On Thursday Charlie Weis received some good news- Zeke Motta from Vero Beach, Florida became the 16th verbal commitment for the incoming class of 2009.
The 6'3" 210 lbs. Motta, has mostly played safety in high school but Notre Dame has really been recruiting him as an outside linebacker.
Zeke is a four star prospect according Scout.com and is a key addition to needed depth along the Irish front 7.
Motta chose the Irish over Florida, Auburn (where his father played), and Boston College.
Here is an evaluation from ESPN:
Motta is one of the most active players in the country as a safety
and special teams player. At 6' 3'' and two hundred and ten ponds, he could be
the biggest safety in high school football. The big question will be if he can
keep his weight down or grow into an outside linebacker. He is a very physical
football safety. Attacks the line of scrimmage like a torpedo; sometimes
overruns the ball because of his aggressiveness. Hits like a ton of bricks; uses
his weight well. Only weakness is pure speed, only runs a 4.6 forty. Great
timing on the blitz. Times getting off on the ball perfectly and finds the open
blitz lane. Will absolutely not be denied and will over, around or through
blockers to get to the quarterback. Limited to the strong safety position due to
speed. Very sound in underneath pass coverage; no problem in defending the
curl/flat zone. Good anticipation on the pass and punishes the receiver if he
catches the football. An unbelievable special teams player. Routinely blocks
field goals and punts. Great timing as in blitz; gets off on ball movement and
never shies away from going after the football. Just as outstanding on kickoff
coverage. Gets down the field quickly, avoids block, and makes the tackle or
forces the ball to bounce to his teammates. Motta is the type of football player
a college coach can't make a mistake in taking. He gives great effort and his
aggressiveness rubs off on his teammates. It's a no brainer, he will be a
Division I college player, probably as an outside linebacker before it's all
over.
WELCOME TO ND ZEKE!!!
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