2025 S Ethan Long Lands Notre Dame Offer, Sets Return Visit
2025 Brunswick School (Conn.) safety Ethan Long is no stranger to Notre Dame as he grew up with ties to the program and dreamed of getting the opportunity to play for the Fighting Irish.
On Tuesday, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder earned an offer from Notre Dame and it checked a big box in his recruiting process.
“They were jumping through the roof,” Long said of his emotions after he was offered by Notre Dame. “I started to tear up a little bit. It’s what I’ve been working so hard for. It just feels like I’ve taken another step toward my goal.”
Long made a trip to South Bend in April to see the Irish scrimmage and he quickly saw how Marcus Freeman runs his program.
“I learned how they do things down there,” stated Long. “They work really hard. It showed me what it takes to be part of Notre Dame.”
Safeties coach Chris O’Leary also made an impression and it started with how energetic he was during practice.
“That stood out to me a lot,” Long said of O’Leary’s energy. “He’s into it and likes to have fun. He lets you play your game. That’s key.”
The tie to Notre Dame comes in the form of a former Notre Dame captain as Long is related to the first walk-on captain in program history.
“The captain of the 2017 team was Austin Webster,” explained Long. “He’s my first cousin and we’re really close. I’ve been around Notre Dame for such a long time. Notre Dame was always one of my dream schools, so it’s unbelievable.”
Notre Dame won’t have to wait too long to host Long as he’ll be back in June as he’ll be in the Midwest swing to visit some of the powerhouses in the country.
“I’m coming to Notre Dame on June 22nd,” Long said. “I had made a promise that I’m committed to visiting Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State. I can’t leave them out and I have to see my opportunities. I’ll be camping at Penn State and Ohio State.”
When comes to a position, Long knows he could end up outgrowing safety and that’s more than fine with him.
“People like me as a hybrid or a rover - a linebacker who can cover the slot or come into the box,” Long stated. “I’m totally open to it - whatever is going to get me to the next level and get on the field.”
Long’s recruiting process is just starting to take off and while he’s not in a rush to make a commitment, the Connecticut native hopes to use his summer visits to find out a top group.
“Hopefully, I’ll truly know by the end of this summer or after football season where I want to go or at least my top five,” said Long. “Then hopefully I’ll commit next spring or during the winter.”
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