2023 Notre Dame LB Commit Drayk Bowen Enjoys Relaxing Visit

2023 Andrean (Ind.) linebacker Drayk Bowen‍ committed to Notre Dame last week and wasted little time returning to campus this weekend. 

The trip was different as it was the first visit for Bowen without the pressures of the recruiting process on his shoulders.

"It was fun getting to not think about my recruitment," Bowen told ISD. "I was able to watch the game, hang out with the coaches and recruits. I got a chance to start to recruit, but seeing my future home is always special." 

Bowen hadn't originally planned to visit Notre Dame this weekend, but that changed in a hurry on Friday as 2023 athlete Sonny Styles told him he was coming to campus. 

The Indiana native couldn't pass on the chance to meet up with Styles and the other Notre Dame targets on campus as Bowen made sure to do his part on Saturday. 

"We had some good conversations," said Bowen. "We were just talking about why Notre Dame was special for me. Hopefully, we can start getting some of those guys." 

Bowen was also able to reconnect with 2022 Notre Dame linebacker commit Joshua Burnham and Nolan Ziegler as both were in town and everyone agrees the future is bright in the middle of the Irish defense.

"It's exciting to know there are so many people coming in the 2022 class and the 2023 class," explained Bowen. "We can keep the standard of being highly ranked, but also put it over the edge and win a National Championship." 

Saturday's visit also presented the opportunity for Bowen to bring his little sister to Notre Dame. Family means everything to the composite five-star prospect and sharing the weekend with his sister meant the world to Bowen. 

"She loved it," laughed Bowen. "She was so excited. She was a little overwhelmed with how many people there were, but she really enjoyed the trip." 

Marcus Freeman and Chad Bowden also made sure to show Bowen plenty of time despite his recent pledge.

"It was a little different now that I'm committed," Bowen stated. "It was awesome to talk to them as my coach in the future and another coach I'll be growing with." 

Bowen will now turn his focus to winning a state title. Andrean will enter this weekend looking to advance to the state semifinals. 

"It would mean a lot after the last year with starting the recruiting process and all the pressure that comes with it," said Bowen. "Leading my team to a State Championship is kind of the last goal I have for my high school career." 

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