Zach Martin woke up Monday morning without any second thoughts about his college choice.

The 6-5, 270-pound Bishop Chatard offensive tackle orally committed to Notre Dame on Sunday night, ending his courtship with fellow suitors Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Virginia.

The senior-to-be wasn't expected to make a decision until closer to his high school team's first game but was convinced after a visit to South Bend last weekend.

"I felt like it was the best place for me and there was really no reason to wait," he said.

A four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Martin is the recruiting service's top-rated Indiana player from the Class of 2009. Martin said he didn't grow up a Notre Dame fan, moving to Indianapolis from Kansas City, Mo., eight years ago.

"But I always thought it would be cool to play for a program with that kind of history and tradition," Martin said.

Notre Dame was 3-9 last season, setting a school record for losses, and averaged just 242 yards per game. Martin is the third offensive line recruit for the Fighting Irish in the 2009 class.