Notre Dame made a big-time pickup for its defense via the transfer portal on Saturday. The Fighting Irish have landed a commitment from Rhode Island standout defensive back Antonio Carter II.

Carter shared the big news on social media.


Notre Dame beat out LSU, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas A&M and others to land Carter’s commitment.

“What stood out about Notre Dame the most was the fact that it’s a great quality school,” Carter told ESPN. “Just being on campus, me and my parents saw that it’s a quality school. Being on campus, it’s a very chill environment and it’s what I need and what I’m looking for.

“A place, I can lock in and not worry about other things that don’t matter.”

Carter has played college football for 4 seasons. He used a redshirt in 2019 and gets an extra year with the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for 2020. Carter can play 2 more seasons.

Carter has been a regular starter for the past 2 seasons. Last year, he finished fourth on the team with 60 tackles (4.5 tackles for loss). He also logged 1 sack, 1 interception and 10 pass breakups.