Notre Dame looking into Lansing for 2012

He's far from what he can be, he hasn't played a game of varsity, and he's recognized as one of the best in Michigan's 2012 class. Bookmark his name, Denzel Valentine, and in a couple of years with hard work he'll be as good as the IPS' forecasters predict.

Denzel attends Lansing Sexton. Sexton's head coach is Carlton Valentine, Denzel's dad, and the player on the team with Division 1 offers is his brother, Drew Valentine '09.

The head coach is quick to point out that everyone has to earn their spot and 6'4 190 pound Denzel has no promised spot on his varsity squad.

Dad want's his son to stay grounded amid the attention he's receiving. 6'6 Dad is well aware of recruiting as he played on a national championship team with Dematha Catholic in the mid 80's before playing under Judd Heathcote at Michigan State University to close the decade. He'll admit that attention from programs this early is unexpected, "He hasn't played a game in high school."

Denzel is athletic with a solid frame and had a solid A.A.U. season with the Michigan Mustangs 15u squad.

One program in particluar paying close attention to young Valentine is Notre Dame. Pre-season top ten Notre Dame also has head coach, Mike Brey, as a draw. Back in the twentieth century when Carlton Valentine was a junior at Dematha, his homeroom teacher was none other than Brey himself.

How about them apples?

And some more apples? Denzel will take an unofficial visit to Notre Dame this weekend for the Notre Dame/Purdue game. Heads up coach Weiss, Denzel's also a quality quarterback and linebacker...

Denzel has also made at least one unofficial visit to Michigan State, where Izzo and his coaches are keeping close tabs.

Plenty of time to go for lil' Valentine and all freshman.

Word on his brother's recruitment soon.