Notre Dame football: Star USC commit flips back to Irish

Notre Dame landed a commitment from one of USC’s star prospects on Monday night and it’s a name Notre Dame fans are already familiar with.

Back and forth it goes in the recruiting game for Notre Dame and back it went to the favor of the Irish Monday night when four-star defensive back Philip Riley, Jr. announced his commitment to the program.

If the name sounds familiar it’s because it is as Riley originally committed to Notre Dame back in May before de-committing in late September, only to announce his commitment back to the Irish on Monday.

Riley is the second player in the 2021 recruiting class to commit to Notre Dame, announce his de-commitment and then re-commit as wide receiver Deion Colzie of Athens, Georgia did the same thing just without having a commitment inbetween.

When Riley de-committed back in September he quickly announced a commitment to USC before announcing his change of heart back to the Irish on Monday.

Riley checks in a 6-0, 195 pounds out of Valrico, Florida (Bloomingdale).  247Sports grades Riley as a four-star talent and as the 13th best corner back nationwide in the Class of 2021 rankings.

Riley rejoins the Notre Dame class that features Ryan Barnes, Chance Tucker and Justin Walters in the secondary.