2022 QB Gunnar Smith Previews Notre Dame Return

After camping at Notre Dame this summer, Gunnar Smith‍ planned to return for the USC game last month, but the 2022 Florida quarterback had to reschedule.

He’s now locked in to get back to South Bend for this weekend’s game against Navy.

“I was at the Irish Invasion this summer but didn't get the chance to speak too much to coaches,” Smith says. “This time around I really want to get the most out of the trip and talk to as many offensive coaches as I can, especially Coach (Tom) Rees and (Chip) Long.”

The Lake Mary High School signal-caller is hoping for the chance to ask the Irish assistants what they’re looking for in a quarterback and get a feel for whether he’d be a fit.

He’d also like to tour campus and the facilities.

“I love the history of the program and the chance to play quarterback for Notre Dame would be a dream,” he says.

Since the camp, he’s kept up with the Irish as much as he can.

“My dad keeps me updated too,” he adds. “I watched three or four games this season. The USC game was very exciting, I could have been there as planned but had a conflict with Homecoming. The Michigan game got out of hand late and the weather was a mess. Tough game for the quarterbacks.”  

The Lake Mary, Fla., native has an early offer from Kentucky, but since he’s only a sophomore, direct contact with college staffs is severely limited.

“I am looking forward to my junior year when coaches can communicate with me,” he says.

Smith hasn’t been to any other schools this fall.

“I just really focused on my season and team,” he explains. “I know this spring and summer, we will make a few visits after the Elite 11, Under Armour and Adidas camps.

“If things go well this weekend, we will look into making a return trip this summer for a camp.”  

In addition to the offer from the Wildcats, Smith has received mail from schools like Arizona State, Nebraska and Vanderbilt among others.

Smith’s Lake Mary team improved to 6-4 this season, but missed the playoffs in Florida’s 8A class, the largest in the state.

“We go up against D-1 athletes each week,” says Smith, who threw for 2,300 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

With two years left in high school, Smith is already his school’s all-time career leader in yards and passing touchdowns.