2023 LB Phil Picciotti Recaps His First Trip To Notre Dame

After picking up an offer from Notre Dame last month, Phil Picciotti‍ made his way to South Bend this past weekend to check out the Irish’s game against Navy on Saturday.

“It went well,” the 2023 Pennsylvania linebacker told Irish Sports Daily.

“I got to see the indoor facility, practice field, stuff like that. I got to take pictures, do a little photoshoot. I got to see the players, the stadium, talked to some coaches.”

It was Picciotti’s first trip to Notre Dame and he was impressed with the campus.

“I thought it was great,” the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder said. “I just love how everything's got a historical background to it and the tradition that goes around there. It's great.”

He had the opportunity to speak with Irish defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman.

“He said this would be a great fit for me and I'd fit well in their defense and he was excited to see me,” Picciotti said of Freeman. “I think he's going to come down in December to my high school.

“I think he's a great guy, a very genuine guy.”

And after getting a chance to see Freeman’s scheme in person, Picciotti agrees that it would be a good fit for him.

“Oh for sure,” he said. “I love the aggressiveness that goes on during the games, especially d-lineman #41, Kurt (Hinish). He's insane. That guy is dope. He's full of energy.”

The Pennridge High School standout also had the chance to speak with Irish head coach Brian Kelly.

“He said Notre Dame is a great school that will get you ready for the future outside of football,” Picciotti said. “He said keep doing good in school and keep working in football.”

Picciotti was particularly impressed with the respect shown between the Irish and the Midshipmen.

“Obviously, Navy and Notre Dame goes back a long while,” he said. “I loved the tradition that was going on during the game and after the game with the Alma Mater and stuff like that.

“Everybody in the stands was going wild. It was a great atmosphere to be in.”

Picciotti doesn’t have any other trips locked in right now, but said he’s been taking it “week by week…we’ll see what happens.”

He’s looking forward to Freeman swinging by his school next month and maintaining contact.

“We're going to have some one-on-one talks and get to know him more and build that relationship.”