Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean Top247 Josh Barajas decommitted from Penn State on Friday morning and pledged to Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Barajas originally pledged to the Nittany Lions over the Irish in March.

"It was the right move," Andrean coach Phil Mason said of the switch. "We're happy for him.

"I think the type of degree you're going to get and being a football player there, it's unbelievable."

Barajas is rated by 247Sports as the nation's No. 2 inside linebacker and No. 157 prospect overall. He will cap his prep career as a U.S. Army All-American. He is the top-rated player in Indiana.

Notre Dame sees its recruiting class grow to nine with the addition of Barajas.

"What he's going to get going to Notre Dame academically for his future, things Josh and I talked about. and with the football it's a great decision," Mason said.

"When talking about tradition in college football, Notre Dame is the first thing that pops in your mind. Being close to home and playing on the national stage, and I can't say enough about the coaching staff, Coach (Mike) Elston and Brian Kelly."

Other programs to offer Barajas included Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.

Barajas's commitment to Penn State came as a surprise as all 31 predictions on the 247Sports Crystal Ball were for Notre Dame when he pulled the trigger.