2023 DL Kendrick Gilbert 'Shocked' by Notre Dame Offer

Sunday was a big day for 2023 Cathedral (Ind.) defensive lineman Kendrick Gilbert‍. 

The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder made his way to Notre Dame for Irish Invasion and left South Bend with an offer. 

"I was doing one-on-ones and I was doing pretty well," Gilbert told ISD. "Coach (Mike) Elston pulled me to the side and told me to keep up the good work. I won a few more reps and after the last rep, he pulled me off and said, 'Congratulations, you have an offer.'

"I was shocked." 

Gilbert's time with Elston was memorable as the Indianapolis native improved his game, but also got an invite to come back later this summer. 

"The camp was great," Gilbert explained. "Coach Elston is a fun guy to be around. He worked us as hard as he could when it was time to work. He taught me a lot of things I could use in the future.

"He told me to come back for a visit when the players would be there."

The early attention on the recruiting trail caught Gilbert by surprise as Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa and Purdue have also offered. 

“To have offers this early is shocking," stated Gilbert. "I didn't expect to have this many offers around this time. I was hoping just to get one and then after the first one came, many more started to pour in." 

Gilbert isn't done with his June camp circuit, so his offer list could grow. He was at Ohio State on Tuesday and will make stops at a few more schools before its all said and done. 

"Sunday, I'm going to Kentucky and then I want to say on the 20th I'll be down in Cincinnati," Gilbert said. "On the 19th, I'll be going to Indiana." 

As for a commitment, Gilbert expects he'll be ready to make a decision the summer before his senior year. 

And as the offers roll in, Gilbert will be paying close attention to the coaching staff and the school to see if he fits. 

"I'm looking for a coach that I like, but that's also involved and can push me to be the best," said Gilbert. "I want to go to a school that has great academics. The environment of the school is also important - a lot of socializing and great people to be around." 

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