Top 2022 OL Julian Armella Aware of Notre Dame's History in the Trenches

2022 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) offensive lineman Julian Armella‍ has one of the nicest offer lists in his recruiting class and Notre Dame joined the race this week. 

"My head coach had told me about the offer and I'm pretty sure Notre Dame was in the building," the 6-foot-6, 305-pounder stated. "I got the card of the running backs coach and was told he had offered me." 

Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and many more have offered, but Armella was still fired up for the Irish offer.

"It was such a surreal moment because I know of all the great offensive linemen come out of that school," explained Armella. "That's one of the more notable schools to get an offensive line offer from.

"Knowing I have the opportunity to go to school there is a blessing."

Zack Martin, Mike McGlinchey, Quenton Nelson and Ronnie Stanley are hot names in the NFL, but Armella has a connection to another Notre Dame offensive lineman. 

Sam Young, a former five-star prospect, attended St. Thomas Aquinas and the two have already built a connection.

"I actually am in close connection with him," stated Armella. "I have worked out with him before." 

Armella will tell you the world of big-time recruiting is tough to handle at times, but he's embraced the fact he's put himself in a rare position.

"As a sophomore, it's a lot to handle," Armella said. "I try to be a leader on and off the field. My dad told me with great ability, I have to take care of things and I can't throw it all away." 

The Florida native also believes attending St. Thomas Aquinas has prepared him to handle his recruitment while also preparing him for college. 

"After the last two years at St. Thomas Aquinas, I know I'm at the best program I could be at," Armella explained. "They prepare you for college. They condition you and make you wake up at 5:00 AM. It's like college. Wherever I decide to go, I'll be prepared." 

When it comes to visits, South Bend is a place Armella would like to see when his schedule slows down.

"My coach said Notre Dame wants me to get up on a visit, so maybe in the summer, I'll be able to get up there," said Armella. "As of right now, I might be going to Alabama in March." 

To this point, Armella has only visited in-state programs as he's been to Miami (twice), Florida and UCF, but he'll look to change that sooner than later. 

"I don't have a problem at all leaving the state," said Armella. "The only reason I've only gone to in-state schools is because I'm in school and after the season ended, I went straight into basketball. 

"Once spring football is over, I'll be able to get some visits in this summer."