The Latest | Notre Dame & Justin Scott

Justin Scott‍ returned to Notre Dame on Saturday as the elite 2024 Illinois defensive lineman continues his quest to build relationships with the staff in South Bend.

That was certainly accomplished on Saturday.

Scott spent virtually the entire day with Irish Director of Recruiting Chad Bowden while also having a chance to speak with defensive line coach Al Washington and head coach Marcus Freeman.

“It was good,” Scott told ISD afterward. “We got to see practice. I got to meet with Coach Freeman, Coach Washington and Coach Bowden.

“I definitely feel me and Coach Bowden are building a strong relationship."

Washington and Freeman didn’t spend too much time talking ball with Scott, instead choosing to focus on everything else Notre Dame can offer Scott beyond football.

It seems to be a smart approach. Those off-field opportunities are major reasons why Scott is - and has been - so high on Notre Dame to begin with.

He understands what they mean and although he already had an appreciation for them coming into the trip, continually hammering them home is how the Irish can try to differentiate themselves from the other contenders.

“I can definitely feel that I’m a priority and that they want me a lot,” he said.

Scott will visit Miami in a couple weeks, but look for him to return to South Bend for another unofficial visit this spring. The goal of that trip will be to get around fellow Midwesterners and current 2024 Irish commits CJ Carr and Cam Williams.

Scott has officials set for Georgia and Ohio State. 

Notre Dame has a chance to score one of those officials as well, but nothing has been locked in just yet. The only way the Irish wouldn’t land an official is if Scott decides he doesn’t need one given South Bend’s proximity to Chicago.

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