Matthew Bauer to Notre Dame: Fighting Irish Land 4-Star LB Prospect

The University of Notre Dame landed 4-star linebacker Matthew Bauer on Wednesday shortly after he received an offer from the Fighting Irish, according to 247Sports' Tom Loy.  

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, the Cathedral Prep product from Erie, Pennsylvania, is the second-ranked inside linebacker and 146th-ranked player overall in the 2018 class. He's also the fifth-ranked player among all 2018 recruits from the Keystone State. 

Bauer fielded offers from the likes of Akron, Iowa State, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia and Vanderbilt, but he never appeared as serious about those programs as he did about Notre Dame. 

"There isn't a better place out there," Bauer said, per Loy. "I love that place."

According to Loy, Bauer racked up 104 total tackles, four sacks and an interception in 11 games during his sophomore season at Cathedral Prep. 

Following Bauer's commitment, head coach Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish have the makings of a stellar 2018 recruiting class. 

While it's still early, Notre Dame has already landed one 5-star commitment (dual-threat quarterback Phil Jurkovec) and five 4-star commitments. In addition to Bauer, the Fighting Irish added outside linebackers Justin Ademilola and Ovie Oghoufo to go with running back Markese Stepp and defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola. 

Recruitment information courtesy of 247Sports.