Notre Dame Offer A Significant One For 2022 ATH Nolan Ziegler

2022 Catholic Central (Mich.) athlete Nolan Ziegler‍ has worked tirelessly to play Division I football and he’s been presented the chance to do just that as several programs have offered already. 

On Wednesday, the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder got the offer he had patiently been waiting on as Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea had good news. 

"I called Coach Lea and we had a good talk,” Ziegler told Irish Sports Daily. “He told me he wanted to offer me. It surprised me a little bit. I had talked to them once before. 

“I did a bunch of drills the other day and I think that was the final thing they needed. It was a little bit of a surprise, but I kind of knew it was happening. It was still super exciting." 

Ziegler has grown up going to Notre Dame games, but there is also a deep family history with the University. It’s not a secret anymore, but Ziegler’s grandfather and great uncle played on the 1973 team and now he’ll have the opportunity to do the same.

"I was a little emotional because it's crazy just going there as a kid and always wanting to there or play somewhere big,” stated Ziegler. “The opportunity is finally happening, so it's cool to see the hard work paying off." 

Michigan and Notre Dame make up the Grand Rapids native’s last two offers and while Ziegler appreciates the other offers, he knows those are big-time for someone in the area.

"That's like the big two around here,” said Ziegler. 

Notre Dame projects Ziegler at Rover, which is no surprise as Jack Kiser and Drue Tranquill had similar skillsets as juniors in high school. 

"It's their strong safety/outside linebacker position,” explained Ziegler. “I have a lot of power coming from my legs. I can come up and hit guys, but also cover in space, so that's big. Overall, I can make plays on the field, too."

When it comes to what Ziegler is looking for in a school, Notre Dame is the perfect fit, but he also wants to visit Notre Dame and other schools when the NCAA allows it to see how he fits with the 2022 recruiting class, coaches and the team. 

"The academics are important,” Ziegler stated. “I also want to meet the kids coming in with the class. I want to meet the coaches and visit. I haven't been able to be on campus at any school yet."