Freshman LB Nile Sykes nearing transfer from Notre Dame

A source close to freshman linebacker Nile Sykes confirmed with the Tribune Wednesday night earlier reports of a transfer for the 2014 Notre Dame recruit.

Blue and Gold Illlustrated, a member of the 247Sports network, first reported Sykes’ impending departure from the program. The report, citing unnamed sources, did not identify a reason for the early exit.

Irish Illustrated, a member of the Rivals network, also citing anonymous sources, reported Sykes’ decision didn’t appear final Wednesday morning, but that the linebacker is expected to transfer to another school following summer classes.

Sykes, who reportedly was taking summer classes at Notre Dame, and members of his family did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. The only word came from Sykes on Twitter. “I am still currently a Notre Dame student,” Sykes wrote in a since-deleted tweet.

A Notre Dame spokesperson said the university did not have a comment at this time.

Sykes, a three-star prospect, tallied 80 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks as a senior at Montini Catholic in Lombard, Ill. Rivals ranked him as the No. 20 inside linebacker in the 2014 class. 247Sports slated him as the No. 34 outside linebacker in the class. Sykes was not expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman in the fall.