Notre Dame Legacy Michael Crounse All Business at Irish Invasion

2023 DeMatha Catholic (Md.) offensive lineman Michael Crounse‍ made his way out to Notre Dame for Irish Invasion and likely had a little extra juice in his step. 

The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder is a Notre Dame legacy, so he had seen many of the sights, but the chance to experience the program as a recruit was different. 

"We usually go out for every spring game," Crounse told ISD. "I've been to South Bend a decent amount of times. It's a great place.

"I hadn't seen the indoor facilities, so that was pretty cool to see. They have some of the best in college football." 

The DeMatha standout didn't make the trip to make memories as Crounse embraced every moment he had with Irish offensive line coach Jeff Quinn. 

"It was great and a lot of fun," stated Crounse. "Notre Dame is one of the best schools for offensive linemen, so being around a guy who has coached some of the best current offensive linemen was great. Overall, it was a great experience." 

Crounse also appreciated the time Quinn and his staff gave to the linemen as they didn't go through the motions. 

"Normally, if you go to certain college camps, they're going to be more 1-on-1 based," explained Crounse. "We had testing, but we did a lot of individual sets and footwork. It was a different experience.

"It was a great group of guys. Everyone there was a high-level football player, so it was good. The defensive line was great when we did 1-on-1s. There was a lot of good competition." 

Quinn also made sure to make time to speak to Crounse and his father throughout the day. 

"I talked to him before the camp and a little bit after the camp with my dad," Crounse stated. "It was pretty cool."

Crounse has seen his recruitment take off over the last few months as Cincinnati, Iowa State, Maryland and Pitt have extended offers. 

"It's surreal," Crounse said of his early offers. "I went to Central Catholic (Pa.) before I transferred to DeMatha last year. I had no recruiting at all. I know I was a freshman, but coming to DeMatha, big-time schools kind of look at you. 

"I want to set up visits to Cincinnati and Pitt soon. Camp-wise, I think I'm going to go to Penn State and West Virginia. We just have to figure out some dates."

And yes, Crounse does hold Notre Dame in high regard and an offer from the Irish would mean the world to him. 

"Growing up as a kid, Notre Dame has always been a dream of mine," said Crounse. "With my dad going there, we've always talked about it. If I had the chance to go there, it'd be hard to pass up."