Top DT Prospect Jacob Lacey Commits to Notre Dame over Clemson, Michigan, More

Class of 2019 defensive tackle Jacob Lacey committed to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday.

According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, Lacey chose Notre Dame over Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State and Michigan State, among others.

Lacey is listed at 6'2" and 300 pounds, and 247Sports ranks the 4-star recruit as the No. 126 overall player, No. 8 defensive tackle and No. 3 player from Kentucky in his class.

According to Corey Bodden of Rivals.com, Lacey discussed how a recent visit to Notre Dame's campus in South Bend, Indiana, played into his decision:

"It was great. I've been there so many times. The main thing for me was getting to meet the players and watch them workout. My mom has only been up there once, so getting her back up there again was one of the big deals we had. She absolutely loved it. She loved the coaches, and she's a teacher, so she's all about academics. Having great football and academics was a big thing for her to hear."

Lacey also mentioned to Bodden that Notre Dame's coaches made it clear to him that he is a valued addition: "Most programs talk about how they want me, and they were saying how they need me. That was a big thing for me to hear that a school like Notre Dame. It was really humbling."

The South Warren High School standout is already a dominant interior defensive force, and he figures to continue improving over the next two years as well.

Landing a verbal commitment from such a highly touted prospect is huge for Notre Dame, as it is looking to quickly bounce back from a disappointing 2016 season that saw it go just 4-8.