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Notre Dame Offers Oklahoma Linebacker Commit Levi Draper

Notre Dame and Oklahoma went head-to-head last cycle for one of the nation’s top linebackers in Caleb Kelly, now Brian Kelly and his staff appear ready to challenge Mike Stoops & Co. for another top linebacker prospect.

Tuesday, the Irish offered Sooners four-star linebacker commit Levi Draper.

Draper, who is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 6 inside linebacker in the country, gave a verbal pledge to Oklahoma in December after taking a few visits to Norman. He said that while he’s still solid on his commitment to the Sooners, he wants to at least keep an open mind with the Irish.

“Right now, I’m committed to Oklahoma,” Draper told Blue & Gold Illustrated. “I’m focused on track right now and just trying to take things one day at a time. … But Notre Dame is a good school and a prestigious one.”

Draper said he spoke with Notre Dame linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator Mike Elston when he picked up the offer from the Irish. According to Draper, Elston kept things simple during their conversation, which he liked.

“He seems like a great guy and just genuine,” Draper said. “I really enjoyed have a chance to talk with him.”

The Oklahoma native has no set plans to visit Notre Dame, but he said that he’s considering taking a trip to South Bend, especially after talking with his parents.

“They are kind of thinking the same way as me about Notre Dame in terms of the prestige and the type of university that it is,” Draper said. “They like the history and everything that comes with it.”

The 6-2, 230-pound Draper was an all-state selection by The Oklahoman after leading the Collinsville (Okla.) High defense with 143 tackles and four sacks this past season. He previously was committed to Oklahoma State, but decided to back off that pledge last summer once he received offers from Stanford, Alabama, Florida State, Auburn and Clemson.

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