2024 ATH Jordan Bride Surprised by Notre Dame Visit

2024 Milton (Ga.) athlete Jordan Bride‍ didn't quite know what to expect on his visit to Notre Dame last weekend. 

The 5-foot-10, 155-pounder was pleasantly surprised with his experience in South Bend as he heard a message he hadn't heard much on other visits.

"I was really surprised with the academic portion and how they run things," Bride told ISD. "They were not only focused on football, but the way they talked about academics, it was almost as important. Most schools don't really talk about academics on visits. 

"When I heard them about it, they spoke about it deeply. I could tell it was an important portion of being a student-athlete." 

The Georgia native and his family had an existing relationship with Jayden Thomas, Kyle Hamilton and his family and the All-American safety was one of the first people Bride saw when he stepped on campus.

"When I first got there, I saw Kyle (Hamilton)," stated Bride. "He let me know where to go and I really did like the campus. The environment was crazy at the game. It was really loud and I loved it. The fans were really active and it was an engaged fanbase." 

During the game, Bride was paying close attention to the Irish receivers and one player stuck out for multiple reasons.

"I was definitely watching the wideouts," said Bride. "No. 4 (Kevin Austin Jr.) had my number on and he was the impact player of the game. I loved watching him. 

"The receivers coach wants me to come up to camp so he can see me again. The wideouts were really skilled and I loved watching No. 4 play. He was dynamic." 

Alexander also had a message for Bride that was unique as it wasn't about coming to Notre Dame as the conversation centered around advice.

"He told me to stay focused," Bride explained. "He said I was a great young man, but the most important thing getting recruited and playing football at a high level was to stay yourself. There isn't anything someone can take away from you if you put your mind to it. 

"He told me to be me. Everybody really lets news and rankings get to them. He said to stay focused on school and be myself around people." 

Bride holds several early offers and he's extremely grateful for the opportunities ahead of him. 

"I'm beyond blessed and all glory to God," stated Bride. "I got my first offers in ninth grade and a couple coming. It's a blessing.

"I can't wait to get back up there and show them what I can do. I'm hoping to get that offer soon. It's all a blessing to me because not many people get to be in my position. I have to embrace it and be myself." 

Up next for Bride will be a trip to watch an ACC program and then he'll continue to hit the road to see some of the other programs that have shown interest in him. 

"I have Louisville coming up next week," said Bride. "I'm planning to go to Texas and I've been to Arkansas and Georgia Southern. I'm looking forward to going to Georgia Tech and getting a couple games in, but I'm ready to go to Pitt and Cal too. 

"I want to get everywhere, but I really did enjoy Notre Dame and I'm looking forward to getting to Louisville next week." 

Offers: Arkansas, Cal, Florida International, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Pitt, Tennessee State and Western Carolina

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