The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have had a verbal agreement from Youngstown (Ohio) Fitch High running back William Mahone.

The 5-11, 205-pound running back has now made that decision official after announcing his choice following his high schools team's heartbreaking 42-41 overtime loss to Jackson, Friday night.

Mahone is now the the 16th verbal commitment of the 2012 recruiting class. He is listed by rivals.com as a 4 star running back, and brings a very nice dimension to what head coach Brian Kelly wants from his offese by way of a pure spread option attack.

Don’t be fooled by Mahone’s 40 yard time either (4.6). I have watched his highlight reel recently, and once he gets into the second level, he just seems to pull away from the opposing defensive backs.By the time this guy’s sophomore year rolls around, do not be surprised to see him pile on an extra 20 lbs.

Mahone committed to Notre Dame over Pittsburgh & Michigan State and said he plans to study business of communications as his major.

"They graduate I think 98, maybe it was 99 percent of their players," Mahone said. "After talking with the academic advisors and everything, I felt I could definitely succeed there and there would be no problem getting all the help I need, but I'll definitely be buckling down and getting my studies done."

Notre Dame have been extremely thin in the RB department this season. Jonas Gray will graduate after the season, while Cierre Wood only has two years of eligibility left, but keep in mind that Wood is on pace for a 1,400 yard season, and may be tempted to go early into the NFL Draft.

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Behind Wood & Gray the Irish lack that middle sophomore/junior experience. Freshmen George Atkinson III & Cam McDaniel are the sole quality depth at the RB position for Notre Dame. Kelly will have his work cut out for himself to get those two ready for next season should Wood make himself eligible for the NFL.

Sooooooooooo.......you’ll not be surprised to learn that the Irish are not done in recruiting RB’s. I can reveal that Kelly has sent his best men west this week to do their stuff.

Targeted are Keith Marshall (5 star), the nation's No. 1 all-purpose back, namesake Byron Marshall (4 star) and KeiVarae Russell (4 star).

Watch this space !

Hey.......it’s good to be Irish !