2023 QB Austin Novosad Appreciates Notre Dame's Genuine Approach

2023 Dripping Springs (Texas) quarterback Austin Novosad‍ has seen his recruitment change quite a bit in recent months as schools have continued to offer despite his verbal pledge to Baylor. 

Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas A&M have made Novosad’s decision tougher, but the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is taking it in stride and was able to refresh his mind earlier this month as he took a trip out to California for the Elite 11. 

"It's been crazy and I'm trying to figure out this recruiting stuff,” Novosad told ISD. “It was a good week out there. I was able to get out there early and surf with my family for a little bit and then I was able to do football for three or four days, so it was fun." 

Novosad accomplished his goal of earning a spot on the 2022 Elite 11 fraternity, but he also used the week to build relationships with his competitors. 

"It's definitely a competition, but it wasn't as competitive as I thought,” explained Novosad. “Everyone wanted to have a good time, but on the inside, everyone was also competing. It was cool to see all the guys were cool and hanging out with them all week was great.

"The connections and becoming friends with those guys is great because you will be playing them for the rest of your career. It was good to mesh with them and get to know everyone." 

If recruiting, 7-on-7 and the Elite 11 wasn’t enough, Novosad has also been busy at home. Dripping Springs will make a jump in competition this fall and the four-star prospect has been pushing his team and himself to be prepared for it.

"Off the field, I've focused on leadership stuff,” said Novosad. “It's my senior year, so I'm making sure my guys are ready for this district jump because we're moving up to 6A - the biggest in Texas. We'll play Westlake, Lake Travis and some of the best schools in Texas. 

"Every week a little tougher competition in this district, especially that Westlake game. You're playing four and five stars. TJ Shanahan, Colton Vasek - those dudes are legit and going to big-time programs.

"On the field, accuracy and timing are two things I'm working on to ultimately help us be successful this season." 

Notre Dame officially entered Novosad’s recruitment on Monday as Marcus Freeman offered and the first-year coach also left a lasting impression on the Texas native. 

"We started talking after the Elite 11 and I got on a couple of phone calls. It was my first time talking to Coach Freeman on Monday. He reminds me of Coach (Dave) Aranda from Baylor. He's really down-to-earth and cares a lot about your family. He offered as well, so it was a good conversation." 

Recruits across the country have highlighted Freeman’s personality, so it’s not a huge surprise Novosad was impressed. Yet, it could be something to watch as Novosad is deep into his process and has a good feel if a coach is genuine. 

"In my first conversation with him, he asked how my family was doing,” Novosad said. “It's one thing I think you can base that off of is if they're asking about your family and siblings. 

"He also spoke about the family at Notre Dame and how life after football is one of the things they take pride in. Having a path after football up there is one thing we talked about and that's the things he brought up that I could note about him being a genuine guy." 

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is also working hard to build a relationship with the Dripping Springs star, but it’s not so much focused on football just yet. 

"We've had a couple phone calls,” explained Novosad. “We're getting to know each other and stuff. As the relationship gets better, we'll get more into the football stuff and see where I fit in and how the offense is run." 

Novosad has also appreciated Notre Dame being upfront with him on why they were late in offering and the effort the staff has put into his recruitment. 

“They know they are kind of late, but they are going to give it their best shot,” stated Novosad. “They are going to make the process faster by getting on a bunch of calls and Zooms to let me get to know as much about Notre Dame as quickly as I can. 

"I think they have a lot of trust in who they are and that they can get the job done to show me everything in a short time." 

As for a decision, Novosad would prefer to end his recruitment sooner than later, but he and his family are leaving no stone unturned. 

"Everything plays a big factor in it,” said Novosad. “Every school is a great option and then some have pros and cons. Ultimately, I think each player ranks in different categories, so depending on what you value, it could make one school better than the other. 

"Sitting down and talking about what you like in a school will ultimately pick your school for you." 

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