Davonte' Neal transfers to Arizona from Notre Dame

Davonte' Neal has chosen the Arizona Wildcats after all. It only took a year-long trip to South Bend to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to do so.

247Sports.com first reported Neal's transfer, and Scout.com quoted Neal as saying he was moving for family purposes.

"I loved everything about Notre Dame," Neal told Scout.com. "It's a great place and I have nothing but good memories there. My dad and I talked before I signed there that when you go to Notre Dame, you're not just making a four year decision, you're making a 40 year one.

"I wanted to be there for my daughter. Originally the plan was for them to move to South Bend with me but we wanted to be closer to home and closer to our family. We've been together since 8th grade and we have a great support system set up right here."

The speedy wideout added that he is seeking a hardship waiver to earn immediate eligibility.

Neal announced his decision to transfer in late March.

Two national signing days ago, Neal was a no-show at his own press conference to announce his college decision, leaving 600 elementary school children hanging. Then, it was presumed that Neal's father, Luke Neal, had a heavy hand in his son's eventually college education. Rumor had it the Wildcats were the favorite to land the Chaparral High School recruit who was a five-star prospect and No. 8 overall on ESPN's 150.

Hours later, he chose Notre Dame.

In his freshman campaign for the national runner-up, Neal did most of his work returning punts. The 5-foot-9, 175 receiver took 21 punt returns for 46 yards, or a 2.2-yard average. He only had one rush worth seven yards and caught a ball for -5 yards.

Neal told Scout.com he visited Arizona last weekend. His high school coach, Charlie Ragle, joined Rodriguez's squad before Neal's college decision. Ragle was the assistant director of football operations but has been promoted to an assistant coach in charge of tight ends and special teams.