High school star running back Elijah Hood has chosen to join the Fighting Irish over his hometown North Carolina Tar Heels.

Hood is currently a junior at Charlotte Catholic High School and has been ranked by ESPN as the nation’s 8th best running back and 49th best player overall. 

After a weekend stay at Notre Dame, Hood tweeted, “Officially committing to The University of Notre Dame,” and ESPN reported that he sent a text message saying, “Thanks for all the help and following me on my college decision process!!  See you guys around!!”

Hood chose Notre Dame over his other obvious top choice in North Carolina and schools like Georgia, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, Miami and Florida State. 

Hood had a phenomenal junior season breaking the Mecklenburg County record for yards with 3,309 while scoring 48 touchdowns. Hood’s team lost in the North Carolina 3AA state final to Northern Guilford. 

Here’s his highlight reel: