Jim Harbaugh’s introduction as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers will have no impact on the recruitment of
Amir Carlisle, according to his father Duane.
Carlisle, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound athlete from Sunnyvale, Calif., is currently committed to Stanford, but he will make a final announcement between the Cardinal, Notre Dame and USC on Saturday.
“Harbaugh really doesn’t have any bearing on the decision per say,” Duane Carlisle said. “Amir really likes Notre Dame. That’s whether Harbaugh was going to be there or not. He and my wife went out to Notre Dame last month and they really enjoyed the trip.
“They seem to have anything Amir wanted spiritually, academically and athletically. That’s a good thing and he’ll go ahead and make his decision soon.”
Duane Carlisle did add that his son hadn’t made a final decision yet.
“We’re still going through the process, still evaluating the choices, dotting the i's and crossing the t's,” he said. “He’s very excited about the opportunity coming up to make his decision
“I think it’s very close, very, very close. He’s very, very impressed with Notre Dame as we all are.”
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will get the final sales pitch to Carlisle.
“Coach Kelly is coming next Friday,” Duane Carlise said. “That’s how we planned it.”
Mr. Carlisle said his son would not wait to see who the next coach at Stanford will be before announcing his decision. He did say his son was also being recruited heavily by USC, where he took an official visit back in September.
“They’re all three great schools and great programs,” Mr. Carlisle said. “It’s deciding what you think is the best fit. Notre Dame offers a lot of what he wants in those three areas that I mentioned. Coach Kelly’s won everywhere he’s coached. The guy’s been able to orchestrate very, very productive offenses. With Amir’s skill set, I think he’d fit in well there.”
The younger Carlisle had a strong showing at the Under Armour All-America practices down in Orlando earlier this week at wide receiver.
“Amir’s natural position is running back, that was what he played all his life,” Duane Carlisle said. “That was his first time playing receiver and never mind playing receiver, he’s playing against the best kids in the country. He gained a lot of confidence as far as what he could do against some of the top DBs.
“The discussion Amir had with Coach Kelly was that he would be moved around as an offensive player. He could play running back, line him up in the slot, line him up all over the field. That’s really what all three of the coaches have been talking about. With Amir’s versatility, he can create mismatches all over the field.”
Duane Carlisle declined to call the Irish the leader at this point, but it certainly doesn’t sound like he’d be disappointed if that’s the route his son chooses.
“I like what they do,” he said. “I really like what they do as a dad and as a parent.”