Notre Dame Flips 4-Star Ex-Big Ten Commit Drue Tranquill, What It Means for ND

Notre Dame added a dynamic playmaker to its 2014 recruiting class Tuesday, picking up a commitment from 4-star prospect Drue Tranquill, per South Bend Tribune writer Tyler James. The 6'2", 210-pound safety altered his collegiate plans, decommitting from Purdue in the process.

Tranquill initially accepted a scholarship offer from the Boilermakers in late July. The Fighting Irish extended an offer during the first week of August.

He expressed the difficulty of his choice in a text to reporters (h/t South Bend Tribune).

"

Man, this was the hardest decision I’ve made in my life, so much respect for both programs! ... I have so much respect for (Purdue head) Coach (Darrell) Hazell. I’ve never met someone with such high character. However, I’m ecstatic to go play for (head) coach (Brian) Kelly at the university of Notre Dame! Go Irish!

"

Tranquill, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., is listed as the nation's No. 22 safety prospect and Indiana's fourth-best overall recruit in 247Sports composite rankings. He holds offers from a variety of BCS-level programs.

His list includes Indiana, Cincinnati, Penn State and Wisconsin. He spent an unofficial visit at Purdue earlier this month, a week after visiting South Bend.

Tranquill adds athleticism and toughness to an improving Fighting Irish recruiting class which currently features 18 players. He joins an incoming group of defensive backs who should bolster depth at the back end of Notre Dame's defense.

4-star cornerback Nick Watkins (Dallas, Texas) is already in the fold.

In Tranquill, the team gains a player capable of making an immediate impact on special teams. He could crack the two-deep rotation as a freshman, although a redshirt season is certainly a possibility.

Tranquill tallied 75 tackles, including 18 for loss, and four sacks as a senior at Carroll High School, according to the SB Tribune. His decommitment leaves Purdue with 10 players in its 2014 recruiting class.

Notre Dame has assembled the nation's eighth-best recruiting class, according to 247Sports composite rankings. The Fighting Irish remain in search of defensive talent, targeting 5-star prospects Matt Elam and John Smith.