2023 ATH Brandyn Hillman: 'I was jumping up and down in my room'
It’s been a crazy 48 hours for 2023 Churchland High School (Va.) athlete Brandyn Hillman.
The ISD four-star prospect held offers from Howard and Norfolk State when he woke up on Tuesday morning and then his life changed in less than 48 hours.
Notre Dame, Boston College, East Carolina, Kentucky, Tennesee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia all offered by Thursday at 2:00 pm.
"It's been a surreal moment," Hillman told ISD. "It feels great knowing all the work and what I've dedicated into football is finally paying off. It just feels amazing."
Virginia Tech was the first program to go all in on the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder and it meant a lot to Hillman. It’s not only a Power Five and ACC program, but the Hokies being in-state meant a great deal to the explosive athlete.
"It felt great knowing a team from my state, so close to home, put their trust in me,” stated Hillman. “They believe I could help benefit the program and it meant a lot."
The Fighting Irish offered on Wednesday night and the Virginia native could barely contain his excitement as Hillman knew the significance of an offer from Notre Dame.
"I was jumping up and down in my room,” laughed Hillman. “That was amazing. It was a great moment knowing a powerhouse program like Notre Dame offered. It was so amazing."
Notre Dame made it clear how much they want Hillman as head coach Marcus Freeman was on the phone.
The fact the head coach of Notre Dame offered him wasn’t lost on Hillman.
"I talked to Marcus Freeman, Tommy Rees and Al Golden,” explained Hillman. “It's amazing and feels great having a head coach call. It's not just the defensive or offensive coordinator. It's the head coach, the top guy."
When it comes to a position, Notre Dame views him as someone who could end up on either side of the ball if not both.
Hillman isn’t too worried about his future position and will take his time to figure it out.
"Notre Dame sees me as a true athlete,” stated Hillman. “Offense or defense - they see me as a true athlete. I don't have a preference on what side of the ball I play."
The Irish would love to see Hillman get to campus for the Stanford game in October, but Hillman hasn’t completely locked in visits as he’s still processing his offer spree.
Academics will also be an important factor as Hillman gets further into his recruitment.
"I'm going to take it all into consideration."
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