Notre Dame Offers A.J. Dillon, The Grandson Of Irish Great Thom Gatewood

Notre Dame has offered a legacy, but not just any legacy.

Groton (Mass.) Lawrence Academy four-star junior running back AJ Dillon told Blue & Gold Illustrated on Sunday, that he picked an offer from the Irish. Dillon is the grandson of Notre Dame great Thom Gatewood.

“I’m so excited,” Dillon said. “I don’t know if there’s a word in my vocabulary that can explain it. I’m pacing back and forth just trying to get in contact with my grandfather to let let him know.”

Dillon — who is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 16 running back in the class of 2017 — camped at Notre Dame this past summer for the Irish Invasion. He said the bid from running backs coach Autry Denson puts Notre Dame right at the top of his short list of schools.

“Notre Dame is instantly one of my top schools going into my decision,” Dillon said. “I plan on committing [to a school] in May, and I’m not really sure how many more visits I’m taking, but Notre Dame is instantly one of my top schools. I had waiting an hoping to get and offer from them.”

Dillon also holds offers from Iowa, Boston College, Virginia, Syracuse, Temple and Virginia Tech. He said he has also been in contact with Penn State and others.

“Notre Dame is the centerpiece and kind of focal point of tradition when it comes to college football,” Dillon said. “Brian Kelly is a great guy and it’s a cool connection to have to the school.”

The 6-0, 220-pound back is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Massachusetts for the next recruiting cycle.