Elston, Freeman Make '23 DE Kennedy McDowell Feel At Home On Notre Dame Visit

2023 Memorial (Texas) defensive end Kennedy McDowell‍ had heard about Notre Dame since receiving his offer in May. 

The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder was told Notre Dame was a special place, but he hadn't experienced it for himself. 

That changed over the weekend as McDowell traveled to South Bend and saw Notre Dame in-depth over a two-day visit. 

"Everyone hyped it up before my visit," McDowell told ISD. "I knew I needed to go check it out and see what the hype was about. 

"To see it, it was - wow." 

What made the experience for McDowell? Many things. 

The Texas native raved about the coaches, people around Notre Dame, Irish Invasion and the campus.

However, one presentation hit home more than the sights and sounds of Notre Dame. 

"They got me on the presentation alone," explained McDowell. “Going to the athletic facilities was great in itself, but when we did the 'Only at Notre Dame' presentation, it was enough to get me. I was beyond blown away. It was so informational and mind-blowing. It was crazy." 

The opportunities away from the field catch the attention of many recruits, but for McDowell, it hit differently. He saw the bigger picture Notre Dame was offering. 

"The student-athletes stay in the dorms with the student body and I love that aspect," said McDowell. "Notre Dame has a study abroad program that they offer and I thought that was amazing. There are so many things.

"The other impressive thing was if you go off to the league, you can come back and finish your degree at any time you want. That's a blessing and just awesome.

"After you graduate and being alumni, you get perks. Notre Dame takes care of you.”

McDowell has made time to get work in with defensive line coach Mike Elston. It was a chance to feel out Elston's personality and coaching style and for Elston and the Irish staff to evaluate the Memorial star. 

"The camp was so much fun," stated McDowell. "Coach Elston was awesome. He was so much fun coaching us. I'm was just really impressed by some of the moves he showed us."

Elston's message in The Gug hit its mark as McDowell saw how he could develop him as a football player. 

"First of all, the thing I told him was, 'Coach, you're a lot taller than I thought you'd be,'" laughed McDowell.  

"He's straight up and I love it. He's super funny. I have a lot of respect for him. He showed me some video of their defensive linemen. Seeing them in action and him explaining it made so much more sense to what he was preaching. 

"To see the evidence behind what he teaches is very reassuring." 

Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman also significantly impacted McDowell during the visit as his message was also clear. 

"He definitely communicated very well with me," explained McDowell. "I loved Coach Freeman. He was very, very kind and nice - just very friendly. It was inviting. 

"He said, 'We want you.' I said, 'Thank you.' 

"He was straightforward with me as well. That's what I do like and appreciate. I'm beyond grateful for it. It was such an honor to be at Notre Dame." 

As far as a commitment, McDowell is taking his time as Notre Dame was just his second visit as he was at Vanderbilt last week as well. 

"I plan on committing the summer of my junior year," said McDowell. "That's the time I want to get a commitment in, but everything else is just about exposure. 

"I could have a set in stone plan in my mind about what college I want to go to, but I also couldn't. We'll find out and see, but I want to see all these colleges and see how college works. This is a learning phase for me until I get to know what I want to do. 

"Notre Dame is definitely top-tier. It's a top-notch program."