CONGRATULATIONS: Roughly 48 hours after entering the transfer portal, former Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith has decided to head to Notre Dame for his final year of eligibility.

Smith, a former 4-Star recruit from LaSalle High School in Cincinnati Ohio, was a starter for Alabama in 11 games this season. Most of Smith’s snaps this season came in slot coverage. Opponents were 19/29 for 123 yards and no touchdowns allowed.

Marcus Freeman and Al Golden value experience at the nickel position, which has been evident in how they use the portal to add defensive backs. Smith’s addition is probably the best one back there during Freeman’s tenure.

Smith is coming to Notre Dame as a graduate transfer, but because he has a redshirt season, he will have two years of eligibility remaining. With Jordan Clark and Rod Heard both moving on after this season, a player like Smith is vital to what Notre Dame wants to do at the Nickel — and it gives them time to develop its young talent.

This is a really good portal pickup by the Irish.