letters at Wynford for Head Coach Travis Moyer … tabbed as a First Team All-North Central Conference player in 2011 … Named the Craword County Player of the Year in 2011 … rushed for 1,083 yards and 20 TDs as a senior (2011); passed for 1,491 yards and 15 scores; had 77 tackles on defense … son of Bill and Judy Chatlain.

P.J. CLEARY (6(6----2,2, 195 | SS | Pickerington, Ohio ------Pickerington North HS) Determined and hard-nosed football player … played two years of Panther football for Head Coach Tom Phillips … registered 53 tackles (six TFLs, four sacks) and four fumble recoveries over the two seasons combined … also lettered in track and wrestling at PNHS … son of Patrick and Michelle Cleary.

MAMAMATTHEWMA TTHEW COX (6(6----2,2, 225 | OL | Lorain, Ohio ------Lorain HS) Heady lineman with an all-around skill set … was a three-year letterman and two-year All- honoree (First Team) for Head Coach Mark Solis and the Titans … was tabbed as a First Team All-Lorain County selection as a senior (2011) … top GPA at LHS and an Academic All-Ohio honoree … son of Robert & Debra Cox.

NICHOLAS DAVIDSON (5(5----8,8, 190 | LB | Solon, Ohio ------Solon HS) Productive tackler with a solid football background … finished up his Solon career in the fall with three varsity letters … leaves the Comets and Head Coach Jim McQuaide as the program’s all-time leading tackler … made 131 stops as a senior in 2011 .. named the Northern Ohio Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-Ohio linebacker in 2011 … son of Anthony and Joanna Davidson.

RICHARD ELLIS (6(6----2,2, 215 | TE | Toledo, Ohio ------St. Francis DeSales HS) A pass-catching tight end with a good football background … earned three-letters for Head Coach Mike Blochowski’s Knights … earned two honorable mentions (2010, 2011) on All-Three Rivers Conference squads … also lettered in basketball at St. Francis DeSales … son of Richard Ellis and Lashawn McCadney.

CLAYTON EVANS (6(6----1,1, 250 | DE | Venetia, Pa. ------Peter’s TTownshipownship HS) Defensive lineman who plays with an old-school mentality and a high motor … was a three-year letterman for Head Coach Rich Piccinini and the Indians … serving as a team captain in 2011, made 50 stops (including 4-1/2 sacks) while forcing three fumbles … was a First Team All-Section performer as a senior (2011) … son of Cathy Evans

C.J. GERMANY (5(5----10,10, 170 | WR | Cleveland, Ohio ------Villa AngelaAngela----St.St. Joseph HS) Quick and elusive receiver with good athletic ability … lettered in 2009-11 for head Coach John Story and the Vikings … was a First Team All-District selection and an All-Ohio honorable mention as a senior (2011) … also competed in baseball and track at VASJ … son of Gail Williams.

DAVID GILCHRIST (6(6----3,3, 245 | OL | Elyria, Ohio ------Midview HS) Versatile blocker with a good frame … was a three-year letter winner and starter for Head Coach Bill Albright and the Middies … earned an all-conference (West Shore) honorable mention as a sophomore (2009) and was tabbed as an All-WSC First Teamer in 2010 and 2011 … was a two-time All-Lorain County First Teamer (2010, 2011), a 2011 All-District honoree (First Team) and a 2011 All-Ohio honorable mention … son of David and Lisa Gilchrist.

JEREMY GLASS (6(6----2,2, 275 | OL | Louisville, Ky. ------Holy Cross HS) Versatile, strong and talented line presence with a high football IQ … was a four-year starter and standout for Head Coach Mike Fletcher and the Cougars of Holy Cross … two-way starter on Cougar squads that went 22-4 over 2010-11 … as Holy Cross team captain in 2011, was tabbed as an All-Kentucky honorable mention and was selected to the Best-of-the-Blue-Grass All-Star Game … was a two-time Academic All-Kentucky honorable mention … also a member of HCHS Track and Wrestling teams; earned 11 total letters in three sports … son of Bo and Shannon Glass.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

MARCO GRESHAM (5(5----10,10, 165 | DB | Dayton, Ohio ------ChaminadeChaminade----JulienneJulienne HS) A clutch player who can produce big plays in many facets of the game … performed at a high level for three varsity seasons under Head Coach Marcus Colvin … twice earned Second Team All-Greater Catholic League honors and was a First Team All-GCL pick as a senior (2011) … registered 63 tackles, three interceptions (one pick-six) and two sacks in a stellar senior campaign … senior accolades included First Team All-Southwest District and First Team All-Ohio nods … was selected as GCL’s top defensive back in 2011 … also earned two letters in track at C-J … son of Todd and Margo Bishop.

