2023 OH DL Will Smith Jr. Recaps Notre Dame Visit

2023 Dublin Coffman (Ohio) defensive lineman Will Smith Jr.‍ made his way to South Bend for camp over the summer to get his first look at Notre Dame. 

On Saturday, Smith returned to campus and enjoyed his time inside Notre Dame Stadium. 

"I had a really good experience there," Smith told ISD. "I got to see the whole atmosphere and watch the game. It was awesome.

"I got to see the fans and the student section. I was able to take it all in. At the camp, I got to meet the coaches and see the facilities."

Smith was able to catch up with Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston as the two had exchanged messages over the last month.

"I got to talk to Coach Elston on Saturday," said Smith. "We've messaged on Twitter too. 

"He was telling me to keep working hard and I really like him. He's a great guy and really nice." 

Smith's late father, Will, starred on the Ohio State defensive line and then with the New Orleans Saints and the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is starting to make a name for himself as Marshall and Miami (OH) have extended early offers. 

Elston and many other programs see Smith as an interior prospect as he has a large frame to fill out. 

"I think they see me as a defensive tackle or three-technique," stated Smith. "Most people are putting me more towards defensive tackle at this point.

"I feel I'm pretty powerful and I have a good first step. I need to improve on my pass rush, strength and finishing to sack the quarterback." 

Smith will now head to Ohio State this weekend and he hopes to return to Notre Dame this fall. 

"I visited Purdue, Marshall, Bowling Green, next week I'll go to Ohio State and two weeks from now I'll be at Miami (OH)," said Smith. "I hope to get back to Notre Dame." 

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