2022 Notre Dame TE Commit Holden Staes Loves Return Trip to South Bend

2022 Westminster School (Ga.) tight end Holden Staes‍ was one of many Notre Dame commits to return to South Bend over the weekend and it couldn't have gone better. 

"It was great to get on back on campus," Staes told ISD. "I haven't been back since my June official visit and it was my first game in South Bend. 

"I really enjoyed getting to meet a lot of the 2022 commits and getting to know them better. The coaches were excited to see everybody, especially a lot of the 22's all in one place.”

The visit was not only a weekend to build bonds with his future teammates, but Staes was able to experience the Notre Dame game day environment. 

"The atmosphere was great," stated Staes. "I knew that it would get pretty wild for a USC night game. It was great to be a part of it and I really enjoyed seeing the player walk."

Staes also had a close eye on John McNulty's tight ends during the game. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder knew the tight end room was short a couple bodies, which made Saturday's performance even more impressive. 

"I thought the tight ends played well considering how banged up the room is right now," explained Staes. "(Michael) Mayer was able to move the chains all night and they helped in the dominant run performance." 

The Atlanta native has been active on the recruiting trail since his commitment and Staes made sure to stay in the ear of some of Notre Dame's top targets. 

"I was recruiting Xavier Nwankpa, Aamil Wagner, Justice Haynes, and Walker Howard the hardest," said Staes. "The message was pretty simple. There's no place like Notre Dame.

"I think it was great for them to see a dominant win over USC in person and I think we have a strong chance to land them all.”

Ranking
ISD: 91 (four-star)
247: 90 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.8 (four-star)
ESPN: 81 (four-star)
Composite: 90.33 (four-star)

Junior Highlights