Notre Dame A Significant Offer For 2021 DE Jason Onye

Notre Dame isn't afraid to go into any high school to recruit a prospect and the Irish went to Rhode Island on Wednesday for its latest offer. 

Defensive line coach Mike Elston offered 2021 Bishop Hendricken defensive end Jason Onye‍ following Signing Day festivities and it was a big one for the Rhode Island native.

"I had called Coach Elston, the defensive line coach at Notre Dame," stated Onye. "I was excited. I really like Notre Dame - one of my top schools and one of my favorite schools growing up. 

"I just like the whole culture and everything about it." 

The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder is raw, but his athleticism jumps off the screen. Elston wasted little time making it clear the Irish want him in South Bend soon for a visit.

"He was telling me he liked the way I play with my aggressiveness," said Onye. "He saw a lot of potential in me and wants me to visit soon." 

Onye's potential is sky-high as 2019 was only his second year of football. 

"I just started playing football last year," explained Onye. "I played one year in fourth-grade, but I stopped playing until last year.

"I feel like my strength, speed and athleticism are strengths. I need to work on using my hands more." 

Notre Dame isn't the only program to offer as Arizona, Boston College, Connecticut, Duke, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, Rhode Island, Rutgers, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia have also extended early offers. 

The attention was very unexpected, but Onye is embracing it.

"I didn't expect this to happen," Onye said. "I was completely surprised, especially being from Rhode Island. It's crazy to think about." 

Onye has visited a few of the Midwest powerhouses and it's not a shock the culture and atmosphere of big-time football impressed. 

"I've visited Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. I hope to get to Notre Dame and Virginia Tech soon.

"Penn State - I've talked to Notre Dame a lot, so they're up there. I talk with Virginia Tech, Michigan and Ohio State a lot." 

As for what he's looking for in a program, Onye wants to get the full college experience on and off the field. 

"I'm looking at the academics and culture," said Onye. "How I fit in the culture and the program." 

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