Marcus Freeman discusses recruiting against alma mater

New Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman started his football journey as an All-American high school player, eventually going to Ohio State where he starred at linebacker. This offseason, rumors circulated that Ohio State could make a run at brining the former All-Big Ten player home but a head coaching offer to stay at Notre Dame prevailed.

Now on the recruiting trail, Marcus Freeman must recruit head-to-head with his alma mater Ohio State for the nation’s top recruits each cycle. He discussed how he plans to approach the situation during an appearance at halftime of the All-American Bowl.

“You just have to sell what Notre Dame does for the future of these student athletes,” said Freeman. “We don’t do negative recruiting, I loved my time at Ohio State and wouldn’t be here if I didn’t spend that time there. But the reality is that we believe Notre Dame offers you something that nowhere else in the country can give you. And that’s the opportunity to win a national championship, to be developed to be an NFL draft pick, then to join a network from this degree that you can earn from this place that will set you up for the rest of your life.”

A 2004 All-American game alum himself, Freeman has 10 Notre Dame commits playing in San Antonio today. The Fighting Irish hold the No. 6 ranked recruiting class in On3’s consensus team rankings, holding 21 commitments so far.

Notre Dame also got a big boost on defense this weekend with the commitment of Northwestern transfer and collegiate All-American safety Brandon Joseph, along with the return of sack leader Isaiah Foskey in 2022.

Marcus Freeman makes key staff addition

Marcus Freeman’s first staff at Notre Dame is coming together with help from offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. The Fighting Irish are reportedly close to bringing back a former Fighting Irish offensive line coach for a second stint.

Harry Hiestand, who worked at Notre Dame from 2012-17, is close to a return to South Bend, according to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel. Hiestand worked for the Chicago Bears from 2018-19 after leaving the Fighting Irish and has not coached since.

While at Notre Dame, Hiestand helped develop multiple NFL draft picks, including Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, Zack Martin and Ronnie Staley. He has more than 30 years of college coaching experience, getting his start with Penn in 1986. Hiestand also worked at Cincinnati, Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee.