Notre Dame Makes Move with Top 2023 OL Kadyn Proctor
2023 Southeast Polk (Iowa) offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor has been a priority for Notre Dame offensive line coach Jeff Quinn from day one.
The 6-foot-7, 300-pounder has also held Notre Dame in high regard since earning the offer and made his way to campus last week.
"I'm going to say it right now," Proctor told ISD. "Notre Dame is one of my top schools and it was probably one of the best visits that I've had."
Bold words from the four-star prospect, but there's depth behind the words.
Proctor got an in-depth look at the program and the information he learned has stuck with him.
"I'm a big religious guy and Christian," Proctor explained. "I know it's a Catholic school, but they do mass as a whole team once a year and stuff. That's something I believe in. That was cool for me to see.
"The education is like an Ivy League school because Notre Dame only has a 16% acceptance rate. There are only 8,000 kids there, so you're going to know a lot of people and have a family component. I think living with a student is cool because you get to build a relationship with them. They could be a CEO one day, so building relationships now could benefit you."
The chance to hang out with Quinn for the day was also significant. The two were able to get to know each other better, but also go over film.
"He had some great energy and wanted me to get on campus for a long time," said Proctor. "To be with me all day was great and I caught a good vibe off him. He's someone I could be around all the time.
"He showed me a lot of film from Aaron Banks, Liam (Eichenberg) and all those guys that have gone to the NFL over the last few years. We even watched some of my film."
Proctor was also able to experience some of the player culture at Notre Dame. Blake Fisher spent a ton of time with him, including a quick tour and then Rocco Spindler also made an appearance on the visit.
"Rocco and Blake went out to lunch with me, Coach Quinn, Coach Mendelson and some other coaches," Proctor stated. "Those guys talked to me before the visit and even after the visit.
"They were telling how it was at Notre Dame. They're excited. If I go there, we'd be able to grow our relationship with each other."
Fisher and Spinder's move of the depth chart is also something Proctor noticed this spring.
The Iowa native knows it's not easy for a freshman to make a move, nor is it common for an offensive line coach to allow freshmen to fight for a starting spot two weeks into their career.
"Not a lot of people do that for a National Championship offensive line as a freshman," Proctor said. "It's a crazy achievement and even Rocco has a good chance at guard. That's something I see and the trust is there.
"You have to build a relationship, work your ass off at practice and in the classroom. I think being a mid-year is helping out too - six months there before everyone else."
Following the trip to South Bend, Proctor headed to Columbus to get a look at the Ohio State program.
"The coaches had a good first impression and the facilities were outstanding," Proctor stated. "Coach (Ryan) Day was awesome. I saw some of the players working out and they were killing it.
"I had Thayer Munford come up to me and talk to me. He was talking about how they give you what you need."
As for a commitment, Proctor isn't in a rush and is in the process of narrowing things to a top group before deciding on his officials next summer.
"I'll take my five official visits next year and those will be a big deciding factor," said Proctor. "After my official visits, it will probably be go time."
Offers: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Charlotte, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa, Iowa state, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Tulane and USC
Ranking
ISD: 95 (four-star)
247: 94 (four-star)
Rivals: 6.0 (four-star)
Composite: 99.52 (five-star)