2023 Four-Star CB Christian Gray Impressed with Notre Dame Staff

2023 De Smet (Mo.) cornerback Christian Gray‍ has become a big-time Notre Dame target as he and his mother made a second trip to South Bend on Tuesday. 

The four-star prospect had visited in June for camp and left with an offer, but this trip was a little different. 

"It went great," Gray told ISD. "I had a lot of fun. I learned a lot about Notre Dame, the program and the coaching staff.

"The first visit, I went around the school and saw the buildings. This time we went inside the buildings and spoke to the coaching staff, team and saw everything. It was fun." 

Notre Dame left a big impression on Gray in June and did so once again today as the staff hit it out of the park. 

"The coaching staff really stood out today," said Gray. "They were thrilled and happy just to see me. We had a ton of fun." 

Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman has shown his ability to relate to recruits in several ways and on Tuesday, he used some humor to make it clear Gray knew he was wanted. 

"He was like, 'Hey. You can commit right now. You know that, right,'" laughed Gray. "We were joking around about that and he told me he'd love me to visit for a game." 

Cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens also made sure to spend a ton of time with the St. Louis native.

"Coach Mickens told me to keep doing what I'm doing," explained Gray. "He wants me to keep coming back. They just want to get to know me and keep having fun." 

Head coach Brian Kelly also surprised Gray with his sense of humor during the BBQ. 

"He's really, really funny," Gray said. "He came up behind me and said, 'I was supposed to meet with this guy, but he was throwing a photoshoot party.' It was fun to talk with him." 

And yes, Gray left feeling wanted and he definitely appreciates knowing the Irish staff wants his commitment. 

"I feel happy and at the same time, I'm thrilled," Gray said. 

Gray also met with one of the top players on the Notre Dame roster during his visit. 

"I met with Kyren Williams," Gray stated. "He's from St. Louis, so I had to talk to him about Notre Dame. He told me about it and it gave me a new perspective." 

Notre Dame will get the last visit for Gray this summer and as he'll turn his attention to his junior season.

"I don't have any other visits planned," said Gray. 

Offers: Arizona State, Florida, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kent State, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma

Ranking
ISD: 90 (four-star)
247: 90 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.8 (four-star)
ESPN: 83 (four-star)
Composite: 93.53 (four-star)

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