2023 DE Armel Mukam Talks Notre Dame Commitment, Al Washington & More

It wasn’t an easy decision, but in a sense it was a simple one and Armel Mukam‍ is convinced it is the right one.

On Wednesday, the 2023 defensive end from Woodberry Forest School announced he was flipping his commitment from Stanford to Notre Dame.

“Great academics and the opportunity to compete for a national championship every single year,” Mukam said about his decision.

A native of Montreal, weather and distance from home also helped the Irish.

“It's closer to home and I felt like Notre Dame was just more Armel,” he said. “With the snow, hockey, I just felt like that's what I grew up with.”

The 6-foot-3, 250-poounder was thrilled Irish Director of Recruiting Chad Bowden reached out just last week.

“Notre Dame has always been one of my - in fact, it was my dream school, so we started talking,” Mukam said. “I was really happy with that. We started talking.”

In addition to Bowden, Mukam spoke with head coach Marcus Freeman, defensive line coach Al Washington and defensive line assistant Nick Sebastian.

“We just started building a relationship,” he said. “Then, Sunday we did the virtual tour, so I could have a better understanding of what was Notre Dame about, to see the campus. I really, really liked that the virtual tour.”

After that virtual tour, he spoke with his family and they decided Notre Dame was the best fit for him.

He admitted it was difficult to part ways with the Cardinal.

“It was kind of hard because I'd already told them I was committed,” he said. “Flipping was kind of hard because I'm not used to going back on my words, but it was a business decision. I feel like was the best option for my future and for my family.”

Of course, Mukam is looking forward to getting on campus for an official visit and could be at the game against UNLV in October.

“Just see the energy. I want to see them win obviously and get to know the players, spend some time with the players and keep building my relationship with Coach Wash and Coach Freeman.”

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