2021 Five-Star Gage Puterbaugh Happy with Notre Dame's Plan

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston made a trip to Richmond (Ind.) recently to check on 2021 kicker Gage Puterbaugh‍.

Elston's efforts were returned as Puterbaugh returned to Notre Dame on Saturday for Junior Day.

"It was amazing to be back on campus," stated Puterbaugh. "It's breathtaking being there." 

Puterbaugh was able to get a look around campus and the program, which he hadn't seen before.

"They showed us around campus, the athletic complex, the indoor facilities, the weight room and we watched a team lift," recalled Puterbaugh. 

"After lunch, we went to the bookstore and I had a one-on-one meeting with Coach Brian Polian, which was really good." 

Polian was able to communicate Notre Dame's plan for taking a 2021 kicker and the 5-foot-10, 165-pounder loved what he heard.

"He wants me to come back in June for the specialist camp," explained Puterbaugh. "If I do good, they'll evaluate me and go from there." 

It's also safe to say an offer from Notre Dame would be a significant one for the Indiana native.

"It would be huge for everyone around me and my family," stated Puterbaugh. "I'd be just about three hours from home." 

Puterbaugh plans to return to Notre Dame in the coming months in addition to camp as well as a couple MAC programs.

"I'll be at Ball State and Miami (Ohio)," Puterbaugh said. "I'll be coming back to Notre Dame this spring for a few visits." 

On the visits, Puterbaugh will be paying close attention to the football aspect, but maybe even more to the academic opportunities. 

"I'm going to take a look at the academic side," said Puterbaugh. "The student to teacher ratio at Notre Dame is amazing, but also to be considered a student and not just a football player is amazing too. 

"I want to have all the resources to be successful."