Top 2022 RB Dallan Hayden Impressed with Notre Dame Following Visit

2022 Christian Brothers (Tenn.) running back Dallan Hayden‍ has been a long-time target for Notre Dame and despite making a visit in the spring, the four-star prospect had yet to have face-to-face interaction with anyone in South Bend. 

That changed in a hurry this weekend as Hayden made his way to Notre Dame for an official visit and the Tennessee native felt a difference in visits immediately. 

"I'd say it went pretty well,” Hayden told ISD. “I had a great visit and I learned more. It was better than my last visit here because I could talk to the coaches and everyone." 

Running backs coach Lance Taylor and Hayden already had a strong relationship heading into the weekend and it only improved over the last 48 hours.

"He's really cool and laidback,” Hayden said. “He's a really good ball coach. I have nothing but positive things to say about that man." 

Hayden also got to spend time around head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly’s message resonated with Hayden as he’s looking for what the Irish program can offer. 

"He's a players coach,” stated Hayden. “He may not seem like it to the media, but he's a players coach. He's a really good guy. He's going to make sure you do right on the field and off. Coach Kelly is big on graduating and he preaches that. He's just a good guy.

"He's also very funny." 

Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree took turns hosting Hayden over the weekend as they arrived back on campus for the summer. 

Hayden clicked with both and also discovered they have similar goals. 

"I got to hang out with Kyren Williams, Chris Tyree and Kyle Hamilton,” said Hayden. “They were all good guys. All of them are successful and have the same goals I have. 

"It seems like the culture Coach Kelly has made here, the players all have the same goals and stuff." 

The Christian Brothers star took an official visit to Illinois last week and will head to Ohio State for his final official next weekend. Notre Dame doesn’t hide from academics and it’s something Hayden appreciated.

"You get both at Notre Dame - academics and football,” Hayden said. “That's a positive. You're going to compete for a National Championship and earn a degree from Notre Dame. That carries a lot of weight." 

As for a decision, Hayden knows it's coming sooner than later. 

“I'll be interested to see how my last visit goes with Ohio State and then I'll know where I stand with my recruitment,” said Hayden. 

"I don't have an exact date, but it will be before my senior season."