2022 LB Jaylen Sneed on Notre Dame: "It was amazing'

2022 Hilton Head Island (S.C.) linebacker Jaylen Sneed‍ has had a busy weekend. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder visited Tennessee on Friday, went to Atlanta for a camp and then traveled to Notre Dame on Sunday night for an independent visit Monday morning. 

The four-star prospect toured the Notre Dame campus (in 65-degree weather) with his head coach BJ Payne and left South Bend blown away by what he saw. 

"I didn't really have any expectations, but as soon as I walked on campus, I knew this place was amazing," Sneed told ISD. "You could see all the brickwork and the fine details. You could see all the tradition they have. It was just amazing." 

Sneed was able to see Touchdown Jesus and light a candle at The Grotto, but it was perhaps Notre Dame's most unique landmark that impressed him the most.

"The Golden Dome," Sneed stated. "I didn't know that was here until a few weeks ago when I did a virtual visit. When I saw it in person, it was truly amazing." 

The trip to Knoxville was also important for Sneed to make and he came away impressed with what he saw from Tennessee.

"It's a lot different," Sneed said of the two visits. "It was beautiful and nice. It was good to walk around. They both have beautiful indoor facilities looking from the outside in. 

"Two great campuses and I really liked both." 

Due to NCAA rules, the Notre Dame staff couldn't interact with Sneed, but the staff has made a significant impression on the South Carolina native. 

"Marcus Freeman is a really good guy," explained Sneed. "We talk a lot of football and relationship stuff. He's known Coach Payne for a long time.

"He sees me as a pass rusher that can come from anywhere - middle, outside and maybe a little bit of free safety." 

Sneed doesn't feel any pressure to commit to Notre Dame as the Irish fill up at the linebacker spot and hopes to make a few more unofficial visits to Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M. 

And expect Sneed to return to Notre Dame in June as he wants to return to South Bend before making a decision. 

"I definitely want to come back to Notre Dame to take an official," said Sneed. "Oregon - those are the two I've set in stone so far.

"I want to make a decision before the football season."