The Latest | 2023 LB Drayk Bowen
At this point, Notre Dame fans should be pretty familiar with 2023 Andrean (Ind.) linebacker Drayk Bowen.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is not only a top of the board prospect for Notre Dame, but for just about every other program in the country.
Marcus Freeman and company have done a phenomenal job over the last nine months with Bowen and the composite five-star prospect will return to South Bend this weekend.
Bowen made two trips to Notre Dame over the summer, but this will be his first time experiencing a game at Notre Dame Stadium, which will also provide the chance to watch Freeman's defense up close and personal.
"I'm excited to get to see the atmosphere of a Notre Dame game and getting to see the coaches and defense in real life," Bowen told ISD. "I'm very excited to see Coach Freeman's style of coaching in a game scenario and what it would be like to play for him."
Defensive Director of Recruiting Chad Bowden and Freeman have made it clear Bowen is wanted at Notre Dame, but this week's message has been simple.
"Coach Bowden and Coach Freeman's message has really been envisioning yourself in that uniform playing with these guys and imagine yourself going here," said Bowen.
The top 10 clash will headline the visit, but Bowen will also get time with the Notre Dame baseball staff.
Notre Dame recruiting coordinator Rich Wallace has been on Bowen longer than most coaches and it’s paved the way for an important meeting with head skipper Link Jarrett this weekend.
"This is the first time I will get to see Coach Jarrett in person, so that's very exciting for me," explained Bowen. "His message has really just been it's going to be awesome to finally meet you and see you and be able to show you around."
Bowen won't be the only five-star prospect in South Bend on Saturday, as some of the nation's top talent will also be on campus.
The opportunity to meet and mingle with other top recruits is also something Bowen is looking forward to experiencing this weekend.
"It does excite me a lot," Bowen said of the loaded visitor list. "At Clemson, Sonny (Styles) and I started to hit it off and so it will be nice to get to see him again.
"Playing against Nolan Ziegler and talking to him was pretty cool, so it's nice to know people who are going but also meet some new recruits for Notre Dame."
Bowen will be at Auburn next weekend and is expected to be back in South Bend for the USC and North Carolina games.
Top 5: Auburn, Clemson, Indiana, LSU and Notre Dame
Ranking
ISD: 92 (four-star)
247: 93 (four-star)
Rivals: 6.0 (four-star)
ESPN: 86 (four-star)
Composite: 98.68 (five-star)
Junior Highlights