National Signing Day: Notre Dame, Boise State Pick Up Top Hawaiians
Two of the top Hawaiians in the 2010 class made their college decisions on Wednesday.
Kona Schwenke, a four-star defensive end, announced for Notre Dame. Alongside sophomores Manti Te'o and Roby Toma, he continues the recent Hawaii-to-South Bend pipeline.
Schwenke, listed at 6"4, 235, called Irish assistant Mike Elston on Tuesday about the good news.
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"Notre Dame was more than I expected it to be. It was the feeling that I got from the trip that made me make the final decision to commit to Notre Dame,” Schwenke told Irish Sports Daily.
A former BYU commit, Schwenke pulled his offer after he made the coaching staff aware of his intent to visit South Bend. After his visit, he said the pulled offer just made him even more Irish in the end.
This is a much-needed pickup for Brian Kelly to close his first class with the Irish. With the loss of Blake Leuders, Notre Dame had gained one commitment from a defensive end in the past two recruiting cycles. Now, with the addition of Schwenke, the Irish depth chart looks a little deeper and trustworthy.
Fellow Hawaiian Jeremy Ioane (Punahou) looks to be headed to Boise State.
The hard-hitting safety was pursued by the Irish late in the game due to the thin numbers of safeties on the current roster. However, it was Bronco Country in the end that felt the most comfortable for Ioane.
The former teammate of Te'o and Toma, Ioane is the 74th-ranked safety prospect for 2010.
For more National Signing Day announcements around the nation:
