2024 S Kennedy Urlacher High On Notre Dame Following Weekend Visit

2024 Chandler (Ariz.) safety Kennedy Urlacher‍ made his way back to the Midwest as he got his first look at Notre Dame over the weekend. 

The Fighting Irish offered back on January 23rd following Marcus Freeman and several coaches making a stop at his high school. 

Urlacher had high expectations heading into the visit and it’s safe to say he left Notre Dame impressed. 

“Everything was great,” Urlacher told ISD. “It was even better than I expected. It was a good day. The relationship with coaches - they’re all really cool. It’s like they’re your friends and not even coaches, which is great.” 

Urlacher had the usual meetings with Freeman, Al Golden and Chris O’Leary and the message was clear. 

“Everybody’s message was I would play big-time football at Notre Dame, but also get a good education,” said Urlacher. 

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was also able to spend plenty of time around Chad Bowden and Notre Dame’s Director of Recruiting even presented Urlacher with an opportunity to control his hairstyle. 

“It was awesome,” stated Urlacher. “He’s a high-energy guy and I like it. He told me he’ll go completely bald if I committed to Notre Dame.”

O’Leary also made time to explain the role Urlacher could play at Notre Dame. Right now, Urlacher would be penciled in for a role similar to that of DJ Brown. 

Brown currently is used as a box safety, but as of late, Golden has started to use the graduate student as a blitzer in sub-packages, which plays into Urlacher’s skill set. 

Urlacher was at practice on Saturday as the Irish scrimmaged inside Notre Dame Stadium, so he was able to get a feel for Brown’s role, but also the defense as a whole. 

“It was awesome,” Urlacher stated. “I liked that a lot. I liked the drills they do. Competition is always good, especially when you get to go live. 

“All the safeties had great feet. You can tell they’re well coached.” 

Notre Dame also rolled out an engaging academic presentation for the Arizona native, which was also a hit in Urlacher’s eyes. 

“That was great,” explained Urlacher. “Usually, the academic side is pretty boring on the visits, but I enjoyed it this time, so that was good.” 

Urlacher wasn't the only Arizona prospect on campus as 2025 Brophy Prep cornerback Cree Thomas‍ was in South Bend and the two friends were able to link up on Saturday. 

“Cree and I play 7-on-7 together,” Urlacher said. “That’s my guy.” 

The Chandler star has spent the spring making visits across the country and now it seems a decision could be coming sooner than later for Urlacher. 

“The end of May is what I’m thinking,” said Urlacher. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish School Logo Raglan Long Sleeve Hoodie