2025 WR Jerome Bettis Jr. Enjoys Building Relationships on Latest Notre Dame Visit

Jerome Bettis Jr.‍ made his return to South Bend for Notre Dame’s Grill & Chill on Sunday and the 2025 Woodward Academy (Ga.) receiver likely had his best visit to date. 

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder was able to see a different side of Notre Dame as the day focused on games and building relationships more than the recruiting process. 

“It was fun,” Bettis told ISD. “I was able to interact with the other recruits and play some games with them. I had a great time.

“I was able to kind of experience what Notre Dame would be like if I was there. It was awesome.” 

2024 Notre Dame receiver commit Cam Williams‍ was also on campus, so naturally Bettis heard an ear full for most of the day and the message was well received. 

“It was really about they want me to help build something over there in the receiver room,” Bettis stated. “He’s said they have a great class now and I could help make them even better next year.” 

Bettis was also able to connect with fellow 2025 receiver Talyn Taylor‍ as both sit at the top of the board for receivers coach Chansi Stuckey. 

The two were able to get to know each other, but also build a bond while competing in various events. 

“We had a lot of fun,” laughed Bettis. “I got to partner with him in the grilling competition. We had a great time. We were laughing, but we couldn’t cook that well. We tried, but it was a lot of fun. He’s the same position as me, so we both talked to Coach Stuck. It was good.” 

Stuckey has built a strong relationship over the last few months with the Notre Dame legacy and it was only strengthened following this weekend’s visit. 

“It’s great,” Bettis explained. “I talk to Coach Stuckey often. I call him about once a week. His message was that they want me over there. With Cam and some of the other recruits, Notre Dame is building something special and he wants me to be part of it. Getting to know him has been great. He’s a great guy.” 

Director of Recruiting Chad Bowden organized the day, but as most know, Notre Dame’s most energetic staffer is a dynamic recruiter. Bettis has not only built a strong relationship with Bowden, but has seen why Notre Dame is lucky to have him. 

“It’s everything when you have someone like Chad who is a great guy and a great recruiter, but he’s so personable,” Bettis said of Bowden. “He’s easy to get along with and he makes Notre Dame feel like a home. That’s really important for recruits to see, but also for the families to experience. It makes the decision a lot easier.” 

As for a potential commitment date, Bettis is taking his time with the process and hopes to start to narrow things down this fall. 

“I’ve thought about it,” said Bettis. “If I had to set a date or a time period, I’d probably say sometime after this season. Maybe sometime around the start of the new year, so maybe January or February.” 

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