Notre Dame Shuts Out Rice In Blowout Win: Recruit Reactions
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
Notre Dame gave its recruiting visitors plenty to remember Saturday, dominating Rice 52-0 in front of a packed Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish came out firing, turning a fumble into a touchdown on Rice’s second play of the game and building a 42-0 halftime advantage before cruising to the 52-0 shutout. For several prospects, the experience made an impression that went well beyond the final score.
I reached out to the recruits who were on campus, and this is what they had to say about their experience.
2028 4-Star OT Wyatt VanBoening praised the atmosphere and tradition, saying:
“I loved the environment. The tradition is one of the strongest I’ve seen, and the visit was great overall. I think getting to experience and feel the atmosphere and getting to meet some of the guys made an impact.”
2029 4-Star Elite S Earnest Winters III also enjoyed his visit, saying:
“For me it was great, but I’ll definitely have to be back; that game was a little too easy for Irish lol. If Notre Dame does offer me, it would have a very big impact. Notre Dame does more than just help your football career; it sets you up with life goals/skills, has a top school education, and keeps you close to God. I think they have very good, skilled DB coaches that could teach me a lot, and when I say that, I think of players like Adon Shuler. I play a lot like him and would love to get the same coaching as him that I need to get to that next level!
2028 ATH Ashton Taylor described his first Notre Dame game day as a “great experience,” saying that seeing the program up close was special and that the environment stood out.
“The weekend at Notre Dame was a great experience. It was my first game day there, and getting to see the program up close was really special. I thought the game was great, and the environment definitely stood out. They haven’t offered yet, but I hope they do, as I’m seriously looking at them as I continue to build relationships.”
Jeremiah Figaro had a particularly memorable moment after watching Boubacar score shortly after they had spoken.
“I’ve been following Boubacar Traore a lot since he’s from Boston. I got to talk to him yesterday, and then getting to see him score right away in the game was amazing. The game day environment was crazy. ND was already high on my list, but this definitely reminded me why, and I’m so glad I came.”
2029 4-Star LB Austin Phillips summed up his experience simply, saying he had an “awesome time” and that it felt good to be back at Notre Dame.
2028 DL Joshua Rogers echoed that excitement, saying:
“It was a great game to watch them go out and compete and as defensive player watching a shutout definitely moves the needle. It was especially great watching Notre Dames Dline dominate in the trenches.”
With multiple recruits leaving South Bend impressed, Notre Dame’s dominant performance was only part of what made Saturday an important recruiting weekend for the Irish.
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