Manti Te'o Picks Notre Dame over USC

The Golden Domers got their first win of the 2009 football season on Signing Day when Hawaiian linebacker recruit Manti Te'o committed to Notre Dame over Southern Cal and UCLA.

Te'o said his decision was not final until 5:00 am.  ESPN blogger Graham Watson said even Te'o's father believed he was going to pick USC, until he donned the shamrock cap.

This is one of the top two signings for the Irish in the Charlie Weis era—QB Jimmy Clausen being the other.

According to Rivals.com, the Irish currently have the 20th ranked recruiting class.  ESPN.com has the Irish in the 13th spot. 

These numbers are likely to change as recruits become ineligible due to grades and other off field issues.  Expect Notre Dame's rankings to move higher as this attrition occurs.

This writer has only on thing to say to Trojan fans across the country: FACE!!!