Loyola of Maryland took a much slower route to the NCAA lacrosse championship game than the Greyhounds are accustomed to.FORT WAYNE – Notre Dame came away with the 17th member of its 2012 recruiting class after one of the wildest recruiting sagas came to a close Tuesday.
Davonte Neal, a four-star prospect, signed with the Irish, the university announced.
There was plenty of drama before Notre Dame landed the receiver.
Neal, from Scottsdale Ariz., was scheduled to announce his choice at his elementary school Tuesday morning. But he did not show up for the event that featured 600 students from Kyrene de la Esperanza Elementary School, according to reports.
Neal returned to the school later in the day to make his decision official. He reportedly will apologize to the students at a later date.
Neal’s decision was held up because his father, Luke, wanted his son to attend Notre Dame, while the player was leaning toward Arizona, according to reports. The receiver told Irish Sports Daily that “family issues” delayed his announcement.
Neal softens the blow the Irish took when receiver Deontay Greenberry spurned Notre Dame to sign with Houston.
The 5-foot-10 Neal was named a Parade All-American after catching 62 passes for 1,113 yards with 16 touchdowns and running for 1,317 yards with 14 TDs as a senior. He also had five touchdowns on kick returns.
