Top 2022 Notre Dame SS Commit Estevan Moreno Excited for Future

2022 Montini Catholic (Ill.) shortstop Estevan Moreno was a significant addition to the Notre Dame recruiting class when he committed in August of 2020. 

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder was back on campus in October and the visit couldn't have gone better. 

"The visit was great," Moreno told ISD. "The thing I loved the most was Touchdown Jesus. You felt the vibe around everyone as they were just nice people." 

Moreno was able to catch up with Link Jarrett and enjoyed the detailed conversation with his future head coach. 

"I would say my favorite part was talking to Coach Jarrett," stated Moreno. "It just seems like he knows what he's talking about. Being able to go there for the next three years and develop with him is just awesome." 

During the conversation, Moreno was surprised to learn Jarrett wants his infielders to cross-train at various positions. It's something Moreno hadn't thought of and he was excited to know his skill set would be expanding. 

"The thing I liked about Coach Jarrett was when he was talking about how he likes to move around his infielders, so they know where to play," Moreno explained. "There isn't one person that's going to stick at shortstop all the time. We need to learn how to play every position because if someone gets hurt, then we'll have an extra person to go there. 

"Knowing he'll put you in different positions you're not used to gives you a chance to try something new."

Notre Dame assistant Rich Wallace also spent time with his prize recruit as they've developed a strong relationship over the last two years. 

"Coach Wallace sticks out a lot," said Moreno. "He's the one who reached out to me first. We've been in touch for about two years and he's just a really caring guy. If there's anything I need to talk about, I know he'll be there. 

"Knowing I'll have a coach at Notre Dame that will stick up for me and be by my side helps a lot. You just feel like you're home." 

The weekend was also highlighted by the chance to meet his future teammates. Moreno knew a few of the other commits as Notre Dame has raided Illinois, but he loved bonding with the guys hadn't met. 

"I knew a couple of the guys playing with them this fall," Moreno said. "We really bonded together and no one was awkward with each other or quiet. I feel everyone was hands-on and talking with each other." 

Moreno also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet some of the current team members during the weekend. 

"They were really cool and they took us in," Moreno stated. "They showed us around. One guy showed us around some of the dorms, so we saw what they were like and how they work. It's awesome they took us under their wing and showed us around a little more than the tour."

The future is bright around Notre Dame baseball and Wednesday, the 2022 recruiting class will sign letters of intent. 

The Super Regional run and the 2022 signees will surely boost Notre Dame and it's something that fires up the Montini Catholic star.

"It's unbelievable," stated Moreno. "We have one of the top recruiting classes and it's great moving to a program that has past history and done well. It's good to know what Coach Jarrett has done the last couple of years being a new head coach. It shows how much he's developed his players."

As for his offseason, Moreno is looking to improve his game as he's focused on the smaller details.  

"I'm focusing on my opposite-field hitting and my footwork at shortstop," said Moreno. "I just want to move a little quicker. I want to hit more around the field instead of just pulling the ball all the time."