Tony Springmann, who orally committed April 24 to play football at Notre Dame, says he hopes the program is able to retain its independent status.

With the Big Ten looking to expand by at least one team, and possibly more, Notre Dame potentially needing to join a conference has been a hot topic of late.

Springmann, who plays on the offensive and defensive line at Bishop Dwenger, said the flexibility in scheduling a variety of teams with different styles is appealing for players who want to play for Notre Dame.

"You don't just play the Big Ten smash-mouth football," Springmann said. "You also go out and play USC where they have the West Coast offense. You get a variety of games, a variety of teams."

While Springmann wants Notre Dame to remain independent, if the Irish were part of a conference, he said he would still want to play for them.

"I wouldn't look at any other schools," Springmann said. "In the end, it's still Notre Dame. It's the Golden Dome, it's playing for our lady, Touchdown Jesus, and all the tradition and everything.

"It would take away a little of the mystic (if Notre Dame was in a conference). You know, your independents are Army, Navy, Notre Dame, and those are the only three teams in the country that have that claim. I think it's important, but I would not not go there if it were in a conference."

For more on Notre Dame wanting to stay independent in football and opinions from people in Fort Wayne on the subject read Thursday's Journal Gazette.