2023 CB Christian Gray Goes In-Depth on Multi-Day Visit to Notre Dame

2023 De Smet (Mo.) cornerback Christian Gray‍ made his fourth visit to Notre Dame over the weekend. 

The four-star prospect wasn't surprised by anything he saw on campus, but he got exactly what he wanted out of the return trip. 

"It was great and actually better than the last visits I had made," Gray told ISD. "It connected with the coaches, players and the committed players on campus." 

Gameday visits are great as they allow prospects to get a feel for the atmosphere, coaching and simply seeing the team in action. 

However, there isn't a ton of time for the coaches to interact with each visitor and often times the interactions with players are brief. 

Gray wanted to come back to see how he'd fit into the locker room and hear from team members about their experience at Notre Dame. 

"I got to hang out with a couple of the defensive backs," explained Gray. "It was great just hanging out with them. I felt like I was welcome to Notre Dame. 

"They told me a lot of things and said this is the place to feel at home and I would be safe there and that I would be a great athlete and student at Notre Dame." 

The St. Louis native was on campus less than a month ago, but things have changed since the Georgia Tech game. 

Marcus Freeman is the head coach and once again made a positive impression on Gray and his mother. 

"I had a great conversation with him," stated Gray. "Coach Freeman told me what Notre Dame can really do for me is help me after football. They can help me be great at football and be great after football. 

"He said he loves me, but he'll push me harder than ever so I can reach my dreams. He didn't say that as a figure, but as someone who wants to help us and because he cares about us as kids." 

Gray was coached by legendary high school coach Robert Steeples for most of his career and still keeps in weekly contact with his former coach. 

There are a lot of similarities between Freeman and Steeples, which Gray noticed back in the summer. 

"I knew from the start Coach Freeman was just like Coach Steeples," Gray stated. 

One of the highlights for Gray on this visit was watching Saturday's practice, which was ultra-competitive.  

"It's so exciting and the competition provides energy that's just crazy," Gray said. "You're still getting better. It's just crazy competition and you have to go all-in." 

Gray had planned on naming a top 10 in the coming weeks, but those plans have changed. 

The De Smet star will keep his top group private and will work with his mother on his commitment. 

"I canceled my top 10," said Gray. "My mom and I talked and decided not to do it. We're going to go straight my commitment." 

Ranking
ISD: 90 (four-star)
247: 90 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.8 (four-star)
ESPN: 83 (four-star)
Composite: 93.80 (four-star)