2021 K Chris Salerno Excited About Opportunity At Notre Dame
Chris Salerno had plenty of college options, but the 2021 kicker from California had long narrowed in one specific opportunity.
“Notre Dame was always my top choice, but there were some other schools,” the Crespi Carmelite High School standout said. “I had some interest from Division III, Division II, NAIA and some walk-on interest from a couple other Division-I schools in the Ivy League.”
Salerno also entertained the possibility of joining his brother, Michael who is a walk-on at SMU, but in the end, decided to join his brother, Matthew who is a walk-on with the Irish.
“Notre Dame was definitely my number one throughout and once I found out I was in and they gave me this opportunity, I didn’t want to wait,” said Salerno.
So, on Tuesday, Salerno announced his commitment to the Irish.
“I’ve always loved Notre Dame, our whole family has,” he said. “First off, I’ve always prided myself on having high academic achievements. Notre Dame is a great choice academically. Football is kind of like the icing on the cake that would add to my decision. I get to do what I love at Notre Dame and attend the school I always wanted to go to.”
He’s looking forward to playing on the same squad as his brother again after doing so when he was a freshman in high school. He’s also hoping to replicate the success that has allowed Matthew to become a contributor as the Irish’s starting punt returner all season.
“I’m just looking for an opportunity,” Salerno said. “He worked hard and pounced on an opportunity when it was given to him. I’ll continue to work hard and if an opportunity comes about, I’ll take that opportunity and do the best with it that I can. I’m just looking for that opportunity just like he did to contribute as much as possible.
“I believe they’ve seen Matthew’s work ethic and they know I’ll come in with the same mentality, just working hard and fighting for that opportunity. It’s the right fit; I want to be with them and they want me. It’s the right fit, the right time.”
Notre Dame signed a kicker in the Class of 2021 in California’s Josh Bryan, but jumped at the chance to add another Salerno to the roster.
“It’s just the right fit,” Salerno said. “They know what they’re going to get after experiencing Matthew.
“It’s very exciting. I’m still a little bit in shock even from last week, just knowing I got into school. It still hasn’t hit me at times when I think about it again that I’m going to Notre Dame and get to play football there.”