Hunter Barth Encouraged By Notre Dame Stop

Notre Dame defensive backs coach Terry Joseph was in Arizona on Monday to check on 2021 prospects out of Queen Creek High School. 

2021 safety Hunter Barth‍ is a name to keep tabs on as he has his eye on the Irish.

"It was awesome," Barth said of Notre Dame checking in. "I talked to Coach Joseph over the phone and he said they were going to stop by and check me out Notre Dame is a top program and I was excited to hear they were at the school." 

The relationship with Joseph is in the early stages, but Barth has liked what he's heard to this point.

"Coach Joseph said they were interested and Notre Dame was a top-notch program," stated Barth. "He hopes they can get me up for a visit in the spring." 

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder might be from Arizona, but he's familiar with the Irish program and it's one he wants to continue to stay in contact with moving forward. 

"Notre Dame does carry weight with me," said Barth. "We're a Catholic family, so my dad has been a fan of Notre Dame since he was a kid. I'm definitely interested. I'm excited and he's excited they're interested." 

Arizona, Cal, Duke, Iowa State, USC and Washington State have extended early offers and Barth plans to make several visits in the coming months.

"I've been to Arizona and USC," Barth stated. "I've taken my time with visits because of football season. It wasn't a good time to be traveling all over the place. 

"All the schools I have offers from now, I plan to visit. I'm definitely planning to visit Notre Dame." 

It might be early in his process, but Barth already knows what he's looking for in a school and it's simple.

"I'm trying to find a program where I fit in the best," explained Barth. "Coaches appreciating me and coaches who want me there - I'm looking for interest from coaches who want me to play for them." 

On the field, Barth loves contact and wants to get a little faster before his senior year.

"I think I'm really good at man-to-man coverage," Barth explained. "My feet and hips are pretty good. I'm good at coming down on the run. 

"In the offseason, I'm going to work on linear speed and my top speed, so I can run with receivers better." 

Most programs see Barth playing in the box at safety or even an outside linebacker, which he's totally fine with.

"They usually project me as a strong safety or an outside linebacker," said Barth.

"Outside linebacker is definitely something I'm cool with. I like to fly around and hit people."

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