MICHAEL HAGEMAN (6(6----5,5, 210 | TE | Chagrin Falls, Ohio ------ChagrChagrinin Falls, Ohio) A good-hands receiving tight end with an ability to stretch the field … earned three letters for Head Coach Mark Iammarino’s Tiger squads that went to three consecutive Ohio final fours in the state tournament (finished as runners-up twice) … also earned a combined six letters in basketball and track … son of Scott and Karen Hageman.

AKYEE HENDERSON (6(6----0,0, 185 | DB | Cleveland, Ohio ------Glenville Academic Campus) A tremendous athlete with lockdown corner skills … earned three letters for Head Coach Ted Ginn and the Tarblooders … also played baseball and basketball at Glenville … son of Eugenia Henderson.

CEDRIC HILL (6(6----1,1, 190 | FS | Detroit, Mich. ------Southfield HS) Agile and explosive ball-hawking pass defender … stuffed the stats sheet with 71 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass break-ups in 2011 … ranked by rivals.com as the No. 23 prospect in the state of Michigan … was an All-Michigan performer in the 100 meter dash as a senior … son of Cedric Hill and Stephanie Hill.

DARIUS JAMEJAMESS (6(6----2,2, 230 | DE | Springfield, Ohio ------Springfield HS) A speedy and dynamic pass rusher … competed as a member of Head Coach Rick Robertson’s Springfield Wildcats for three seasons and was twice decorated as a First Team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference selection … garnered 211 tackles in prep career, including 18-1/2 sacks … tabbed as a team captain in senior season (2011) … was an honorable mention on the 2010 and 2011 All-Southwest District squads … also played basketball at Springfield … son of Dana James and Aundria James.

JOHNNIE KARBAN (6(6----3,3, 220 | LB | Parma, Ohio –––-–--- Parma Senior HS) A sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline pursuit skills … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Rob Cyr and the Redmen … was Parma’s leading tackler in 2011, with 120 stops … named the team’s Defensive MVP as a senior (2011) … named to the All- Northeast Ohio Conference First Team in 2011 … also lettered in track … son of Deborah Karban.

BRENNAN LAIRD (6(6----3,3, 210 | QB | Olmsted Falls, Ohio –––-–--- Olmsted Falls HS) An athletic dual-threat signal caller … was a two-way player for Head Coach Jim Ryan and the Bulldogs … rushed for nine TDs and picked off three passes as a senior (2011) … also played baseball at OFHS … father (Brian) played football at Bowling Green and brother (Zach) played at Air Force … son of Brian and Lori-Anne Laird.

BRENDAN LARGE (6(6----2,2, 225 | LB | Grafton, Ohio ------Midview HS) Hard-nosed, playmaking tackler … was a three-year letterman and three-year starter for Head Coach Bill Albright and the Middies … twice honored as a Second Team All- player and was selected as a First Teamer in 2011 … selected as an All- Lorain County First Teamer as a senior (2011) … son of Joel and Heather Large.

CHRISTIAN LEE (5(5----10,10, 175 | DB| ReynoldsbuReynoldsburg,rg, Ohio –––-–--- Reynoldsburg HS) Sure tackler with a solid all-around approach in the defensive backfield … earned four letters for Head Coach Buddy White and the Reynoldsburg Raiders … made 80 tackles and picked off four passes in senior season (2011) … also played basketball for the Raiders ... son of [uncle and aunt] Brian and Yvonne Robinson.

NICHOLAS MARCHETTI (6(6----0,0, 185 | LB | Middletown, Ohio –––-–--- Bishop Fenwick HS) Resourceful defender with a history of consistent production … was a three-year letter winner and three-year starter for Head Coach Fred Cranford and the Fenwick Falcons … made 241 career tackles in three prep seasons; 24 of those stops were TFLs, 12 of which came in an outstanding 2011 senior season … also registered seven sacks and four interceptions over career at Fenwick … was a First Team All-Greater Catholic League selection as a senior … son of Nick and Kathy Marchetti.

FRANK MARSHALL (5(5----10,10, 210 | LB | Waldorf, Md. –––-–--- North Point HS) A tenacious defender who hits hard … earned three letters for Head Coach Ken Lane and the North Point Eagles … served as a team captain in senior season (2011) … also played running back … son of Franklin and Detrina Marshall.

