Notre Dame & Marcus Freeman Making 2024 S Peyton Woodyard A Priority

Recruiting has been at the forefront of the Notre Dame program over the last few months as Marcus Freeman has put an emphasis on enhancing the program’s efforts. 

The 2023 recruiting class has been hit hard by the staff, but perhaps the most significant change is the 2024 class is also having weekly conversations with Notre Dame. 

2024 St. John Bosco (Calif.) safety Peyton Woodyard‍ was offered early and the staff has stayed on him as he consistently makes sure to call multiple coaches. 

"It's been good,” Woodyard told ISD. “I've been talking to Coach (Chris) O'Leary every week and I talk to Chad (Bowden) and he's my guy. I actually talked to Coach Freeman on (last) Wednesday, so it was good being able to talk to him." 

Freeman’s work on 2023 recruits has been non-stop and to find time to have conversations with 2024 recruits like Woodyard is where the enhancement of Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts shines. 

Now, Freeman isn’t the only head coach Woodyard has spoken to in recent weeks, but Notre Dame is no longer the program that has recruits waiting to talk to the head man - and that matters. 

"It's huge,” stated Woodyard. “When he was the defensive coordinator, Coach Freeman was the one that actually offered me and I started building my relationship with him before I even knew Coach O'Leary. Now with him being the head coach, it's even better for me and my recruiting process with Notre Dame.

"I've talked to most schools head coach like Oklahoma and some other schools. I've been talking to Lincoln Riley, Coach (Steve) Sarkisian and Coach Freeman." 

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has also built a strong relationship with O’Leary, who has become a favorite on the recruiting trail. Woodyard has made two trips to South Bend and he got a feel for O’Leary, which has allowed the relationship to grow. 

"I feel he's already showed me what Notre Dame has to offer as far as academics and football,” explained Woodyard. “Notre Dame speaks for itself. We'll talk about anything with him because we have a good relationship. It's not always about football or baseball. It's literally anything like how our family is and stuff you normally talk with your friends about every day." 

Bowden, Notre Dame’s new Director of Recruiting, also has made a positive impression and like with many recruits, Woodyard immediately started laughing when Bowden’s name was brought up. 

"Chad understands our generation,” Woodyard said. “He's just cool and real hip. He's always full of energy and fun to talk to. He makes you laugh. It's always good talking to him."

The California native isn't just locked into Notre Dame as he made a swing through the South in January to visit Texas, Texas A&M and LSU. It’s worth noting Woodyard is taking each visit seriously as he knows what he’s looking for in a future college. 

"I wouldn't say I was going for an experience,” Woodyard said of his January visits. “When I go on college visits, I know what I'm looking for in a school and what I want - academics and a great football program. I want to see the environment, so I can see if I fit there." 

It might seem strange a sophomore knows what he’s looking for in a college, but that speaks to his maturity and those around him. Woodyard has seen high-profile recruitments play out all around him through his teammates at St. John Bosco, but he’s also received quality advice on the process from his cousin, Kyle Hamilton. 

"I feel I'm ahead of the game because I know what I'm looking for,” stated Woodyard. “Everything started earlier for the 2024 class. It all picked up so fast and I was able to look at these schools earlier. It's only going to benefit me." 

And when it comes to Notre Dame, Woodyard hopes he’s back on campus in April. 

"I don't have anything mapped out yet,” said Woodyard. “I've been talking to Coach O'Leary and Coach Freeman and I want to get up there for the spring game. Hopefully, everything works out for that trip." 

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