RB Commit Justin Thurman Recaps "Amazing" Notre Dame Return
Justin Thurman was able to return to Notre Dame for the Irish’s Junior Day last weekend and the 2025 running back commit is glad he did.
“It was great being able to get back up to South Bend, being able to reconnect with some of the commits, also to the other targets and the coaching staff,” the Florida native said. “I had an amazing time and a great experience.
“It was great; definitely lots of in-depth conversations about the program, how they run things, what's the culture like.”
The Jesuit High School standout enjoyed the chance to visit with Irish running backs coach Deland McCollugh again.
“I was able to actually sit down with Coach McCullough and talk more about his philosophy, how he runs things, his technique, his coaching style and just being able to learn more about the way he coaches and how the overall offensive scheme works at Notre Dame,” Thurman said.
“That was definitely great.”
The 6-foot, 180-pounder liked what he heard regarding his fit within the system.
“I think I'll fit into that scheme pretty well; being able to utilize my versatile skillset as a third-down back and a pass pro blocker, being able to catch the football, run the football hard,” he explained.
“I can also contribute on all facets of special teams. I believe that I could contribute and help the team in lots of ways.”
While in South Bend, Thurman was able to hang out with several fellow Irish commits, including Deuce Knight, Davion Dixon and CJ May among others.
“It definitely helps being able just to first see them again because we've been away from each other for a minute now,” he said. “Being able to reconnect with them and hang out with them, just build a relationship with each other, it's always great.
“It helps build team chemistry and helps to create a better bond between everybody.”
As for uncommitted targets, Thurman spoke with guys like Dallas Golden, Owen Strebig, Jack Lange, Mark Zackery IV and others.
“I just tell them how I made my decision and just showed why I chose Notre Dame and basically what Notre Dame is about in terms of not only football, but also life after football and what opportunities it could present you in many fields, just show what Notre Dame is about,” he said. “It's about family.
“We're building a family. We're building a great '25 class here. I believe they'd be great teammates to be part of that '25 class.”
Thurman is especially interested in Lange and Strebig’s decisions.
“It would be great having those big linemen to run behind,” he laughed. “That's absolutely a running back's dream. It would be great to have them.
“I think the conversations they had with their respective coaches, I believe Notre Dame is really high for all of them.”
Thurman isn’t sure when he’ll be back in South Bend again, but said he’s already working to line up his next visit.
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