2023 DE Chandavian Bradley Goes In-Depth on Notre Dame Visit

2023 Platte County (Mo.) defensive end Chandavian Bradley‍ wasted little time getting to Notre Dame as Tuesday marked the first time recruits could visit schools in over a year. 

The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder was the first prospect Notre Dame hosted since the break in visits and Bradley had a great time seeing what the Irish program had to offer. 

"It was a great experience to be able to see all the coaches," Bradley told ISD. "Coach (Mike) Elston, Coach (Marcus) Freeman and Coach (Chad) Bowden were all genuinely nice and pretty funny, especially Coach Bowden. Meeting them was one of the highlights of the day. 

"Seeing all the monuments like Touchdown Jesus, First Down Moses and knowing all the history they have behind it was great." 

It was the first time the four-star defensive end had got to meet the Notre Dame staff face-to-face, but there weren't any awkward moments as the coaches had done a great job leading up the visit. 

"It came more natural than anything," stated Bradley. "I've been talking to them since February. Getting to meet them in person was great. It was only different because I actually got to shake their hand and hear their voice in person." 

Elston has made the Missouri native a priority over the last three months and his message was simple on Tuesday. 

"If I come to Notre Dame and get my degree, I will be set for life, no matter what happens," Bradley said of Elston's message. "I could get a job anywhere at any time." 

Bradley was also shown film of how Elston and Freeman would use him in Notre Dame's defense. 

"They showed me film of the people they compare me to," Bradley said. "They have a Vyper position and it's pretty much like an outside linebacker that drops into coverage and rushes the passer. 

"Coach Elston had videos of the drills they do and then he showed me clips of them doing it games and getting to the quarterback." 

Bradley also got to have conversations with Freeman and head coach Brian Kelly. 

They echoed similar messages as Elston as education was driven home during the trip. 

"When we went into his office, it was just me, dad and my brother," Bradley said of his talk with Freeman. "We sat down and we had a conversation about everything that goes on. He told us about his time at Cincinnati and what he's doing at Notre Dame. He's implementing all the stuff he taught at Cincinnati at Notre Dame. 

"We also got into education and everything else." 

Bowden is also new to the program and made a quick impression on Bradley with his outgoing personality. 

"His energy - he has a really great energy when he comes out," stated Bradley. "He always has a smile on his face and has energy. He's always welcoming and he seems like a great guy." 

One of the many highlights for Bradley on the visit was the chance to walk the field at Notre Dame Stadium and then try on the Irish jersey for a photoshoot. 

"After I finished talking to Coach Elston, we went down to the football field," Bradley explained. "I got to go down to the middle of the field and look at the stands and everything.

"Then we went to the locker room and they had pads, a jersey with my number, cleats, gloves, hats sleeves and everything - the whole nine yards for me to wear and then we took photos." 

Bradley will now focus on a trip to Ohio State next week and Oklahoma on June 19th. 

The thought of committing to Notre Dame today didn't cross his mind as he wants to experience other programs and see all of his options.

"I'm keeping my options open, especially since I play basketball," said Bradley. "I want to see where that takes me too. 

"Oklahoma said they'd give me the chance to play both, so I want to see if other schools will give me the chance to play both and I can go from there."