Brian Kelly lands major prospect Matt James for Notre Dame

By: Sean O'Shea | Published Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 1:05 PM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:29 PM

Mission accomplished for Brian Kelly after prized recruit Matt James gave the nod to Notre Dame over Ohio State early today.
James, a huge 6-foot-8, 290-pound offensive lineman, was ranked in the top 100 national prospect by Rivals.com.
His letter of intent arrived Wednesday morning, gladdening Kelly's heart.

"This was one of those we felt like we really needed," Irish coach Brian Kelly said after James signed. "The offensive line is a position that clearly needed some strengthening. Matt James is a guy that can come in and physically compete right away. A real good get late in this process."

"It was a really tough decision," James told Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Mike Dyer's Twitter page. "I like the situation of being in the first class with coach (Brian) Kelly there."

Notre Dame also received official letters of intent from linebacker Kendall Moore and athlete Danny Spond.