TYLER McKENZIE (6(6----1,1, 255 | OL | Sunbury, Ohio –––-–--- Big Walnut HS) Lunch-pail block technician with an old-school mentality … was a two-year letter winner for Head Coach Joe Weaver and the Big Walnut Eagles … served as an Eagles team captain in 2011 senior season … son of Scott and Sheila McKenzie.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

MALIK MERRIWEATHER (6(6----3,3, 210 | LB | Elyria, Ohio ––– Elyria HS) A solid linebacker with skills to play outside … tallied three varsity letters on Kevin Fell squads from 2009-11.

PATRICK MORAN (6(6----5,5, 240 | DE | North Olmsted, Ohio –––-–--- North Olmsted HS) Intelligent and hard-working defender who plays with tenacity … earned three letters for Head Coach Mike Ptacek and the Eagles … led team in passes broken up (with 12) from his defensive end position in 2010 … tabbed as a Second Teamer on the 2011 All- Southwestern Conference Team when he also served as an Eagles team captain … also ran track and played basketball at North Olmsted (two letters each) … was an Academic All-SWC honoree … son of Pat and Cindy Moran.

CALEB MORRIS (5(5----11,11, 170 | WR | Columbus, Ohio ------Hamilton HS) Smart, good-hands receiver capable of making big plays … earned a pair of varsity letters for Head Coach Nate Hillerich’s Rangers … logged 400 receiving yards and five TD catches as a senior despite missing three games due to injury … a three-year member of the HHS honor roll … son of Clyde and Laura Morris.

NICNICNICHOLASNIC HOLAS MYERS (6(6----5,5, 305 | OL | Decatur, Ind. ------Bellmont HS) Mammoth line presence with solid footwork and good hand skills … earned three letters for Head Coach Larry Getts and the Bellmont Braves and was on a pair of sectional-championship teams (2010, 2011) … also wrestled for two years at BHS … son of Janet Myers.

JOSEPH NAWALANIEC (6(6----0,0, 250 | DL | Parma, Ohio –––-–--- Benedictine HS) A lunch-pail defender who never takes a play off … earned three varsity letters for Head Coach Ben Malbasa’s Bengals … was an All- District honoree in all three years at Benedictine (First Team in 2011) … a team captain tabbed as an All- performer in 2011 … also a member of the Bengals wrestling team (four letters) … son of Ron and Liz Nawalaniec.

HAAKIM OLIVEOLIVERR (5(5----11,11, 200 | LB| Monroeville, Pa. –––-–--- Gateway HS) A compact defensive technician who plays with great pad level … garnered three letters playing for Head Coach Terry Smith … made 108 tackles as a senior (2011) en route to earning First Team All-Pennsylvania and All-Western Pa. Interscholastic Athletic League honors … slated to play in the Super 60 vs. Cleveland All-Star Game … also ran track at Gateway … son of Taneisha Oliver-Baldwin.

WILLIAM PARKER (6(6----2,2, 215 | S | Wyandotte, Mich. –––-–--- Wyandotte Roosevelt HS) A rangy all-around defensive back with strong pursuit skills … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Ron Adams and the Bears … tabbed as an All-Downriver League honoree in 2011 after a 71-tackle campaign … was the Bears’ Defensive MVP in 2011 … also ran track at Roosevelt … uncle (Jason Thomas) played football at Ferris State … son of William Parker and Geraldine Parker.

SKYLER PARKS (6(6----0,0, 265| OL | Canton, Ohio ––– Canton McMcKinleyKinley HS) An aggressive lineman who finishes blocks with authority … was a three-year letterman for Head Coach Ron Johnson and the McKinley Bulldogs … earned Third Team All-Ohio, First Team All-Federal League, First Team All-Stark County and First Team All- District honors as a senior (2011) … also tabbed as a First Teamer on the All-Federal and All-District squads in his junior season (2010) … earned an All-Ohio special mention in 2010 … served as a team captain for the Bulldogs as a senior … nominated to the 2012 North/South and Big 33 games … also lettered twice on McKinley’s Track & Field squad … father Victor played football at Eastern Kentucky … son of Victor and Yvonne Parks.

KYLE PERKINS (6(6----1,1, 180 | WR | Westlake, Ohio ------Westlake HS) Explosive playmaker who can stretch the field … was a solid performer, earning two letters for Head Coach Mark Campo’s Demons … earned First Team All-Southwest Conference honors at wide receiver (2011) and at defensive back (2010) … named Westlake’s Most Outstanding Offensive Back in 2011 … also garnered three letters in track and one in baseball … son of Keith and Monica Perkins.

KORTEZ PRATHER (5(5----10,10, 175 | DB | Waldorf, Md. –––-–--- North Point HS) A defensive back with strong cover fundamentals … lettered three times (2009-11) for Ken Lane’s North Point Eagles … was a Second Team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference performer as a junior (2010) and an All-SMAC First Teamer as a senior (2011; selected at two positions -- defensive back and wide receiver) … served as a team captain in 2011 when he notched a punt- return TD and two interceptions … had six interceptions over prep career … son of Azel and Ginger Prather.

RYAN PREDOVIC (6(6----0,0, 230 | LB | Macedonia, Ohio ------Nordonia HS) Rangy tackler with excellent sideline-to-sideline football speed … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Al Huge and the Nordonia Knights … logged 100 tackles and two sacks en route to earning the ’s Defensive MVP award in 2011 … also earned a Nordonia letter for track & field … son of Dave Predovic and Lisa Predovic.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

BILL PULLMAN (6(6----0,0, 170 | FS | Parma, Ohio ------Parma HS) Heady ball hawk coming off a solid senior campaign … was a three-year letter winner and a two-year starter for Head Coach Rob Cyr … selected as an All-Northwest Ohio Conference First Teamer after a standout senior season (2011) … also played basketball for the Redmen and was a four-time Honor Roll recipient at Parma … son of Andy and Elaine Toth.

SETH RALL (6(6----4,4, 220 | TE | Bucyrus, Ohio –––-–--- Wynford HS) Impactful tight end with solid skill set covering all facets of the position … earned three letters for Head Coach Travis Moyer and the Royals … was recognized as a First Team All-North Central Conference performer on both sides of the ball in 2011 and as an All-NCC Second Teamer (offense and defense) in 2010 … was a two-time honoree (second team) at the district level (2010, 2011) … set a Wynford Royals single-season mark for receiving TDs in 2011, with 10 … sparkled in a 2011 season that included four catches or more in seven contests and 49 catches overall … finished prep career with 77 receptions … also earned three letters in basketball for the Royals … sister Amber was an NCAA-II All-American in basketball at Ashland, where played from 2003-07 … son of Jeff and Laura Rall.

BRIAN RICHARDS (6(6----2,2, 250 | OL | Springfield, Ohio ------Springfield HS) Smart lineman with good feet and a high football IQ … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Rick Robertson’s Wildcat program … served as a team captain in senior season (2011) … a two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference honorable mention (2010, 2011) … also tabbed as an All-GWOC Academic selection … son of Brian and Keri Richards.

K.J. REIDER (6(6----5,5, 270 | OL | Dayton, Ohio ------Northmont HS) Dominant line presence who can open lanes … earned a pair of Northmont letters for the football Thunderbolts and was a steady line force for Head Coach Lance Schneider … also earned a letter in track & field … son of Robbyn Miller.

RON TURNER (5(5----11,11, 175 | S | CincinnatiCincinnati,, Ohio –––-–--- Northwest HS) A defensive back with game-changing ability and high-level athleticism … garnered three letters for Head Coach Chad Murphy and the Knights … also played one season (sophomore, 2009) at Colerain High School … twice decorated as an All-Fort Ancient Valley Conference First Teamer (2010, 2011) … played offense (running back) and defense throughout most of prep career … named the FAVC’s Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,300 yards and 18 TDs in 2011 … led the Knights in tackles and had three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball in 2011 … selected to the 2012 East-West All-Star Game … son of Ron and Michelle Turner.

TROY VASQUEZVASQUEZ----ATKINSATKINS (6(6----3,3, 305 | OL | Niles, Ohio –––-–--- Ursuline HS) A solid blocker with good technique and solid football acumen … was a four-year letter winner for Head Coach Daniel Reardon and the Ursuline Fighting Irish … a three-year starter on the offensive line … played for three state championship teams (2008-10), started on two of those … has a twin brother -- Ty -- also headed to NDC to play football … son of Antoinette Vasquez.

TY VASQUEZVASQUEZ----ATKINSATKINS (6(6----5,5, 320 | OL | Niles, Ohio –––-–--- Ursuline HS) A big, powerful offensive lineman with a versatile skill set … was a four-year letter winner for Head Coach Daniel Reardon and the Fighting Irish … made the All-Northeast Ohio Conference Team during his senior year (2011) … a two-year starter on the offensive line … played for three state championship teams (2008-10) … has a twin brother -- Troy -- also headed to NDC to play football … son of Antoinette Vasquez.

ANDREW VILLOLOVOS (6(6----4,4, 270 | OL | Sylvania, Ohio –––-–---St.St. Francis de Sales HS) A big, agile offensive lineman with a versatile skill set … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Mike Blochowski and the Knights of St. Francis de Sales … earned Second Team All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference honors as a senior (2011) … was named Scott Davidson team award winner for exemplifying school values … served as captain of the Knights’ basketball team … son of Charles and Moli Viccolovos.

