2024 Notre Dame DL Commit Owen Wafle Goes In-Depth on Latest Visit

2024 Notre Dame defensive line commit Owen Wafle‍ has been a fixture in South Bend over the last year and the 6-foot-3, 270-pounder returned to campus last weekend for Junior Day. 

It was a trip Wafle had circled as it was another opportunity to bond with his future coaches and teammates for the weekend. 

“I was super excited to get back to get around the coaches and all the commits again,” Wafle told ISD. “I thought it was a fun weekend and I really did enjoy it.” 

All seven commits in Notre Dame’s 2024 recruiting were on campus and there weren’t any awkward moments as the group is already super close. 

“We picked up where we left off from the Clemson game when we were together,” said Wafle. “We’re all connected and we’re building that relationship right now. It’s only going to get stronger. 

“We’re all excited. We’re all in love with Coach Freeman. We just want him to have a National Championship and we want to be the guys that are able to give it to him.” 

And the strong relationships with his future teammates gives Wafle even more confidence he made the right college decision. 

“The comfort in my decision, I feel like I really felt when we went back for the Clemson game,” explained Wafle. “I was able to talk more with all the guys and we really bonded when we were watching Notre Dame beat Clemson. We were just excited to see that game go in favor for Coach Freeman.” 

The Hun School (N.J.) star also spent plenty of time with defensive line coach Al Washington. The two have built a strong rapport with each over the last year and Wafle can’t wait to play for Washington. 

“I don’t think there is anyone like Coach Washington,” stated Wafle. “His energy is awesome and he’s one of the coolest dudes I’ve ever met. Every time we get in a room and start talking film, I learn so much and it’s really helped me. 

“It helped me when I went up for camp and worked out with Coach Washington. He’s next level in my eyes and my dad loves him too. That’s always a good thing coming from a defensive line household.” 

Wafle also enjoyed his time with head coach Marcus Freeman. The New Jersey native appreciates how Freeman goes about his business and knows his future coach isn’t faking anything. 

“I can firmly say in all of my meetings with head coaches, I don’t think there is a more genuine guy,” Wafle explained. “Coach Freeman truly wants all his players, commits and all the guys who come to check out the school, he wants the best for everyone. That’s very rare. 

“He’s always on message. He always says good things and he’s never said a bad word about anybody. He’s my favorite guy.” 

The fact Freeman won’t talk down about other coaches or programs gives Wafle added comfort he will play for a man that will make him a better player and person. 

“I’ve talked to a couple coaches and they won’t blatantly say anything, but they’ll say what they think about things,” stated Wafle. “Coach Freeman is just one of those guys that wants you to make the best decision for you and he wishes you the best. 

“He’s not negative in any way and he’s always positive. He has that good energy I like being around. He’s just a different guy.” 

The weekend provided Wafle and the other commits a chance to do some recruiting. In Wafle’s case, he was able to recruit the Smith twins and defensive end Bryce Young. 

“I thought it went well,” said Wafle. “I’m not a very social guy, but I was really trying to tell them why I committed. The twins were there with their parents and they were asking when I committed. Since Brandon Davis-Swain decommitted, I’ve been committed the longest and I just told them you’re not going to find another place like Notre Dame. 

“That’s all you can say. You’re not going to find a better school with better football than Notre Dame.” 

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