Is Notre Dame or Alabama Favorite to Land 4-Star TE Tyler Luatua?

Tyler Luatua's older brother, Isaac, is an offensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide, so it would make sense if the 4-star tight end favored Nick Saban's program.

According to a recent report from Adam Gorney and Rob Cassidy of Rivals.com though, that's not the case. They cite sources that say Notre Dame may actually be Luatua's leader:

"

Tyler Luatua has a brother, Isaac, at Alabama and the Crimson Tide are definitely one of the favorites but sources say Notre Dame could be the team to beat in his recruitment. The La Mirada, Calif., tight end has official visits set for Alabama, Notre Dame and Ohio State but the Irish could be tough to beat. Luatua is expected to be in South Bend in mid-October for the USC game. The Trojans cannot be counted out yet, either.

"

It's worth noting that the report is somewhat vague, and there is no definite statement. That said, this is certainly a bit of good news for the Fighting Irish.

Luatua is the No. 1 tight end and No. 7 player from California, according to the 247Sports Composite. He's 6'4'' and 230 pounds, which is tremendous size for a tight end.

For as big as he is, he moves well in space. He'll be able to stretch a defense vertically up the seams, and he also has good hands. Luatua's size will allow him to stay in-line and block, so he'll really bring a ton of options to the table for whichever program lands him.

If it is indeed Notre Dame, Luatua will join a group that includes 2013 4-star tight ends Durham Smythe and Mike Heuerman. If he signs, 2014 4-star (247Sports) Nic Weishar will also join the tight end depth chart.

Bryan Kelly and his offensive staff showed what they could do with a great tight end in Tyler Eifert, so the fact that they could have all of these options bodes well for the future of Notre Dame's offense.

According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, 57 percent of the 23 experts predict he'll end up at Bama, while 39 percent think Notre Dame. Four percent went with USC.