Recruiting Week In Review
Written by Joe Bradshaw
Colleges have found it necessary to revamp their recruiting schedules because of the one month dead period mandated by the NCAA as a result of the effects of COVID-19. Many believe that circumstances will force the extension of that period but that remains to be seen. It seems that most prospects are taking the disruptions in stride while making their own adjustments. Last week Irish Sports Daily reported on two 2021 recruits who possess a strong interest in Notre Dame and are calmly remaining patient about resuming the process of ultimately choosing a program. What have you been missing by not being a member of Irish Sports Daily?
Jayden Thomas, WR, 6-2,185, Pace Academy, Atlanta, GA planned to use the spring as a time for checking out those programs competing for him. Those plans are on hold for now as he, like so much of the rest of the nation, finds himself in limbo because of the restrictions that have been put in place in the fight against COVID-19.
“I had some visits that were getting planned, that I guess are not anymore,” he said. “I was looking at Alabama and Arkansas.”
While his schedule has changed, Thomas doesn’t believe he will be forced into a hectic series of visits to see the schools at which he’s considering playing at the next level.
“I still have time to go to games on Saturdays during the fall, so I don’t know.”
Thomas currently holds offers from top programs like Notre Dame, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan, South Carolina and many others. All of these schools have kept in touch with the four-star wide receiver during the current situation. Included in those communicating with Thomas is Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly.
“On Twitter, Coach Kelly told me about the whole situation and the date they were hoping to be opened,” Thomas shared. “He sent me a DM about the situation.”
Thomas has already been to Notre Dame and wants to return.
“It’s just the school,” he said of why he’s so interested in the Irish. “I kind of fell in love with it when I took my visit, just the whole vibe I got and Coach Kelly.”
Thomas said he also has trips planned for Alabama and Ohio State and possibly Michigan.
Like Thomas, Donovan McMillon, S, 6-2, 185, Peters Township High School, Canonsburg, PA has been forced to change his visit schedule this spring. He was even further hamstrung this winter because of his wrestling season, a season that saw him finish second in the state at 182 pounds in the always tough wrestling state of Pennsylvania.
“It’s definitely affected it a little bit due to visits,” McMillon explained. “I was definitely planning to visit schools throughout March and April. I was in wrestling so I didn’t get a chance to go to a lot of schools during the period.”
He knows, though, that in the broader scope of things, his recruiting is not nearly as important as the other events currently occurring.
“I’m worried about the other people who actually have their lives in danger,” he said. “The sooner we get to the point where I can go on visits, good; but it’s whatever goes.”
McMillon’s offer sheet has expanded significantly in recent months with schools like Notre Dame, Pitt, Penn State, Michigan, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Iowa and others stepping to the plate. Before COVID-19, he was planning a very busy couple of months.
“I was planning to go to Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Michigan, Pitt, Penn State and I think five or six other ones,” he said. “I’ve gone on three visits this whole year and it’s been Vanderbilt, Pitt and Miami-Ohio.”
He’s not terribly concerned about getting his visits in, though.
“I think I’m going to get to all of the schools,” McMillon said. “It’s definitely going to delay the process of possibly committing early, but I’m just going to see how it goes and I’ll have to decide when it’s all cleared up.”
Notre Dame has stayed in frequent and regular contact with the three-star safety.
“Basically, they told me to stay fit and healthy,” he shared. “They said they don’t really know what’s going on or when the next possible date is. I’ve heard some coaches talk about the next time to get visits may be June.”
While he doesn’t know when he’ll get to South Bend, he’s definitely looking forward to it.
“I love getting to know them,” he said. “They were with me throughout my postseason in wrestling. I can’t wait to meet them in person and have them show me what Notre Dame is all about.”
These two summaries represent just a sample of the Notre Dame football recruiting information available each week on Irish Sports Daily.