Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

high school football:

Gorman football’s Fertitta picks Notre Dame during unofficial visit

Nico Fertitta

Courtesy photo

Bishop Gorman High 2015 safety Nicco Fertitta gave a verbal commitment to Notre Dame football on April 5, 2014.

Some feel the Notre Dame tradition is second to none in college football. Today, Bishop Gorman High’s Nicco Fertitta couldn’t help coming to that conclusion.

As soon as Fertitta walked into the Notre Dame locker room during an unofficial recruiting trip, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior-to-be safety knew that’s where he wanted to play in college.

Part of the locker room tour included putting on a Notre Dame jersey, giving the three-star recruiting prospect a quick glimpse into his future. He wore his jersey No. 4, snapping a photo with his father.

“It definitely held up to its name,” he said. “When you walk into that locker room, it’s amazing. You absolutely get (the tradition).”

Fertitta had 47 tackles last year to help Gorman win a fifth straight Nevada state championship. He’ll be a four-year varsity player next fall.

Fertitta, whom Rivals.com ranks as the nation’s 31st-best safety, also had scholarship offers from the likes of Utah, Arizona, Boston College and Indiana. He took a similar unofficial trip last weekend to Arizona. And this week, hometown UNLV also offered.

Fertitta prides himself in an aggressive style of play. He’s known by teammates and Gorman coaches for being a tireless worker.

“The (Notre Dame) coaches said they want someone physical like me,” he said.

Fertitta is the second from Gorman’s 2015 class to give a verbal commitment. Tight end Alize Jones committed to UCLA last fall. Verbal commitments are nonbinding until a letter of intent is signed — signing day isn’t until February 2015.

By committing early, Fertitta said he could focus on the upcoming season and “winning our first game.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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