Notre Dame Commitment A Dream Come True For 2021 OL Pat Coogan
Even as the scholarship offers rapidly grew in quality and quantity last month and the possibility of future visits uncertain, Pat Coogan expected to wait a while before making his decision.
But that changed on Wednesday, when the 2021 Chicago offensive lineman sat down with his family and there was a consensus that Notre Dame was an opportunity too great to pass up regardless of timing.
“Initially, I didn’t think this decision would come as accelerated as it did,” said Coogan. “Me and my parents sat down and had discussions and it was the best fit for me. I felt like there was no reason to wait.”
The Marist High School star committed to the Irish on Wednesday evening, first to his area recruiter and Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, then to offensive line coach Jeff Quinn and ultimately to head coach Brian Kelly.
“They were very excited,” said Coogan. “They were super pumped.”
The decision may not have been an easy one, but ultimately, it seems to have been a simple one.
“The people there, the atmosphere, the opportunities they provide on the football field and off, especially for me,” he said. “The impact of the degree, especially in the Chicagoland area, that’s huge for me.
“It being close to home and my parents being able to drive to all of the home games was a big decision-maker. My family being able to be there was big in my decision. Everything that comes with Notre Dame, I want to be a part of it.”
The on-field opportunities were impossible to ignore as well.
“It’s a football powerhouse, obviously,” he said. “Playing in that stadium and on NBC every week, that’s rare. It’s something to be proud of, happy about and excited for. I know they’re on the brink of a national championship, so I want to help bring it to them.”
In the tweet he sent announcing his decision to the college football world on Wednesday, Coogan included a picture of himself, his brother, father and grandfather.
It was taken years ago, just before the family left Chicago for a game in South Bend.
“It’s really a dream come true. Looking at photos, the love of the Irish grew, going to games and watching games, to be able to live that out, it was a special day, special moment.”