2024 S Malcolm Ziglar Goes In-Depth on Notre Dame Official Visit

2024 Fuquay-Varina (N.C.) safety Malcolm Ziglar‍ made his way to Notre Dame for his first look at the Fighting Irish program over the weekend. 

The 48-hour official visit provided an in-depth look at the Notre Dame football program, but also what life would be like as a student. 

“It was different, but it was good,” Ziglar told ISD. “It definitely opened up my eyes to a whole different side of things. Football, academics - everything left me impressed.” 

Notre Dame’s emphasis on its degree, but also life after football seemed to resonate with Ziglar as he left South Bend knowing the university would give him a shot to be successful regardless of what he does on the field. 

“The networking and the degree you get - if you get that degree, you’re set for life even if you play or not,” said Ziglar. “You can go to the league or 40 years later in life, the degree is powerful.” 

Ziglar also was able to spend plenty of time with the Irish coaching staff during his visit. Safeties coach Chris O’Leary, head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden all left lasting impressions on the North Carolina native. 

“I had spoken with Coach O’Leary a few times, but just getting up there and being around the coaches was great,” explained Ziglar. “Getting to meet Coach Freeman and sitting down with him was great. Sitting down and talking with Coach Golden - it was all just different and great. I really enjoyed it.” 

Notre Dame offered at safety, but the staff also made it clear to Ziglar they also could use him at cornerback after getting eyes on him. 

“I went up there and they were looking at me hard at safety, but when I got on campus, they really saw me and put me on the scale and were like we want you and will take you, but you could play corner from a physical standpoint because of my size and length,” Ziglar said. 

“I weighed in at 200.2 and then I was a little over 6’2 ½.” 

The opportunity to play two defensive positions definitely intrigued Ziglar. 

“Versatility gives you more room to play and grow,” Ziglar said. “As far as the next level, they get to see you at safety and at the nickel corner, so it definitely helps. It helps being able to play two positions.” 

Away from The Gug, Ziglar was exposed to the Notre Dame culture as he was around several members of the team, but also the 2024 commits in town. 

“My host was Adon (Shuler), but we were with other players,” Ziglar explained. “We were with the quarterbacks, receivers, other defensive backs, defensive line and offensive linemen. We were with a whole bunch of people.

“We got back from hanging with our hosts, but even when we got back, we would just chill together in the hotel room. They had six commits up there and three of them were from North Carolina, so it was good catching up with them.” 

Jack Larsen‍, Micah Gilbert‍ and Bryce Young‍ also hail from North Carolina and hit it off with Ziglar even before the official visit started. 

“I definitely did,” Ziglar said when asked if he felt comfortable around Notre Dame’s commits. “We had the same flight there. We got on the flight together and talked a little on the flight, but not much. The first night we were there, we didn’t see coaches or anything, but we were kicking and chilling in the hotel room. We were all together and you could tell the bond is strong.” 

As for what’s next, Ziglar will head to Chapel Hill next weekend and then plans to go into decision mode. 

“I still plan on taking my visit to UNC,” said Ziglar. “I feel pretty confident in the visits I’ve taken so far. I plan on making my decision in July. I’ll take my last OV and go from there.” 

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