2022 Notre Dame TE Target Jack Nickel Previews Midwestern Swing

The extended dead period isn’t going to stop Jack Nickel‍ from taking a quick tour of a few Midwestern schools next week.

The NCAA instituted a dead period at the start of the COVID-19 crisis and it’s since been extended through the end of August. It doesn’t prevent anybody from actually traveling to schools, but does prohibit college coaches from visiting with any prospects while on campus.

So, the 2022 Georgia tight end and his family will hit the road stopping at Notre Dame, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Purdue while squeezing in a stop to visit with Nickel’s grandparents in Ohio.

“I’m very excited,” Nickel said. “I just really want to feel the campuses and see if they’re really a fit for me.”

Nickel was in South Bend for the Irish’s win over USC last fall, but arrived on Saturday afternoon and departed after the game.

“I really want to get back out to Notre Dame and see the full campus because last time it was limited because I didn’t have that much time because I had a game the night before,” he said. “This time, there aren’t any time restrictions, so I’ll get a much better feel.”

He isn’t concerned about not being able to get a full tour like on a traditional unofficial visit.

“I already saw the facilities and they’re very nice,” the Milton High School star said. “Facilities aren’t a big thing to me because everybody has nice facilities and I’ve talked on the phone with the coaches before.

“The goal of these visits is to see the campuses, so it’s not really a big deal not getting to see any of the football facilities.”

Nickel has remained in touch with Irish tight ends coach John McNulty since being offered back in May.

“He’s definitely one of my favorite coaches I’ve talked to,” Nickel said of McNulty. “He’s a really straightforward guy. His experience in the NFL, he definitely knows what he’s talking about. It would be great to have him as my coach if I end up going to Notre Dame, we’ll see.”

McNulty doesn’t have an offer from the Buckeyes yet, but is in regular contact with their staff and is very familiar with the campus.

“I’ve been to Ohio State plenty of times,” he said. “My grandparents live 10 miles from Ohio State. With it being so close, I can always go see Ohio State. I’ve been talking to Coach (Kevin) Wilson from Ohio State, their offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, like every week.”

Nickel does have an offer from the Badgers, but this will be his first trip to Madison.

“It’ll be good to go see Wisconsin,” he said.

He doesn’t have any sort of deadline for a decision at this point.

“Anything is possible, but I think it will be more during the season. But I don’t really have a specific date or anything. It just depends on how it all goes with my visits. There’s a lot of time between now and the season, so we’ll see.”