2022 Notre Dame LB Commit Tre Reader Excited for Future Following Visit

By Matt Freeman

March 30, 2022

6,274

2022 Berkeley Prep (Fla.) linebacker Tre Reader‍ made his first trip to campus since giving his pledge to the Irish in January.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder made the trip with his family, including his brother 2023 Irish baseball commit Troy Reader and 2023 Notre Dame defensive end commit Keon Keeley.

"It was just awesome,” Reader told ISD. “I saw practice over the weekend, so I'll know what to expect when I get there in the summer. It's just great going back there. It's a special place.”

Notre Dame’s coaching staff has changed quite a bit since Reader’s trip in October, so getting time with new staff was important to get a feel for his future coaches.

"I got to see all the coaches again and I met Coach (Al) Golden and Coach (Al) Washington for the first time,” said Reader. “It was really a fun experience this weekend. Chad (Bowden) did a great job of putting stuff together for me, Troy and Keon to make the weekend special."

One of the highlights of the trip was watching Saturday’s competitive practice as Notre Dame went live quite a bit during the two-hour session.

"The biggest takeaway from practice was the energy,” explained Reader. “I sat in a meeting with Coach Golden with the linebackers. Watching the energy he brings to the meeting room and practice, it seems everyone from the staff to the players comes into the building looking forward to practice and getting better.

"That's cool to see because that doesn't happen everywhere."

And yes, as a linebacker, Reader loved the 11-on-11 periods.

"I noticed they like to drop the ball and play ball instead of doing so many periods of individual drills,” Reader stated. “Personally, I feel the best way to get ready for a game and game scenarios is by playing. That's exactly what they did. I'm looking forward to that part of it because it's the most fun and beneficial."

The Florida native also caught up with a few of his future teammates over the weekend and it made him even more excited to arrive on campus in June.

"With committing later, I didn't have a chance to meet too many guys in my class,” Reader explained. “I talked to a couple guys in my class, like Nolan (Ziegler) and Junior (Tuihalamaka). It was cool to see the dynamic of the room and watch some of the older guys coach up the younger guys in the meeting. It's definitely a positive room and a room that has a growth mindset."

Former Notre Dame linebacker Drew White was in town for Pro Day and Reader was able to pick his brain on his future school.

"I also got to catch up with Drew,” Reader said. “It was really cool to talk to him and get insight on his last five years there. He's from Florida as well, so I asked him some questions about his transition. Drew is awesome. He's such a great guy."

The Notre Dame student body also impressed Reader during the visit as he was able to meet his future classmates outside The Gug.

"Meeting some of the student body and being real friendly - it reminded me of home,” said Reader. “It was really positive and made me feel lot more comfortable with my decision. It reminds me of the school I go to now. I'm really happy with the decision I made."

Reader was also quick to give credit to Notre Dame’s Director of Recruiting for making this weekend special.

"Chad really took it on himself to plan a fun weekend from doing a photoshoot to getting to meet with the coaches individually and meeting the staff,” stated Reader. “It was a really fun weekend.

"I'm really happy with how it turned out. He put a lot of time and energy into it, so it was really special."

And while Tre, Troy and Keeley had a great time returning to Notre Dame, the youngest Reader, Ty, had the best visit.

"He was having a great time,” laughed Reader. “They let him put on the helmet and jersey. He was absolutely living life.

"When Keon and I were in meetings, instead of making him sit through meetings, Chad has a little basketball hoop in his office and he took Ty up there. Ty got to shoot baskets and he was doing virtual reality boxing in the football office. He was living his best life up there."