2021 Four-Star DE Aaron Armitage Staying Patient Following Notre Dame Visit

2021 Blair Academy (N.J.) defensive end Aaron Armitage‍ made his return to Notre Dame over the weekend.

It was a visit the four-star prospect had circled and he enjoyed experiencing his first game day inside Notre Dame Stadium. 

"It was great," Armitage explained. "I loved it. I always love getting out there. The first time I went, I was like, 'Damn, I got to get back.' I was hyped up to get back over the weekend.

"It was totally different compared to the camp. It was amazing to get up there in the summer, but to see what it's actually like when a game is going on and how many people show up, it was unbelievable."

Armitage kept close tabs on the Irish defensive line during the game, but also warmups. 

"I was watching them during warmups," said Armitage. "They were pretty good and moved well. They weren't as big as I thought they would be, but they could move pretty damn well." 

Notre Dame cruised to a 52-20 win over Navy and while the Irish weren't facing a typical offense, Armitage left South Bend impressed with what he saw. 

"Everyone thought Navy was going to score a bunch on them because they've done well this year," stated Armitage. "Navy's offensive line is nasty, but Notre Dame took care of them on defense. It was impressive." 

Before the game, Armitage was able to take a tour of campus and do a photoshoot.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder also was able to speak with defensive line coach Mike Elston about where he stood with an offer.

"He asked how I was doing and that he loved my tape," explained Armitage. "The main that came up was the offer situation because they still haven't offered yet. He said he would love to offer me, but the spots are full and he has to wait to see where the other kids he's offered go or if they stay committed." 

The news was tough to hear, but Armitage knows it's a process and at the end of the day, his feelings towards Notre Dame are still positive and if offered, the Irish will be extremely high on his list.

"That's the only thing that kind of worried me a little bit," said Armitage. "I'd love to be there, but waiting on it is a little disappointing.

"They’ll be up there for sure. I still haven't lost any interest."

Notre Dame and other schools see Armitage growing into a 3-technique, which is why he's a coveted prospect as he can play multiple positions. 

"Right now, there are some schools who tell me they will put me in a 3-tech," Armitage stated. "Some run a 3-4, so I'd play a 3-tech when he shifts to the 5-tech or outside backer. 

"I'd like to be an edge rusher, but if the school wants to put me where they feel comfortable, I'd love to play there." 

After visits to Notre Dame and Penn State, Armitage will visit two more Big Ten schools along with an ACC program over the next two weeks. 

"I visited Penn State for the white out game," Armitage said. "That's all I've done so far. I'm going to Ohio State this weekend and Virginia the 29th and Michigan the 30th. That's all I have planned right now." 

As far as a decision goes, Armitage is looking to take his official visits in the spring and have a decision at the beginning of the summer. 

"I was talking to my parents and I said around the start of summer would be a good time," said Armitage. "I'll be able to get my officials in, talk about it with my family and coaches to make the right decision."