2018 OL Impressed with ND, Heistand, and Offensive Line Group

It’s a rare occurrence for a top prospect to visit a school without anyone finding out. 2018 North Gwinnett (Ga.) offensive lineman Warren Ericson did exactly that, as he was in and out of South Bend without anyone other than coaching staff aware.

“We really wanted to see Notre Dame, so we went up there and checked it out at the end of January,” the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder told Irish Sports Daily. “The coaches seemed pretty excited that we made it up there. I had a feeling an offer was coming, but every offer is a surprise and amazing to me.”

The four-star prospect experienced a warm South Bend, so the Ericson family got to see the entire Notre Dame campus, and it didn’t disappoint.

“I loved it,” Ericson stated. “When we went up there, I guess we brought some of the Georgia weather. It was about 70 degrees, and the campus was just beautiful. We walked the whole campus and saw all the amazing buildings.

“I love how many quads they have – it’s a really nice campus. I got to see a really good version of it.”

The Georgia native saw some of the top programs around the country, but Notre Dame’s campus size and the environment was intriguing to Ericson.

“It’s different than places like Georgia, Alabama, and even Michigan,” he explained. “They are huge colleges with huge campuses. I didn’t know Notre Dame only had about 8,000 students, which I think it’d be cool to go to a smaller school. It’s also good to go to a big school and have a big environment.”

On his visits, Ericson is keeping things simple. He wants to spend time with the offensive line, offensive line coach, but also experience the campus.  

“I want to spend time with the offensive line, because I am going to be with them every day and they are going to become my best friends,” said Ericson. “I want to find a solid group of guys I can lean on if I need to and come together with.

“Coaching wise, I am not going to go to a school if the coach isn’t going to make me better in football and life. Those are two big things I am looking at.

“I want to see myself walking around the campus every day and enjoying every step I take.”

Ericson is getting a lot of love from each program recruiting him and it Harry Hiestand made him a priority during the visit, but also after the visit.  Hiestand made it clear Ericson was wanted and most importantly fit at Notre Dame.

“Coaches are telling me I am a guy they want to build their program around,” stated Ericson. “Coach Hiestand said the same thing, but he also wants a guy that can fit with his offensive line.

“Notre Dame had the greatest group of offensive lineman I have met and been around so far. All the guys were a very tight-knit group of guys. It was exactly what I was looking for. Coach Hiestand said one of the guys went up to him afterward and told him I was a great fit. He trusts his players, and that means a lot.”

The North Gwinnett star doesn’t plan to announce a top group. However, Ericson has started to focus on a few schools as he intends to commit during the summer.  

“I don’t want to say cut schools off, but I want to focus on a group,” said Ericson. “I want to commit during the summer and really form a bond with the offensive line and the coach, so I’ll be ready when I go in. I am trying to decided if I want to enroll early or come in during the summer.”

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