2024 Safety Justin Denson Takes In Notre Dame

Justin Denson‍ had an eventful weekend in South Bend for Notre Dame’s spring game on Saturday and the 2024 Rhode Island safety left with a positive impression.

"It went well," Denson told Irish Sports Daily. "I went to the game and I got to see the Golden Dome and stuff. Campus was pretty cool."

Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, Denson was impressed with the players' performance and their attitude during the Blue-Gold Game.

"For a rainy, cold and snowy day, the players really competed and the coaches were still very fired up whenever a play was made," he said.

The La Salle Academy star had the opportunity to speak with safeties coach Chris O'Leary and defensive coordinator Al Golden, who made compelling cases for him to choose Notre Dame over other schools.

"They were talking to me about all the pros of going to Notre Dame over another regular school," Denson explained. "Coach O'Leary was telling me how he knows I'm an athlete and can play corner, but he thinks I can be a first-round draft pick if I come to Notre Dame and play safety.

“He was telling me about the connections I'll make after I graduate. It's all about the degree from Notre Dame and just how legendary it is."

The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder also had the chance to meet former Irish star and current Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who talked about the developmental opportunities he would have at Notre Dame.

"He was telling me how Coach O'Leary is a really good coach and how he made him a better player," Denson said.

"It means everything; an All-Pro NFL safety is telling me I can be like him if I go there."

Denson, who has offers from schools like Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, and Penn State among others, was impressed with Notre Dame's traditional approach to football and recruiting.

"Notre Dame will be in my top schools," Denson said. "They're really traditional, they're not into like all the flashy stuff.”

Denson acknowledged there are pros and cons to that, but added, “I like how they still recruit well and win without the flashy stuff."

The Providence native hasn't locked in an official visit to Notre Dame yet, but said he plans to, along with officials Oklahoma and Michigan State. Other official visits will be added as well.

"I definitely will, but those are the ones I have scheduled already.”

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