Notre Dame football gets pledge from DB recruit McKinney

Notre Dame on Thursday landed its fourth commitment for the 2015 recruiting class when Dallas defensive back Prentice McKinney pledged to the program.

McKinney, a junior at South Oak Cliff High, confirmed the commitment to the Tribune late Thursday night.

"I've been wanting to do it," McKinney said. "I was just talking it over with my parents. They agreed with me so I decided to go ahead and do it."

The 6-foot-2, 182-pound McKinney was recruited by ND assistant Kerry Cooks. He called Cooks on Thursday night to make the commitment and plans to speak with head coach Brian Kelly on Friday.

McKinney has yet to visit Notre Dame but plans to do so for the Blue-Gold Game on April 12.

"I wanted to make the commitment because that's where I really want to go," McKinney said. "In a couple years I'll be closing in on a degree from Notre Dame."

McKinney said the Irish beat out Michigan and Oklahoma, who were both recruiting him hard after extending offers. On Wednesday, he received an offer from Texas A&M.

"He's very athletic," said CBS Sports Network recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, who rates McKinney as a four-star prospect. "One of the better players in the (Dallas area)."

Lemming projects McKinney as a cornerback or free safety.

McKinney joins quarterback Blake Barnett, and offensive linemen Jerry Tillery and Tristen Hoge in the 2015 class.

Watch highlights of McKinney here.

- Staff writer Tyler James contributed to this story.