Torii Hunter’s son, Torii Jr., commits to Notre Dame, hopes for father-son visit to South Bend

In the past few months, Torii Hunter Jr. has finally moved beyond being known most for being Angels outfielder Torii Hunter Sr.'s son, instead emerging as one of the nation's top uncommitted football prospects.

He's not uncommitted anymore, and from the sound of Hunter's Sunday declarations to Rivals.com affiliate Irish Illustrated, Hunter Jr.'s September commitment to Notre Dame is part of a long-term plan to make a major impact in South Bend.

"They mix academics and athletics really well," Hunter told Irish Illustrated about his decision to attend Notre Dame. "The Notre Dame network is worldwide. There will be countless opportunities for jobs after college. That's really why I chose it. I looked at my future. I also looked at the present, but it's a long-term decision really.

"The fan support. They stay in the game the whole time. That really helps the team to victory. When I saw that, that really helped."

As one might expect, Hunter wanted his father's input on what is the most important decision he's made in his life to this point. While the younger Hunter made the decision for his own reasons, he said that he hopes to have his father take a trip with him to South Bend as soon as the Angels season comes to a close.

As Hunter Jr. said, if all goes well that trip won't come for some time, even if that leaves some small doubts about his Notre Dame commitment.

"Whenever his season is over," Hunter told Irish Illustrated when asked about the two Torii Hunters visiting South Bend together. "Hopefully it's kinda later and they go pretty deep in the playoffs. Whenever the season is over we'll probably take a trip out here as a family."

With one Hunter football star set on a college decision, attention will turn to Torii Hunter Jr.'s brother, Money Hunter, who is being recruited by West Virginia, Utah and SMU, with a host of major Texas schools -- not to mention Oregon -- also having expressed interest in getting the skilled linebacker on campus.

Notably, Notre Dame has yet to show any interest in Money Hunter, which could signify the start of a first break between the two brothers. If Money makes out as well as his brother Torii Jr., papa Hunter will have a lot to be proud about before he even starts playing baseball in preparation for the 2013 season.

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