Despite “only” being ranked as a three-star recruit per the 247Sports Composite, Notre Dame has had Omaha (Neb.) Burke wide receiver Xavier Watts in a group at the top of the board for a very long time.

This weekend, the 6-1, 185-pounder returned for another visit to South Bend to spend time with the coaching staff, get more acclimated to life as a Notre Dame student-athlete and get one final look at the school before he makes a public commitment.

It’s clear that the Fighting Irish gave him a lot to think about because he nearly made a decision and shut down his recruitment during the trip.

“I almost committed on Saturday,” said Watts. “I just felt really good at the moment and felt really comfortable.”

While on campus Watts saw offensive coordinator Chip Long and wide receivers coach Del Alexander lay out the red carpet. The class of 2020 prospect loved each and every moment of his time with the two assistant coaches and he has an even better feel for how he’d be used in South Bend.

“I spent the most time with coach Alexander and coach Long,” said Watts. “They just wanted me to know how important I was to them and how they would use me in their offense.

“They want to move me all over the field,” Watts continued. “They said they’re going to find ways of getting me the ball. They see me as a playmaker and an explosive one.”

Watts was hosted by freshman running back Kyren Williams. The two really hit it off this weekend and their time together played a positive role during the trip.

“He took care of me all weekend and was real genuine,” said Watts of Williams. “He was really cool and let me know how he wanted me to come to Notre Dame too. He was saying I would play a big role and that there’s no place like this.

“Probably hanging out with the players,” continued Watts, when asked for the highlight of the trip. “I didn’t expect to get along with all of them so well. They were all super cool and welcomed me. The little things like making sure I was good and if I needed anything that I should ask them. They’re all on the same mission and want to be successful.”

Watts is still considering scholarship offers from Michigan, Iowa State, Nebraska, Tennessee and a handful of others. Notre Dame remains a top contender in this recruitment and after seeing it one more time, Watts has no concerns about anything related to Fighting Irish football or academics.

“I don’t think that would be a problem for me,” said Watts, when asked if he sees himself thriving in a challenging environment like Notre Dame. “I see myself being able to balance sports and football and if I do struggle, they have a great support staff to help me get on track.”

Watts is still figuring out a timeline for a final decision. Initially the plan was to wait until the fall to make a commitment sometime in September, but we’ll see if that changes. The stiffest competition remains Nebraska and Michigan, two schools he could take an official visit to prior to going public with his decision.

The 247Sports Composite Rankings list him as the No. 500 overall player in the country, No. 87 wide receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect in Nebraska from the class of 2020. 247Sports lists Watts as the No. 412 overall prospect nationally, No. 77 wide receiver in America and the No. 2 recruit in his home state.