2024 LB Anthony Speca Will Return to Notre Dame Following Thursday's Visit

Central Catholic (Pa.) linebacker Anthony Speca‍ was Notre Dame’s first offer in the 2024 class and he made the trip to South Bend on Thursday. 

The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder knew a ton about the Fighting Irish heading into the visit, but walked away even more impressed by the program. 

"The Notre Dame program itself - how many National Championships, All-Americans, people they send to the NFL - even if you don't go to the NFL, how they set you up with a degree is great,” Speca told ISD. “It was awesome." 

Speca was also impressed with the time and energy the Irish staff gave him during the visit. 

"I spent time with Coach (Chad) Bowden and he showed us around most of the time,” said Speca. “I got to talk to Coach (Mike) Elston, Coach (Brian) Kelly and pretty much everyone." 

Marcus Freeman has drawn positive reviews from recruits since he started the job and Speca thoroughly enjoyed his time with Notre Dame defensive coordinator. 

"Coach Freeman is a great guy,” stated Speca. “You can tell he knows a lot about football, but he's a good person and a good coach. He has his players best interest in mind.

"He's one of the best defensive coordinators around."

Elston has also played a big part in Speca’s recruitment and has stayed in communication with him since the offer. 

Speca knew Elston was a good guy from his experiences, but also heard great things from his high school teammate and 2022 Notre Dame defensive line commit Donovan Hinish‍. 

"I already knew that from Donovan, but it was good to just see him - put a face to the voice I've been talking to for a while,” Speca said. 

The time with Kelly was also a positive for Speca as they were able to feel each other out. 

"It was good,” Speca explained. “He was talking to me and Ta'Mere (Robinson). He was asking us what we thought of Notre Dame and then he was telling us that our grades were important and we need to keep it up. He said he'd be keeping an eye on us." 

Notre Dame is definitely a program to watch for Speca as he starts his recruiting process and the Irish will host him again next month. 

"I'm definitely going to stay in touch with them,” said Speca. “I'm coming back in late July. They are having a cookout for the players and I'll be there." 

Offers: Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue and West Virginia

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