Irish Illustrated and 247Sports have learned that Notre Dame has landed one of its most coveted wide receivers in the class of 2020, Omaha (Neb.) Burke high school three-star wide receiver Xavier Watts.

The 6-1, 185-pounder chose the Fighting Irish over offers from Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa Iowa State, Purdue, Northwestern, Wisconsin and many others. Wide receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander, offensive coordinator Chip Long and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees all played a major role in this commitment. The staff making it clear that he was a top priority from day one was huge down the stretch in this recruitment.

“They’re letting me know that I could be a big piece of their offense, that I can really make a difference and that they see me playing slot and (out wide),” said Watts to Irish Illustrated’s Kevin Sinclair. “They see me as a versatile player making a real impact.

“It’s a good school with good tradition and education, plus it has good football,” added Watts to Irish Illustrated.

Ever since Notre Dame offered, it was clear that the Fighting Irish were going to be heavy-hitters in this recruitment. Watts made his way to campus very early in the process, returned shortly thereafter, and continued to have positive dialogue with the staff throughout. Behind the scenes, he was saying all of the right things to Notre Dame coaches, off-field personnel and even the Fighting Irish commits. It’s never easy pulling a top prospect from a football state like Nebraska, especially with the Huskers pushing so hard, but Notre Dame got it done.

“It’s a really respected program, really prestigious,” said Watts of Notre Dame. “Everyone knows Notre Dame, how good they are at sports and academics. It’s just really a good all-around school.”

Per 247Sports, Watts is the No. 401 overall prospect this cycle, No. 76 wide receiver in the nation and No. 2 recruit in Nebraska from the class of 2020. The 247Sports Composite Rankings have him pegged as the No. 529 overall prospect this cycle, No. 95 player at his position and No. 2 target from his home state.

As a junior, Watts totaled 1,093 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns on 65 catches. As a sophomore, he had 35 catches for 813 yards and nine more scores.