2023 Five-Star ATH Sonny Styles: 'Notre Dame helped itself'

2023 Pickerington Central (Ohio) athlete Sonny Styles‍ was back in South Bend on Saturday and the five-star prospect had another productive visit. 

"It was pretty good for me," Styles told ISD. "I got to see my brother and get to Notre Dame for the first time this season. I enjoyed getting to see some of the other recruits as well.

"I thought the atmosphere was cool. I had seen the campus before, but it had been a while since I had been there on a game day."

One of the highlights for Styles was simply mingling with other top recruits on campus as Notre Dame hosted several top 2023 prospects.

"It was really cool," explained Styles. "I had seen Drayk (Bowen) a few weeks ago at Clemson and most of the other guys I had seen before. I got to meet and talk to Jaylen Sneed for the first time and Nolan Ziegler. I also talked to Samuel M'Pemba for a little bit."

Marcus Freeman has built a strong relationship with Styles and while the two didn't get a ton of time together, the Ohio native appreciated the time he spent with Notre Dame's defensive coordinator. 

"We didn't get to talk that much yesterday because he was locked in for the game, but I wasn't worried about that," said Styles. "The message stays the same. He wants me and needs me there." 

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder watched the Notre Dame defense in Tallahassee last month, so he had seen the Irish defense live, but Saturday was another chance to see how he'd fit into Freeman's scheme. 

"I see myself fitting in," explained Styles. "Regardless of the loss, the defense showed some resilience. They were put into some tough situations and they held them to field goals a few times. They had a few plays they messed up on, but they looked solid." 

Styles also isn't getting caught up in the loss. 

"Wins and losses don't really affect my decision as long as there is a recruitment," Styles stated. "When I go to games, I want to view where will be playing more than wins. I want to see how guys are improving too. That's what matters to me." 

All in all, Styles felt Notre Dame helped itself yesterday and he plans to return later this month for another game. 

"I think Notre Dame helped itself," stated Styles. "The atmosphere was great and regardless of the loss, the defense was solid. You can tell they've been improving throughout the season and that's what matters." 

As for a commitment, Styles hasn't set a date, but he could be inching closer to locking one in.

"I'm getting closer to a decision, but I'm not sure when I'll commit yet," said Styles. 

Top 5: Clemson, Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Ole Miss

Ranking
ISD: 94 (four-star)
247: 95 (four-star)
Rivals: 6.1 (five-star)
ESPN: 87 (four-star)
Composite: 99.64 (five-star)