Elite 2018 Texas TE Talks ND & More
Mustapha Muhammad has kept his focus on his Ridge Point High School squad so far this fall.
“I actually haven’t been paying too much attention to college football this past month because I’ve had games on Saturday,” the 2018 Texas tight end said.
But the 6-foot-5, 225-pounder has had the chance to hit the road and will continue to hit the road in the coming weeks.
“I actually went to the Notre Dame-Texas game,” said Muhammad, one of the nation’s top tight ends in his class with offers from both the Irish and the Longhorns along with Texas A&M, TCU, Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama and Clemson among dozens of others to prove that claim.
“That was a great offensive showdown. Notre Dame put up some points, but didn’t get the victory.”
Muhammad and the other visiting Texas recruits were stationed near the Irish’s sideline, which gave him an opportunity to get a peek at how Notre Dame operates.
“I got to see somewhat up close and personal how the coaching is and what Notre Dame is like in a real game situation,” he said. “I believe they’re well-coached. They have a great coach in Coach (Brian) Kelly and they’ve been very successful in the past. I feel like they’re headed the right way.”
He hasn’t stayed in constant contact with Notre Dame in recent weeks, but says it’s a school he’s still strongly considering.
“Of course,” he said. “I like Notre Dame. I like what they have to offer. They’re a great football school that has a lot of tradition and a solid foundation.”
He’s planning to make a visit to South Bend at some point.
“Probably not this fall, but for sure some time in 2017 I’ll pay Notre Dame a visit and see what South Bend is like,” he said. “I will continue to follow their season even next season because I don’t plan on committing for a while. I’m sure they’ll still be on the radar next season. I’m just going to take things slow to be honest.”
He’s already been forming a relationship with Irish tight ends coach Scott Booker and would like the chance to start building one with Kelly.
“I want to tour the campus and see what the surrounding area is like,” he said. “I definitely meet Coach Kelly. I’ve already talked with Coach Booker and the offensive coordinator. I just want to get the full experience.”
Booker’s pitch has been a relatively simple one thus far, according to Muhammad.
“He told me he likes my style of play,” the junior tight end said. “He also told me they use the tight end a lot at Notre Dame and that I’m a great fit for their offense.”
The day before he was in Austin for the Notre Dame, he was in College Station for Texas A&M’s opener against UCLA. He also made stops at TCU and Oklahoma and has more trips coming up.
“I may go to Florida State this weekend, it all depends on my transportation,” he said. “I’m going to Georgia versus Auburn on the 12th and I’m going to LSU versus Alabama before that. Depending on my playoff schedule, I’ll be going to Ohio State versus Michigan as well.
“I take this stuff pretty seriously. I’m also a college football fan, so it’s a great way to have free tickets.”