Notre Dame football lands commitment from four-star athlete Brandyn Hillman

Notre Dame’s hot streak on the recruiting trail continued on Wednesday, when it landed a pledge from Portsmouth (Va.) Churchland class of 2023 athlete Brandyn Hillman. The 6-1, 190-pounder picked the Fighting Irish over fellow finalists Kentucky, North Carolina, USC and Virginia Tech.

The four-star athlete spoke to BlueandGold.com before announcing his decision.

“The tradition of Notre Dame and how they’re a powerhouse academically and in football,” Hillman said about why he committed to the Irish. “It’s a great school in general; there’s nothing bad you can say about it.

“The coaching staff played a big role. They kept in touch with me, and I knew that if they took all that time to invest in me, then it might be the best place to be.”

Heading into his senior season, Hillman held just one scholarship offer, coming from FCS program Norfolk State. He mainly played quarterback for his team, but once early senior season film of him playing safety trickled out, Power Five colleges started taking notice.

Virginia Tech offered Sept. 27. The following day, Boston College, Virginia, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, East Carolina and Notre Dame came in with scholarships. Kentucky and Tennessee offered the next day. North Carolina, Oklahoma and USC also extended offers to him in the fall.

Hillman took an official visit to Notre Dame for the weekend of the Stanford game in October, and a few weeks later he went to Kentucky for an official. Shortly after his trip to Lexington, Hillman called the Fighting Irish staff to inform them of his decision.

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He first contacted Notre Dame director of recruiting Chad Bowden on a FaceTime video call.

“Chad was pumped,” Hillman said with a laugh. “He was hitting cartwheels in the middle of the hallway. He was pumped.”

Hillman talked to Notre Dame’s head coach next.

“I called Coach [Marcus] Freeman, and he said that it was one of the greatest decisions of my life,” Hillman recalled. “He trusts that I’ll be ready to work when I get there.”

Hillman is the nation’s No. 358 overall prospect and No. 11 athlete according to the 2023 On3 Consensus. What position he’ll play in college is truly a mystery at this point, as he could line up at any offensive or defensive skill position. But at least to start, Hillman plans to play the position he’s most familiar with.

“I’m not really sure,” Hillman said for his position at Notre Dame. “I will be trying out at quarterback, but who knows. It could be anything.”

The four-star prospect will sign with Notre Dame Dec. 21 and enroll at Notre Dame next summer.

“I’m a leader and a fun guy to be around,” he said. “I’m always there for people, and that’ll never change. I have that friend aspect to me.”

Hillman is Notre Dame’s 27th commitment of the 2023 class, a group that ranks No. 3 according to the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.

On3’s rankings have him higher than the industry standard, listing him as the No. 291 overall prospect and No. 12 athlete.

The Brandyn Hillman file

Hillman was named the Class 4 Region A offensive player of the year in 2021 and was a finalist for the 757 Golden Arm Award. The Virginian-Pilot listed Hillman on its second-team all-area offense. He accounted for over 2,400 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior.

He had the top combine event rating at the Elite 11 regional in Washington, D.C., in May 2022.

Hillman totaled 1,312 passing yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for 1,236 yards and 22 scores as a senior. He was named the Region 4A offensive player of the year for a second time. He was also a second-team all-region defensive back and punter.

He announced his commitment Dec. 7, which is his mother’s birthday.

Here is Hillman’s scouting report from On3:

Two-way player for Churchland HS (VA) who is the team’s starting quarterback and safety. Stands in at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds with an impressive 6-foot-5 wingspan. Extremely explosive athlete who recorded a 40-inch vertical and ran an electronically-timed 4.70 40-yard dash and a blistering 4.15 shuttle during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Movement skills are fantastic. Has the long speed to pull away from defenders as a ball carrier and can see the hip fluidity and change of direction when working as a defensive back. Physical player that runs through tacklers with the ball in his hands and more than willing to come downhill and play in the box from the secondary. Extremely high ceiling player whose upside is at its highest as a safety prospect but could also be productive on the offensive side of the ball as a gadget player.