Drayk Bowen Recaps Notre Dame Official Visit

2023 Notre Dame linebacker commit Drayk Bowen‍ has made more visits to campus than anyone in his class, but this weekend’s visit was different. 

‘The Governor’ took his long-awaited official visit to Notre Dame, which meant a deep dive into what life will be like when he arrives on campus in two months. 

"There were a lot more meetings and learning about the academics and how they intertwine with sports,” explained Bowen. “I was able to see more of campus, like the dorms and stuff like that.

"They had me talk to a lady and she made sure I was all good to come. We also spoke about what I wanted to study and what classes I would be taking when I get there." 

It will be an aggressive schedule for Bowen when he gets on campus in January as the four-star prospect will have to adjust to tougher academics, but he’ll also jump right into baseball and football right away. 

"I felt pretty comfortable,” stated Bowen. “I've talked to both staffs about it, so knowing what the academic piece will be like just reassured me how everything is going to go." 

Bowen, who led his Andrean squad to a playoff win on Friday night, couldn’t have been more fired up on Saturday evening as he saw the Irish run Clemson off the field. 

Now, the in-state star had seen the Irish win big games before, but this one was different. 

"The atmosphere was amazing,” Bowen said. It was the best atmosphere since I started going to games. It was loud, people were on their feet and energetic. 

"The defense was lock down all night. They were stopping the run game. Clemson couldn't get anything going in the passing game. The box dominated that game and the line." 

A popular question over the last year has been about Bowen’s position at the next level. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder has the ability to play all three linebacker spots, but as of now, it looks like he could start off working at Will. 

"I think it'll be something we get into when spring ball starts,” Bowen stated. “As of right now, they see me at Will, but they're not 100 percent sure." 

If Will is the position, Bowen couldn’t be more excited to soak up all knowledge from Marist Liufau, who has started to play at a high level over the last few weeks. 

"It is exciting to learn from an older guy who has done it for multiple years,” Bowen said. “I'll be able to watch and learn from him." 

Bowen also was able to connect with his future teammates over the weekend as Notre Dame hosted most of its 2023 commits. 

"I'm pretty sure I've met everybody,” stated Bowen. “It was awesome. Jaiden Ausberry and I were able to talk a lot more because it was the first time I met him. Me, Christian (Gray), Peyton (Bowen) and Adon (Shuler) were able to talk and laugh as usual. 

"It was good to have everybody there and build relationships with everyone." 

And the most meaningful moment of the weekend was the fact Bowen was able to have his entire family on campus with him at the same time, including his youngest brother, Krew. 

"It was awesome having everyone up there to see everything and see what it'll be like for me,” said Bowen. “It was great to share that with my whole family for the first time.” 

Senior Highlights

Under Armour Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Universal Mock Neck Half-Zip Jacket