2024 DE Elijah Rushing Impressed with Notre Dame, Al Washington
2024 Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.) defensive end Elijah Rushing is one of the hottest names on the West Coast.
The 6-foot-5, 223-pounder is ridiculously long with a wingspan of over 80 inches, but also has the speed and strength colleges covet.
Rushing's strength gains have really taken off over the last few months and he's starting to notice he can do things he couldn't do six months ago.
"Training and the recruiting process have been going well," Rushing told ISD. "I'm focused on my technique getting my hands and motor better.
"It's really been strength, so that's been an added element in my game and something I can exploit moving forward with my speed and handwork. The strength is another thing I can exploit more."
The Arizona native was on Notre Dame's campus for the Purdue game in the fall and while the coaching staff looks a little different, Rushing thinks highly of the Irish program.
"All the coaches I met were good people," explained Rushing. "I know I talked with the defensive line coach when I was there and he went to Michigan. I still have a good relationship with him, but I hold Notre Dame as a program and school in high regard. Great academics, great football program and I really enjoyed my visit."
Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington has prioritized developing a relationship with Rushing over the last month, which the Salpointe Catholic star appreciates.
"I've been in contact with him just about every week," said Rushing. "We're building a relationship and talking about what I can attain to make myself better going into this season and what to look for as it relates to Notre Dame."
Washington's genuine personality and love for the game have stood out to Rushing as the relationship grows.
"He's a student of the game," Rushing explained. "He really hones into the film. That's really what everything is based on and what he's seen. I really appreciate that about him, but he's also just a good dude. He's honest, straightforward forward and he won't sell you short. He's just a good person in general."
Rushing already holds double-digit offers from top programs across the country, but he knows the work is just getting started.
"It's a blessing," Rushing stated. "It's great to see I'm making progress, but I know the real focus is working towards this season to perform the way I've been recruited."
The four-star prospect will now look to finalize his spring and summer visit plans. Rushing’s older brother, Cruz, accepted a preferred walk-on spot at Oregon and the Ducks will host him soon.
"I know I'm going to go to Oregon at the beginning of April," Rushing said. "I'll be at Miami in the summer. Anything could happen between those visits too."
Notre Dame has yet to offer, but Rushing knows good news could be coming soon.
And an offer from the Irish would mean a great deal to Rushing after experiencing a game day in South Bend.
"It would be a blessing having a school that's just a great football program and the academics to back it," Rushing explained. "I'm paying attention to academics because I know football ends at some point and you always want to have something to fall back on."
Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, UMass, Miami, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Utah, Utah State and Washington
Ranking
ISD: N/R
247: 90 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.8 (four-star)
ESPN: N/R
Composite: 97.69 (four-star)
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