Fleming set for final game

Back in April, Chicago, Ill. linebacker Darius Fleming committed to Irish head coach Charlie Weis. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound outside linebacker prospect has remained solid in his commitment throughout the season. While the Irish have struggled on the field, Fleming has a chance to play in the big game this weekend.

“It’s been kind of rough,” Darius Fleming said when asked about his senior season. “We had some early losses to some of our top rivals, but I think we’ve improved a lot during the season. We get to play in the city championship, and I’m really looking forward to that. We played some real tough games this season. This will be the last time we get to put the pads on and play together, so it should be a fun game to watch.”

Fleming’s St. Rita high schools team plays another familiar team Irish fans may recognize.

“We play Morgan Park for the championship,” he said when asked about his opponent. “It should be a good game. I know my whole team is looking forward to it.”

The Scout.com four-star prospect has had an impressive senior season from his defensive end position.

“I think I have about 75 tackles, 12 sacks, seven passes battled passes,” Fleming said. “I’m not sure how many tackles for loss I have. It’s quite a few.”

After his final high school game the senior prospect will turn his attention towards another big game.

“I’m playing in the Army All-American game,” he said. “I’m definitely going to start working out for that once the season is over. I’m excited because we get to play with a lot of guys from Notre Dame. We’ve all been talking back and forth. It should be fun.

“Actually, I talked to Dayne Crist today. We were talking about how many of us are going to be playing in the game. He and I are going to have to play against each other, so that should be fun.”

Will Fleming enjoy sacking his future teammate?

“Oh yeah,” he said. “I’ll get him.”

After the Army game his attention will then turn to Notre Dame.

“I was thinking about playing basketball, but I don’t think I’m going to do that,” said Fleming. “I think I’m just going to work out with my trainer, try to get into the best shape I can and get ready to come down to Notre Dame and be ready to play. I want to play right away.

“My official visit is for the banquet. I’ll be there for that. That should be fun. I think there’s a lot of guys coming for that.”

Ranked the No. 9 strong-side linebacker for Scout.com, Fleming says he still gets calls from teams but hasn’t been paying any attention to the calls.

“A couple of schools try to get in touch with me, but not really,” he said. “I don’t really get involved with that. I’m just focusing on Notre Dame.”