2026 CB Andre Clarke Jr. Confident Heading Into Irish Invasion

Andre Clarke Jr.‍‍ will show up to Sunday’s Irish Invasion with several offers already in hand, but the 2026 Virginia cornerback is looking for more and Notre Dame is one school that has his attention.

“I just like their program because they know how to win,” the Hermitage High School standout says.

And he’s confident in what he’ll be able to showcase on the field.

“I'm going to show them what I can do; lock people up, maybe run some routes and stuff and just ball out,” he says.

While he’d welcome the chance to take some reps at receiver, he has a clear positional preference.

“I prefer defense,” he says. “I like playing corner.”

And that’s what most schools are recruiting him as. Clarke’s offer sheet currently includes schools like Minnesota, West Virginia and East Carolina among several others.

“I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to have coaches looking at me,” he says. “They like my length and that I'm a ball hawk who can go get it.”

The 6-foot-1, 165-pounder is excited to get a feel for Notre Dame as well.

“Just the energy and the atmosphere around the program, if it's high energy, then I'll like it,” he says.

He’ll be busy this month.

“I'm going to be at Notre Dame and then I think I'm going hit Ohio State next and then Cincinnati when I'm up there,” he says.

After the Midwestern swing, Clarke could make stops at Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee, Florida State and Alabama.

It’s still early in the process, but Clark knows one thing that will be a priority when it’s time for him to make a decision.

“Getting coached up by great coaches.”

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