2021 WR Clay Petry In Shock After Notre Dame Visit

2021 Bishop’s School (Calif.) receiver Clay Petry‍ had heard of a lot about Notre Dame before his visit over the weekend. Former Notre Dame great Shane Walton is one of his coaches and 2021 Notre Dame commit Tyler Buchner is Petry’s quarterback.

“It was amazing,” Petry told Irish Sports Daily of his visit. “I’ve only heard great things about Notre Dame and it didn’t disappoint. I talked to Tyler about it before I visited. He said everyone cares at Notre Dame. You get there and you know it’s a football town and everyone looks forward to it. I really felt that. 

“I sat right in front of the student section and they were going crazy the whole game. It was great to see that.” 

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder not only enjoyed the game, but he enjoyed his time getting to speak with a few of Notre Dame’s coaches on Saturday. 

“I talked to Coach (Del) Alexander, Coach (Tommy) Rees and Coach (Aaryn) Kearney,” stated Petry. “Coach Alexander was telling me about some of the guys on the roster and how he appreciates hard work.” 

Alexander also let Petry know he will play the best players regardless of class if they prove themselves.  

“He said it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been there or how old you are, but if you come in and work your tail off, you’ll have a chance to play,” explained Petry. “He showed that on Saturday. One of the guys he was talking about got the start because he was busting his tail in practice.” 

It’s clear the trip to South Bend made quite the impression on the Bishop’s School star, but the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium might have stood out the most. 

“It’s still a shock,” laughed Petry. “I knew it was going to be crazy. The band is ridiculous. I’ve always dreamed of having a band because my school doesn’t have one. Notre Dame’s band is huge and it’s awesome.” 

Petry holds an early offer from Nevada, but several schools on the West Coast are recruiting him and he might take a visit to one of Notre Dame’s rivals later this fall. 

“I went out to a game at UCLA,” Petry said. “Stanford, Washington and Washington State along with a lot of the Pac-12. I might try to make a trip up to Stanford, but other than that, I don’t have anything in the works.”

The offers will come as long as Petry continues to put up big numbers as he has recorded 22 receptions for 502 yards and six touchdowns in just five games this fall. 

Petry is quick to give his quarterback props as he and Buchner are good friends and have been playing together since middles school.

“It’s great,” said Petry. “I’ve been playing with him since eighth grade. We’ve built a connection and we really help each other on the field, especially when a play breaks down and he gets outside the pocket. He knows where I’ll be.

“It’s nice playing with a guy like him. I have complete confidence in him and I know he has the same in me. All we do is get on the field and have some fun.” 

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