Washington State snags commitment from three-star DB who had Notre Dame offer

Washington State’s defense is as good as its offense these days and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the high school prospects who are contemplating a career in Pullman.

Tuesday aftenoon, the Cougars got a verbal commitment from three-star D’Angelo McKenzie, who chose the Cougars over a handful of Power Five schools – most notably Notre Dame. McKenzie, who’s currently wrapping up a high school career at Valley Christian High in San Jose, California, made his announcement on Twitter.

At one point, McKenzie had the Fighting Irish at the top of his list along with UCLA. McKenzie also had offers from Utah, Arizona State, Arizona and Oregon State and 247sports.com lists interest from USC.

McKenzie has been recruited as a free safety, but also stars as a wide receiver at Valley Christian and nearly hauled in the pass that would’ve won the Warriors last year’s Division 2-AA state championship against Madison of San Diego.

Next season, McKenzie will join a Cougars defense that recently rose to No. 7 in the FBS in total defense. The “Speed D” has pitched two shutouts this season – the first time the Cougars have done so since 1981 – and Saturday’s 28-0 win over Colorado marked the first time WSU has blanked a Pac-12 team since 1994.