WR Torii Hunter Jr. commits to Irish

Updated: September 23, 2012, 3:09 PM ET

By Damon Sayles | RecruitingNation

The academic perks and postgraduate connections already were an attraction for ESPN 150 receiver Torii Hunter Jr. of Prosper, Texas.

Saturday night's electric atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium served as icing on the cake.

Hunter was one of 80,795 screaming fans in attendance to watch Notre Dame beat Michigan 13-6 and improve to 4-0, its best start in a decade.

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On Sunday, the 6-foot, 175-pound, four-star receiver -- and son of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter -- said he has verbally committed to the Irish.

Hunter was in South Bend, Ind., for an official visit, one that was supposed to be the first of four through November.

"I heard about the atmosphere, and I got a good dose of it (Saturday)," said Hunter, who chose the Irish over Nebraska and Arizona State, who also extended offers. "I liked the fact that this will help me long term, as far as with having a network of people all over the world. It's good to know that will help me later in life."

Recruited by cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks, Hunter became Notre Dame's 21st commitment of the 2013 recruiting class. Ranked No. 50 in the ESPN 150 and the No. 8 receiver in the country, Hunter will join fellow Texans in four-star running back Jamel James (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch) and three-star receiver Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) in the class.

Hunter and Robinson both have famous fathers from other sports. Robinson's dad is NBA legend David Robinson.

Hunter had official visits scheduled for Nebraska on Sept. 28, Arizona State on Oct. 27 and Utah on Nov. 17, but he said Sunday he will not take them. Hunter added that he discussed his decision with his father, but he said he received minimal feedback from him or any of his family members.

"He supported my decision; both of my parents did," Hunter said. "They let me make my own decision, and I feel like I made the right one.

"It just feels good. It's kind of a weight lifted off my shoulders to know exactly where you're going now."

Hunter, who watched his stock skyrocket after his performance at The Opening recruiting camp this summer, said he's hoping to come to Notre Dame and compete for significant playing time early.

Last season, he caught 43 balls for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns. This season, Hunter leads Prosper with 15 receptions for 329 yards and four touchdowns. He's averaging almost 22 yards per catch.