SOUTH BEND (WSBT/AP) — Notre Dame football picked up one of its most significant verbal commitments of the current ever-growing class in offensive guard prospect Chris Watt.

Watt is a 4-star (rivals.com) or a 5-star (Tom Lemming) prospect from Glen Ellyn, Ill. He chose ND over Ohio State, Northwestern and Illinois in a tightly-contested recruiting battle.

Watt announced his decision Sunday. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Watt said he had visited the Notre Dame campus four times, but it was a trip a few weeks ago, when he was able to spend significant time with the players, that stood out.

"That's kind of the best tool for a program, its players," Watt said.

CSTV analyst Tom Lemming said Watt has great feet, good lateral movement, aggressiveness, toughness, long arms and quick hands. "On film, he dominates," Lemming said.

The senior-to-be is the 12th verbal commitment to the class of 2009, and the second offensive guard commit joining Alex Bullard as future blockers along the offensive line.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis isn't allowed to comment on recruits until national signing day Feb. 4.