Notre Dame’s in Chapel Hill today to add more misery to UNC’s football season, but their is a silver lining to their visit for local fans.
Irish running backs coach Autry Denson and NDInsider writer Tyler James were guests at Paul Gay Stadium in Sanford last night to watch Notre Dame commit Jahmir Smith and the state’s fifth-ranked team in Class 3A run all over conference foe Harnett Central, 50-0. The win was the sixth shutout in seven games for Lee County High (7-0), which has outscored opponents a whopping 318-27 this season.
Out at Sanford (N.C.) Lee County watching #NotreDame RB commit @Jahmir_trapical play. So is Autry Denson. Smith scores 2-yd TD on 1st drive.
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 6, 2017
And Smith, who announced his decision to don the gold and green back in July, did not disappoint. The senior running back reached the end zone three times in the blowout and ran for 103 yards, including a 58-yard run in the second half to make it 43-0.
Lee County takes a 14-0 lead on a three-yard touchdown plunge by #NotreDame RB commit @Jahmir_trapical. Second score of the night.
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 6, 2017

Denson and James appeared to enjoy their trip to Sanford — James’ Twitter feed was a joy to follow last night, as he expressed giddiness from little things like ordering nachos and hearing “Crazy Train” over the stadium loudspeakers. A sample of his Lee County experience below:
They just played Crazy Train, and the PA announcer sounds like Danny McBride in “Vice Principals.” I may never leave.
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 6, 2017
.@autrydenson playing catch with some kids at halftime. pic.twitter.com/qm8nbonWMF
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 7, 2017
Anyone else hear it? pic.twitter.com/leMRmenwJ0
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 7, 2017
Little man rocking a #NotreDame jersey for @Jahmir_trapical. pic.twitter.com/c9EPsBclwR
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 7, 2017
Jahmir is in Chapel Hill today to watch his future team take on a struggling UNC squad that is 1-4 after two straight losses to Duke and Georgia Tech. Notre Dame, meanwhile, is 4-1 and ranked 21st in the nation — its only loss a 1-point heartbreaker to fifth-ranked Georgia.
After @autrydenson came to see him play last night, @Jahmir_trapical will return the favor, head up to Chapel Hill to watch the Irish today. pic.twitter.com/ML41DIg6m7
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 7, 2017
#NotreDame has kept a recruiting presence in North Carolina during Brian Kelly’s tenure. Why that’s a smart move ($) https://t.co/o2vEXzWhwk
— Tyler James (@TJamesNDI) October 6, 2017