2021 DE Hayden Nelson Takes In First Notre Dame Game

After camping at Notre Dame this past summer, Hayden Nelson‍ was in South Bend last weekend to check out the Irish’s home finale against Boston College.

“It went really good,” the 2021 Wisconsin defensive end said. “I had a lot of really cool experiences. It was cool to get to Notre Dame for the first game I’ve ever been to.

“Before the game, I got a chance to go on the field, not only for pregame, but before that when no one was there. It was really cool to take it all in and see what it’s like.”

The Brookfield Central High School standout has early offers from Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Kent State. He was impressed with what he saw and heard in South Bend.

“The facility was really cool,” Nelson said. “Hearing Kyle Rudolph and all of these guys talk was awesome. Pregame, it was cool to see the players warming up and we got to see the game too.

“(Rudolph) was just talking about the transition from high school to college and college to the NFL. It was cool to hear his perspective on it.”

The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder also enjoyed watching the Irish’s 40-7 win over Boston College.

“I thought it was a really good game,” he said. “I thought Notre Dame dominated in every aspect of the game. The atmosphere was really cool. The fans were crazy into it and super loud.

“I always watch my position, the d-end on both sides. I want to see what they’re doing. They got after it, so that was cool.”

After seeing the Irish defense in person, it’s a scheme he thinks he could play in.

“Rushing off the edge like they’ve been doing,” he said. “I think I’d fit in well.”

Nelson also had the chance to reconnect with Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston.

“The last time I saw him was camp, so it was good to catch up,” he said. “He said he saw my updated film and liked that I was really active. He said I played my butt off. He said he wanted me back for a junior day because gamedays are pretty hectic. I definitely want to do that.”

He also spoke with a few other Irish recruiters and the plan is for Nelson to return to South Bend for a junior day.

“Just get back there and spend a little more time there.”

This weekend, he’ll check out Minnesota.