Notebook: Underclassmen talent rave about recent Notre Dame visits

While Notre Dame’s 26-21 defeat against Marshall certainly wasn’t the result Irish head coach Marcus Freeman wanted in his home debut, that didn’t stop recruits on campus from having a good time.

This would include St. Charles (Ill.) North’s Ethan Plumb, who is one of the top Midwest quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle. The 6-3, 200 pound sophomore already holds offers from Iowa State and Purdue and has more programs interested in him, such as Notre Dame.

“The visit was an amazing experience,” Plumb told Blue & Gold. “It was my first time visiting Notre Dame, and I want to continue to go back and get an even better idea for the culture of the school. One of the things I liked most about Notre Dame is its tradition.

“From getting to watch the player walk with bagpipes leading the way, to saying a prayer before the game as a team, their culture is shown everywhere. I was able to see some of the football facilities that Notre Dame has to offer such as their indoor football facility and Notre Dame Stadium.”

Plumb also got to speak with Freeman, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, tight ends coach Gerad Parker and director of recruiting Chad Bowden.

“We talked mostly about all the great things that Notre Dame has to offer as well as the prestigious traditions they carry with them,” Plumb added. “(Coach Bowden) invited me to come back out later in the year to another game and get a better feel for the University.”

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Pennsylvania ATH one to watch for Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish have recruited plenty at Pittsburgh Central Catholic over the past few years, signing the Hinish brothers. Kurt is contributing for the Houston Texans’ defensive line as a rookie after five seasons at Notre Dame, while Donovan is in his freshman season with the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame also has an offer out to class of 2024 linebacker Anthony Speca from Central Catholic and may offer another from the Pittsburgh school. The Irish hosted class of 2024 athlete Cole Sullivan for the Marshall game and have plenty of interest in him.

“The visit was a very unique experience,” he said. “There isn’t anything quite like the Notre Dame campus and game atmosphere. Everyone says that the place is special, but you don’t understand what they mean until you are actually there.

“I got to see the indoor facility, take a photo shoot in uniform, experience the player walk, be on the sideline for pregame and then watch the game from the front row.”

Enjoyed my time at the Notre Dame game. Got to meet @Marcus_Freeman1 and @CoachAlGolden. Also great to catch up with @D_Hinish51 pic.twitter.com/zeqkDajcBP

— Cole Sullivan (@ColeSull18) September 11, 2022

Sullivan was able to speak with Freeman, Parker, defensive coordinator Al Golden and graduate assistant James Laurinaitis during his visit.

“They told me that they liked what they saw on film, and they could see me playing the rover position in their defense,” said Sullivan. “They said I definitely have a future playing big-time football.”

The 6-4, 200-pounder picked up his first division one offer back in June from Kent State and landed his first Power Five offer on Monday from Boston College.

Ohio DL visits the Irish

Cincinnati St. Xavier’s Ted Hammond, the nation’s no. 412 overall recruit and No. 36 defensive lineman per the 2024 On3 Consensus, was one of the more high profile recruits who was on campus for the Marshall contest.

Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Northwestern and Temple are among the early offers for the 6-4, 265-pounder. The three-star recruit enjoyed his time in South Bend.

“The visit was amazing,” he said. “We got to be on the field for pregame warmups and see the coaches and players. I thought everything was great, and it felt like a special place. One of my favorite things was how many people there were to watch the game and how many fans they have.”

Hammond plans to return to South Bend to catch another game this fall.