Offensive lineman Art Forst of Manasquan, N.J., had a hunch that Notre Dame might extend an offer, but it wasn't until he talked with Irish head coach Charlie Weis late last month that he was sure.

"I thought it would come, but not this soon," Forst said about the Irish offer. "(Weis) comes from the same area as me and we eat at some of the same restaurants. We were talking and he said he did some research on me about what kind of person and athlete I am. He said he would like to extend an offer."