2023 DE Kennedy McDowell Excited for Notre Dame Visit

2023 Memorial (Texas) DE Kennedy McDowell‍ wasted zero time setting up a visit to Notre Dame after the Irish offered just 20 days ago. 

The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder will be on campus this weekend to get his first Notre Dame experience. 

"It was a good opportunity to visit the campus after getting all these offers," McDowell told ISD. "The dead period was just lifted too. We as a family thought it was a great opportunity to get up there and really check it out to see what the hype is all about." 

Defensive line coach Mike Elston has taken the lead on McDowell's recruitment and the two have hit it off over the last few weeks. 

"We've been talking to him about when to come visit and really getting to know him and him to know us," stated McDowell. "It's been really fun. I've enjoyed it a lot." 

The Texas native has also enjoyed getting to know Elston outside of football. The two also have a common interest in a sport where they've seen family members have great success. 

"I know he has a daughter that swims and my older brother swam as well," McDowell explained. "He was a State Champion in the freestyle, so we have a lot in common. He thought it was awesome that my older brother was a swimmer. 

"Getting to know him personally really breaks it down. He's a family guy. He's really nice and kind." 

McDowell was at Vanderbilt on Monday and he has seen similar approaches from both programs. 

"Our relationship with Vanderbilt is pretty much the same as Notre Dame as they offered at the same time," said McDowell. "We're looking forward to meeting the coaches in person and that's what I'm really excited for." 

The Memorial star will also camp at TCU, Texas and Texas A&M in June as he hopes to grow his offer list. 

And the chance to be able to workout and visit programs isn't lost on McDowell. 

"I'm a road trip kind of guy, so being able to take all these road trips and go to these campuses is going to be really fun," said McDowell. "It's not going to be stressful. 

"Being able to go to camps is very eye-opening too. My parents and I have never gone through this before, so this will be one heck of a ride. It's just going to be fun and opportunity." 

Offers: Arizona State, Colorado, Florida International, Kansas, Notre Dame, SMU and Vanderbilt

Sophomore Highlights