BY MITCH SHERMAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
If Nebraska didn't already know it would have a recruiting fight for Trevor Robinson, official notice has been served.
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis caused quite a stir on Tuesday in the halls of Elkhorn High School during a stop to check on Robinson, who was offered a scholarship by the Irish last September on the first day juniors were eligible to receive them.
"It was kind of a circus," Elkhorn football coach Mark Wortman said. "The kids thought it was great. There were autographs signed. They were taking pictures with their phones."
Robinson ranks as a top target for the class of 2008, with offers from Notre Dame, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Boston College. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive lineman earned first-team All-Nebraska honors last fall as a junior.
Though NCAA rules prohibited Weis from talking with Robinson on the visit, the coach spent time visiting with Wortman and Elkhorn Principal Bary Habrock.
"Very nice guy," Wortman said. "He was real talkative, and I think he gets that (reaction) wherever he goes. People know him."
Weis allowed the Elkhorn students to view one of his three Super Bowl rings won as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.
Wortman even chatted with Weis about the NFL playoffs, in particular the Patriots' AFC title game on Sunday at Indianapolis. Weis told the Elkhorn coach that he was invited by New England to offer his help from the press box.
Wortman said Weis declined, mindful of his current job and Notre Dame's proximity in South Bend, Ind., to many fans of the Colts.
The visit made a "big impression" on Robinson, Wortman said.
"He flew here just for this reason," Wortman said. "He said he wants Trevor to know that he's special, that he's a good fit for Notre Dame."