2022 RB JD Price Hopes to Visit Notre Dame & Others Soon
Life is a little different for JD Price right now.
The 2022 Denison (Texas) running back is dealing with some unusual weather, but it’s something he’s embracing despite the challenges.
"We just got done with basketball and we don't have school this week because of the snowstorm,” Price told ISD. “It's cold, but it doesn't really snow like this in Texas that often. I'm not taking it for granted."
Price is also making sure he turns his attention to his recruitment as his basketball season recently wrapped up. Notre Dame is a program that has shown a great deal of interest in him and it’s a school that has his attention.
"It's going well,” Price said of his conversations with the Irish staff. “I'd say they are in my top three. I've been talking with Coach (Lance) Taylor. I just had a virtual meeting with Brian Polian and Coach Taylor where I learned a lot about Notre Dame."
The virtual visit was a great experience for Price as he was able to learn numerous things about Notre Dame, including opportunities for student-athletes away from football.
"A lot of it was about the culture and what the program is about,” explained Price. “I was able to see the different programs at the school and it really hit me because I didn't know some of them existed. Traveling to different countries is a pretty cool opportunity along with a lot of things outside of football they introduced to me."
Notre Dame offered the four-star prospect 23 days ago, so the relationship is relatively new, but Price has quickly gained respect for Taylor and how he recruits.
"The relationship is developing and he's a cool dude,” said Price. “He stays in touch with me pretty often. He's not a coach that hits me up three times a day. He's there texting me every other day, so I really respect that from him."
In addition to Notre Dame, Baylor, Oklahoma State and Utah are also coming after the Denison star. Baylor is the only in-state team in that bunch and while there are perks of staying in Texas, Price has realized there are great opportunities out of state as well.
"I've really been opened minded and I've learned a lot about Notre Dame and a lot of colleges outside my home state,” Price stated. “I feel a lot more comfortable taking an opportunity out of state, so it's not really the biggest thing I'm worried about anymore."
Price is a unique prospect in that he holds offers from Auburn, Baylor, Ohio State, TCU, Texas and USC, while also being offered from Notre Dame and Stanford. The chance to play a high-level of football and get a great education is something Price takes a great deal of pride in.
“It’s truly a blessing,” Price said. “People don't just see the athletic side of me and that I work just as hard in the classroom as I do on the field.
"The fact I could get a prestigious education from Notre Dame or Stanford to take me further in life and make me stronger with my social life. It's great."
As spring rolls around, Price hopes to get on the road to visit a few colleges. He’s also aware those visits might happen during the dead period, so contact with the coaching staff won’t be possible, but the opportunity to see different campuses is important to Price.
"I have a pretty good idea of the schools I'm really focused on right now,” explained Price. “The dead period was moved to May 31st, so I've been trying to make some academic visits. I was supposed to go to Notre Dame this week, but my flights got canceled because of the weather.
"I've just been trying to get on different campuses to see what the campus life is like, even though I can't have contact with the coaches. I just want to see it personally, so I can get closer to that decision. The weather and COVID is making it difficult."
Price hasn’t seen a lot of programs to date and a visit to Texas early in his high school career opened his eyes to what he can get out of a visiting a program. The chance to learn more about the program is important, but building relationships and seeing how he fits into the program is crucial to make the right decision.
"It's hard,” said Price. “I've had one really great experience when I went up to Texas when I was a freshman going into my sophomore year. I was able to experience the town of Austin, but the culture of Texas and all that stuff.
"I got to experience a BBQ party and hang out with some of the coaches like they were my own coaches, which was cool.
"I know I won't get to really experience stuff like that this year, but it's a little frustrating. I feel it's necessary to take these trips as much as possible to see where I fit the best."