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Photo by Tom Lemming

Isaac Rochell, Eagle's Landing

Notre Dame landed another key defensive piece to its recruiting class on Thursday when Georgia defensive end Isaac Rochell verbally committed to the Fighting Irish.

"Glad to be Irish #irishmob13 #ndnation," Rochell tweeted Thursday morning.

He selected Notre Dame over Florida State and a bounty of other offers. His commitment comes just days after Notre Dame landed a verbal pledge from Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, Ind.) outside linebacker Jaylon Smith.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound standout from Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (McDonough, Ga.) is the nation's No. 61 recruit overall as well as one of the most coveted defensive ends.

With his commitment, Notre Dame now has a total of 14 commitments for the class of 2013.

Rochell is the first defensive end to commit, but Notre Dame remains in the race for several other players at the position, including Jordan Sherit, Alquadin Muhammad and Ebenezer Ogundeko.

The position became a greater priority for Brian Kelly and staff with the unexpected departure of freshman defensive Aaron Lynch this offseason.