By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Darius Hamilton didn't grow up idolizing Notre Dame's gold helmets or memorizing Knute Rockne speeches. In fact, Rutgers' sophomore defensive tackle's first personal experience with the Fighting Irish didn't go over well.

"Notre Dame was actually the only school that came and saw me and met with me for about a half hour," Hamilton said Tuesday, "and told me they didn't want me."

Hamilton said Notre Dame assistants came to Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey looking at decorated teammates Leonte Carroo, Elijah Shumate and Yuri Wright. Shumate eventually committed.

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Hamilton said he hasn't exchanged texts with Shumate, a safety who has started four games this season — "keeping it strictly business," Hamilton says.

In fairness, Hamilton, a slimmer, three-technique tackle, doesn't exactly fit Notre Dame's system. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, whom Connecticut recently hired as its head coach, runs a two-gap 3-4 scheme.

Hamilton, an impressive interior rusher, would be forced to occupy blocks and free up linebackers to make plays, in a simplistic view of a traditional 3-4 alignment.

Hamilton, a five-star prospect in 2012 according to Rivals.com, has 42 tackles, 10 TFLs and 4.5 sacks this season.