Freeman embraces Notre Dame brand, elevating recruiting

At Cincinnati, Marcus Freeman had helped the Bearcats consistently beat out Power 5 programs to help land some of that program's all-time highest-rated recruits.

It was just in November that Freeman had led the Bearcats' efforts to gain a verbal commitment from four-star Florida linebacker Melvin Jordan.

Yet in less than a month on the job at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish new defensive coordinator has made it clear there aren't any doors he won't kick in on the recruiting trail.

That, Freeman said, is testament to the Notre Dame brand.

“When you're recruiting at Notre Dame, it's unique in terms of you can get every player in the country to answer your phone call,” Freeman said. “Or every player in the country to return your call because they respect the brand. They respect the university of Notre Dame. And so it's been unique in that way.”

With Notre Dame's global recognition for both academics and football, as well as the school's geographical challenges – the state of Indiana, per various metrics, ranks consistently in the 30s among states producing major-college football prospects – mandate the Irish explore all recruiting regions.

“I have not updated my own stats, but a year ago there were 31 different states represented on our roster,” Notre Dame recruiting and special teams coordinator Brian Polian said. “There are very few programs in the country that are going to cover such a wide swath as we are.”

Freeman's impact on Irish recruiting has been immediate. The former Ohio State standout player and 2020 Broyles Award finalist has infused an elevated swagger into Notre Dame's recruiting.

Too, those who know Freeman tout his drive, energy and work ethic – all vital characteristics in recruiting in this hyper-competitive environment.

For his part, Freeman's relishing the opportunity to recruit to a school in Notre Dame that, while it has not won a national championship since 1988, has played for college football's top prize three times since 2012 under Brian Kelly.

“When we have a such a unique brand and a program to sell in terms of the things I've been telling recruits, is it everything you want in any program? It's all for you,” Freeman said. “You got a chance to win a national championship here. Looking at what Coach Kelly and his football program have done over the past five years has been unbelievable, you know, to be in the College Football Playoffs two of the past three years.

“There's not many teams that can say that. And to be developed into an NFL draft pick, which every kid that we're talking to has these goals.”

Freeman doubled-down on the advantages of recruiting to Notre Dame and cited no limitations.

“You know, you can be developed here better, just as good or better than anywhere else in the country,” Freeman said. “Coach Kelly and his staff has done an unbelievable job before I've gotten here [with player development].

“And now the difference is you got a chance to say, 'You're going to the University of Notre Dame and that's, to me. the difference. Yes, you can win a national championship. Yes, you can be developed to be a first-round Draft pick, but now you get to say you're a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, which does things for you after you're done playing football, that'll take care of you for the rest of your life.”