2025 ATH Dalen Penson Enjoys Irish Invasion & First Look at Notre Dame

2025 Sandy Creek (Ga.) athlete Dalen Penson‍ made the trip to Notre Dame this weekend for Irish Invasion as he looked to back up his impressive performance at an Under Camp earlier this spring, which led to the offer from the Irish staff. 

With an offer in hand, Penson didn’t feel too much pressure on Sunday as Notre Dame’s coaching staff got a closer look at his elite athleticism and speed. 

“It felt like I wasn’t going out as an interview,” Penson stated. “I was out there to compete. I wasn't stressing about if I was going to get offered after the camp or really push myself like it was a job interview.” 

The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder worked on both sides of the ball during the camp, which allowed him to showcase his complete skillset. 

“There was a shortage of DBs compared to receivers, so i was able to get more reps at DB, so I jumped out there,” said Penson. “I also worked a couple reps at receiver. It was really fun being able to play both sides of the ball.” 

Mike Mickens and Mike Brown provided Penson with good feedback during and following the camp. 

“Both of the coaches definitely had high praise,” explained Penson. “I showcased what I can do here and what I can do against other collegiate athletes. It was just really fun to be out here.” 

Penson burst onto the scene early in the spring following verified testing of a 4.48 40-yard dash, 4.13 shuttle, 36.9 vertical and broad jump of 128.1. 

The Georgia native didn’t get his 40 time on Sunday, but Notre Dame did inform him of his shuttle. 

“All I know is my 5-10-5,” Penson said. “It was 4.0.” 

Notre Dame won’t the only stop this summer for Penson as his next couple of weeks will be busy, including a trip to Baton Rouge this week. 

“Next up, I’m going to be at LSU on Wednesday,” Penson explained. “I have an OV on June 8th at Georgia Tech and I have another OV set for Kentucky on June 22nd.” 

Georgia Tech and Kentucky have both ramped up the pressure in recent weeks, but Penson isn’t letting the increased attention impact his decision. 

“Yes, they definitely are,” stated Penson. “They have told me that they definitely have a spot for me, so other commits interrupt me not being able to go to the school and I’m high up on their board.

“I’m going to stay true to myself. I’m not going to let them speed my process up or stress me out too much. I’m going to stay grounded on what I was taught and being myself to make the right decision. At the end of the day, it’s not the next four years; it’s the next 40 years. I’m not going to let those schools push me into committing.” 

As for Notre Dame, Penson gave the visit high reviews and was happy he made the decision to make the trip from the South. 

“I’m definitely glad I got to come up here and see the campus,” said Penson. “I really liked the campus. I really like the program and the program is always consistently in the Top 10. I’m glad I got to come up all the way up here and be able to hang out in South Bend.” 

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