2023 WR Taeshaun Lyons Breaks Down Notre Dame Official

Taeshaun Lyons‍ was high on Notre Dame even before he landed an offer from the Irish last month. Once he did, the 2023 California wide receiver knew it was a school he’d have to check out for himself.

After taking an official visit to South Bend this past weekend, now Lyons needs to decide if it’s the place for him long-term.

“It was good,” Lyons told Irish Sports Daily following the visit. “I liked it down there. Everyone I met was really nice; the people there, the coaches, the atmosphere, the players, it was all really good, man.”

Lyons and his family took a redeye flight from California after his high school game on Friday night.

“We got there, around 8 o'clock,” he said. “We saw the game atmosphere. We saw Manti Te'o and everyone walk through the line. Then we watched the game. Saturday was just about watching the game, seeing the atmosphere, going to eat dinner.

“Sunday was more all the positional meetings, the academic meetings. I had a meeting with all the vice presidents and stuff, campus tour. It was more the business side and then we left this morning.”

Lyons was impressed with the campus in South Bend.

“I liked it,” he said. “I think what's really cool is it feels like the stadium is literally part of the campus. I can't even explain how close it is. It's just crazy how close it is. It's really part of the school and I don't see that a lot when I go to certain schools.

“Everything was all so close. I really like the campus, how it looks. It's all made out of brick. I really like how it's all made and the superstitions, the religious aspects, how they have a church in there. I really like it all.”

Lyons also enjoyed the academic presentation.

“The main thing for me that I got from that is that iron sharpens iron,” he explained. “That's something that they emphasize. It's something that I know as well.

“They're trying to say, 'When you come here, it's not going to be like a regular school. That's something you've got to understand. When you come here, there's a certain standard that you're held to when you come here as a student. You're going to be challenged by other students and it's only better.'

“In an environment full of sharks, everyone's going to get better.”

From a football standpoint, the Notre Dame coaching staff explained why they’re hoping to add him to a 2023 receiver group that already includes Braylon James‍, Jaden Greathouse‍ and Rico Flores Jr.‍ 

“They explained to me why they want to take four receivers, why I shouldn't worry about them taking three more receivers,” said Lyons. “They were explaining how they see me as an X, how they see me in the offense and that they want me to be more of the guy they winning the one-on-one matchups.

“It all makes sense to me. It's not like I'm threatened by any of the people coming to the class. Me being the fourth receiver doesn't really shock me at all.”

Lyons spent plenty of time with Irish receivers coach Chansi Stuckey, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, head coach Marcus Freeman and Director of Recruiting Chad Bowden.

“They're all really cool guys,” he said. “They were really down to earth. They understand everything I tell them whether it be from football or just life. Talking about how they ended up being a coach, how I want to be a coach someday, maybe. They were all really cool and made me feel like I was really wanted and needed in the offense.”

Lyons was also excited by the opportunity to talk with and take a picture with Notre Dame graduate assistant James Laurinaitis.

“That's one of my favorite linebackers of all time,” Lyons said.

Lyons took an official visit in June and is considering a couple others in the coming weeks.

“I might take one to Penn State and I might take one to Tennessee as well,” said Lyons.

“I am planning on cutting down my recruitment to a Top 8 most likely. It's just going to be schools that are focused on me. I just want to cut down my recruitment and let people know these are schools I will be focusing on. And if there's time take one or two more official visits before next month.”

Lyons could be ready to announce a final decision within the next month.

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