Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Will Nelson Agholor Commit to Fighting Irish?

Upon taking the job as head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, Brian Kelly made it clear that he and his staff would center their recruiting efforts around a simple philosophy; "right kind of guys".

That philosophy meshes well with the university's core values. In order to uphold those values, it's imperative that Kelly bring in young men who reflect them. Blue-chip prospect Nelson Agholor is certainly one of them.

The Tampa, Florida native, who attends Tampa's Berkeley Prep, is rated by Rivals.com as the nation's 12th best prospect, regardless of position.

Agholor's stunning physical abilities on the football field have caught the undivided attention of nearly every major college football program in America. But it's Agholor's maturity and demeanor that truly make him a man among boys.

Dominick Ciao, Agholor's coach at Berkeley Prep, is able to witness his development on a day to day basis.

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"I've always said I've been more impressed with Nelson as a young man than as a football player. I've been impressed with how he's dealt with everything and I've been proud to coach him.''

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Those types of sentiments are exactly what Brian Kelly desires in a player on his football team, which makes Agholor such a coveted prospect, especially when you consider that he's a 5-Star prospect, as well.

Players such as Nelson Agholor are a rare find, as elite talent and maturity aren't typically a package deal. He is one of the few, though.

The 6'2", 180-pound wide receiver is quick to deflect any praise thrown his way, preferring to direct it toward those who have helped shape him as a man. 

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"Obviously, as an athlete, coach Ciao has been at the head of everything we do at Berkeley. Our character, our performance, we owe it all to him, especially myself. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor than coach Ciao and he will always be my mentor.''

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The tight-knit bond that Ciao and Agholor share may just be in Notre Dame's favor, as Ciao coached former Irish tight end Gary Godsey when Godsey played at Jesuit High School.

Should Agholor choose to take his talents to South Bend, the Irish would be getting a player who is capable of playing a number of positions, including safety, receiver and running back.

His rushing figures from his junior season are other-worldly, as he accumulated 1,494 yards on 161 carries, good for an average of 9.28 yards-per-carry.

However, the Irish would likely use Agholor at receiver due to the lack of depth at the position. Two running backs, William Mahone and KeiVarae Russell, have already signed with the Irish, as well.

Regardless of which institution is fortunate enough to acquire Agholor's services as a football player, it will be even more lucky to be having such an exemplary young man on campus.

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