Floyd says he'll play for Irish

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: October 21, 2007 - 11:06 PM

Cretin-Derham Hall star wide receiver Michael Floyd said he didn't go to Notre Dame over the weekend intending to give a verbal commitment. But after spending two days around the team, Floyd made that decision Sunday afternoon.

"I just got that feeling that Notre Dame was the place I wanted to be," Floyd said. He said he planned on contacting other schools recruiting him, including the Gophers, to let them know his decision.

"This is it," he said. "I'm not going to take any more visits."

Teammate and friend Shady Salamon said he was not surprised. "I knew he was pretty excited about his trip," said Salamon, a Gophers recruit.

Said Cretin-Derham Hall assistant head coach Andy Bischoff, "He said he feels Notre Dame is the best place for him to succeed academically and in football."

Floyd said Notre Dame's 1-7 record and struggles on offense didn't concern him.

"They are a young team and play a lot of freshmen and sophomores," Floyd said. "I think this '08 recruiting class is going to bring a different fire to the team."

Floyd is rated the 11th-best wide receiver prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. His finalists included Minnesota, Ohio State, Michigan and Florida.

Floyd has 35 catches for 717 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He has rushed for 274 yards and two touchdowns, thrown a 24-yard touchdown pass and returned three punts for touchdowns.

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com