It seems the rollercoaster recruiting ride of the last week for Tee Shepard and Deontay Greenberry has ended, with Irish fans sighing relief after the talented Fresno duo reaffirmed their commitment to the Irish after taking a weekend visit to Southern Cal.
Barton Simmons of 247Sports.com got the money quote from Shepard, who was a very wanted man on the internet over the past few days.
“I am enrolling at Notre Dame on Jan. 15,” Shepard told 247Sports. “I am not just pretty sure. I am. I guarantee it. I’ve been committed to Notre Dame for a long time now. I always knew where I wanted to go and I want to go there.”
There you have it. The Irish seem to have held onto one of their most important commitments at the cornerback position, and Shepard will have a chance to get a jump start on playing time this spring, hopefully counterbalancing the fact that Shepard lost his entire senior season because of a misinterpreted transfer rule.
Even better news, Shepard’s reaffirmation likely means his cousin will also be coming to South Bend. If Shepard is one of the most important defensive recruits, than Greenberry is by far the most important offensive recruit on the board, a perfect replacement for Michael Floyd with tremendous athleticism and jump ball skills.
Simmons had a chance to catch up with Greenberry as well, who understands the opportunities at Notre Dame.
“Michael Floyd is leaving so I know I can come in and play early, Greenberry told Simmons. “They just have a whole lot lined up for me and it’s an opportunity that I can’t miss.”
Both Shepard and Greenberry will be playing in an Irish heavy All-Star game, joining future teammates Sheldon Day, Mark Harrell and Justin Ferguson in the Semper Fidelis All-American game on January 3 in Phoenix.