2023 Texas DL Markis Deal Hopes to See Notre Dame This Summer

Notre Dame has made its presence felt in Texas over the last couple years and the Irish are hitting the state hard in the 2023 recruiting class. 

Naaman Forest (Texas) defensive lineman Markis Deal‍ is the latest to get an offer from the Irish and it's a program that has his interest.

"It was great," Deal said of the offer. "At first, my dad was talking about the culture and everything. It's a big culture school going way back. I think that's great. I want to go to a school where the football culture is big and the students support the football section. It was great getting an offer from them." 

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has family in the Midwest as his mother hails from Illinois, so there is a chance the Deal family makes a trip to Indiana later this summer.

"My grandfather on my mom's side lives in Indianapolis," explained Deal. "Hopefully, over the summer, we'll go visit him and drive up to see some places.

"I just want to visit the school. I haven't been out there at all. I want to see my grandfather and the schools to hang out and have fun."

The Naaman Forest star holds close to 20 offers from big-time programs across the country, but he'll have a decision to make before he picks a school. 

Some programs see him as an offensive lineman, while others see him sticking on the defensive line. 

"Right now, I prefer defense because that's where I play and where my dad coaches me," said Deal. "I'm starting to learn and get more comfortable with offense, but right now, I'm more comfortable with defense." 

Deal's love for the defensive line is much more than it being fun as he enjoys the team aspect of it.

"Defensive line is a team game," stated Deal. "If one person falls out of place, then there goes a big run. You have to trust your teammates to be where they're supposed to be and do what they're supposed to do, but you have to do it too. They have to rely on you. It's a team thing." 

Now, Deal also admits his experience on the defensive line has helped him become a better offensive lineman too. 

"It helps knowing what the defense wants to do and what they're trying to read on you," Deal said. "You can change it up a little to confuse them." 

The chance to speak with some of college football's top coaches is an opportunity Deal has embraced. He's been a sponge when it comes to soaking up information to improve his game.

"It's been crazy talking to all these coaches and having to call the coaches every day," Deal explained. "It's good to talk to them and learn what I need to do or what they think of me. It's awesome getting their knowledge and learning from them." 

As for the summer, Deal only has one visit locked in, but hopes to add more schools to his schedule soon.

"The only camp I know for sure is the SMU camp on June 6th," stated Deal. "We're definitely trying to go visit some colleges and go to a couple of camps. 

"Arizona State, I've been talking to the coaches a lot. I've seen Baylor and Texas, but I'd like to see them again. Probably Oklahoma State too. I've seen their facilities through virtual meetings and I'd love to go see that." 

As for a decision, Deal isn't focused on a commitment and will take his time to enjoy the process, but also to find the best fit.

"I know I have time to make a decision," said Deal. "I know there will be more offers to come and I have to take my time."

Jason Howell of TexAgs.com contributed to this article.