ZENAN WAMPLE (6(6----8,8, 360 | OL | Upper Sandusky, Ohio –––-–--- Upper Sandusky HS) A powerful road grader on the offensive line … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Jake Moyer and the Rams of Upper Sandusky … started his senior season, and was tabbed for the Rams’ Team Player Award and the Battle Board Award … son of Bob and Cathy Wample.

BRANDON WATKINS (5(5----11,11, 190 | RB | Detroit, Mich. ------Southfield HS) Explosive playmaker who can move the chains on any carry … was a three-year letter winner and a consistent standout performer for Head Coach Bill Conley and the Blue Jays … rambled for 40 TDs despite missing all but four games in a 2010 junior season … had 750 rushing yards and 11 TDs in a breakout sophomore campaign (2009) … garnered 1,300 yards (8.3 yards per rush) in 2011 when he bolted for 23 TDs en route to earning a nod on the All-Michigan Team … was also an All-Oakland County performer on a 2011 Blue Jay team that won a district title … was a two-way standout for Conley’s SHS teams, playing a key role in the Blue Jays’ defensive backfield in addition to being an offensive threat … also ran track for three years and played one year of baseball … son of Kyle Watkins and Lisa Watkins.

-more- Notre Dame announces 2012 recruits (continued)

ONSLOW WILLIAMS (5(5----9,9, 170 | DB | Springfield, Ohio ------Springfield HS) Physical downhill tackler with leadership skills … was a four-year starter for Head Coach Rick Robertson and the Springfield Wildcats … started on offense (RB) and defense from his sophomore year (2009) on … made 118 tackles over 2010-11 and was a First Team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference selection in both seasons … was a team captain in 2011 and earned a Second Team All-Clark County after a season comprised of 60 tackles and 13 TFLs … also earned four letters as a member of the Wildcat Track squad … brother Rhamondo Rodriguez played football for Hamline University-Minn. (2006-09) … son of Shawn Orr.

TREVOR WINSTON (6(6----3,3, 260 | DL | North Olmsted, Ohio –––-–--- North Olmsted HS) A strong, hard-nosed defender with a versatile skill set … was a three-year letter winner for Head Coach Mike Ptacek and the North Olmsted Eagles … earned a Second Team nod on the 2011 All-Southwestern Conference squad … also wrestled for three seasons (placed second in SWC as a 215-pounder in both 2010 and 2011) … uncle (Chuck Gise) played football for Baldwin-Wallace.

GARRETT WISKA (6(6----0,0, 265 | DT | Northville, Mich. –––-–--- Detroit Catholic Central HS) A hard-nosed defensive tackle with a solid fundamentals … was a two-year letter winner for Head Coach Tom Mach and the Shamrocks … registered 59 tackles, 3-1/2 sacks, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick for a state runner-up squad in his senior season (2011) … was also a member of lacrosse and track & field … brother Ryan played football at Hillsdale; father Jeff played football at Michigan State and played professionally for seven years … son of Jeff and Kim Wiska.

TRANSFERS

DERRICK BAVOL (6(6----5,5, 250 | DE | Tampa, Fla. –––-–--- The Citadel) Explosive outside line presence with a high upside … transfer from The Citadel … was a three-year letter winner in high school for the Gaither Cowboys in Tampa … was a three-year starter … recognized as an All-8A Conference performer three times and earned All- Florida honors three times as well … son of Derrick Bavol, Sr., and Lisa Spaeth.

DEMETRIUS BEST (6(6----3,3, 290 | OT | Tampa, Fla. –––-–--- Hampton College) Veteran line prospect with good footwork … was a four-year letter winner in high school for the Gaither Cowboys in Tampa … was an All-8A Conference performer twice and earned All-Florida honors in his senior year … also lettered in track … son of Quanttrill Martin.

WILLIAM GRAY (6(6----1,1, 225 | DE | Cleveland, Ohio ------Erie CC) Gifted, veteran defender with ability to get to the quarterback … played two seasons (2006-07) at Erie Community College … a 2006 graduate of Brush High School (Lyndhurst, Ohio) where he earned First Team All-Western Reserve Conference honors as a senior (2005) … son of James and Ruth Gray.

Notre Dame College is a co-educational liberal arts institution in South Euclid, Ohio. The Notre Dame Department of Athletics sponsors the Falcons' participation in 24 men's and women's intercollegiate sports. The College is affiliated as an NCAA Division II institution. In football, men’s and women’s soccer, and wrestling NDC is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

# # # FALCONS # # #