4-star WR Micah Gilbert commits to Notre Dame

Charlotte (N.C) Charlotte Christian four-star wide receiver Micah Gilbert went through a number of different leaders over the course of his commitment. Notre Dame, Michigan, South Carolina, and even Duke were on top for the talented pass-catcher out the Tar Heel State.

But in recent months, the Fighting Irish had pulled ahead of the pack. When he tripped to South Bend last month for Notre Dame’s spring game, he knew South Bend was home.

And on Tuesday, he made it official by committing to the Irish over Michigan and South Carolina, his other top two schools.

“Notre Dame has that pedigree,” he told On3. “I love what they have done in the past. They have a great reputation on and off the field, and the visit pushed them over the top. Everywhere I went, I had my list of requirements. And Notre Dame had everything I was looking for.”

Top-shelf education and off-field opportunities played a big role

One of the biggest priorities for Gilbert is his education, and he felt the combination of that and on-field success that Notre Dame has had were too much to turn down.

“I am big education guy, so that and the life after football Notre Dame offers sold me,” he said. “Then my ability to play for an independent that can play anyone in the nation. The education, the school, the coaches — everything fits me at Notre Dame.”

With his commitment out of the way, Gilbert says he is fully shut down in his recruitment. He isn’t planning to visit any other schools and will focus on being pledged to the Irish as he heads into his senior season.

“I am fully shutting things down. I’m not the type to take other visits. I will focus on training, my senior season and being a Notre Dame commitment moving forward. I am done.”

Family atmosphere and coaching connections put Notre Dame over the top

Gilbert had been on campus in South Bend before and felt a special connection to the program. Heading into his visit a few weeks ago, he thought Notre Dame was above everyone else but needed to confirm it. Spending time on campus, around the facilities and with the coaches did exactly that.

“Everyone there is all bought in,” he said. “It’s one big family up there, and everyone is devoted to the team.”

Before the spring game, Gilbert walked into Marcus Freeman’s office and told the head coach he was committing to the Fighting Irish.

“I think he was a little surprised, but I was there for two days, so he saw how I felt there,” Gilbert added. “I think he kind of knew it was coming. He is a super relatable dude, very personable with his team. Every player speaks with him, and I love the energy Coach Freeman brings to the table.”

Gilbert is also excited about playing for wide receivers coach CHansi Stuckey, who he thinks can develop him for the college level and the NFL.

“I spent a lot of time with him while there for two days. He is a great dude, he is a teacher and he is someone I feel I can really talk to,” Gilbert said. “We sat at his house and talked football, and I believe he can elevate my game to the next level. He was drafted into the NFL, so I know he can help me.”