2025 Notre Dame RB Commit Justin Thurman Enjoys Return
Saying Notre Dame is becoming like home for 2025 Irish running back commit Justin Thurman is a bit of an understatement.
The Florida native was back in South Bend for last week’s game against Louisville. It was the 13th visit to Notre Dame for Thurman.
“It was great, honestly,” he told Irish Sports Daily. “It is always great. It never gets old getting back up there and just being able to be in that type of environment with not only the coaching staff, but also the current players who are there and my fellow commits and some of the targets for the Class of 25 and the Class of 26.
“Being able to have conversations with them and spend time around them and getting to build a relationships is always great. Being able to continue to build the relationships that we have, continue to build that chemistry in the class is always great.”
Thurman believes the group already possesses great chemistry, but it’s just increasing.
“Every time we get to go up there, we're learning new things about each other, not only about football, but also just talking about life in general,” he said. “How we're doing. How our lives are going and family and everything. I feel like the relationships that we have are really great. It's just a family environment overall, not only with the coaching staff, but with the other commits as well.”
He also appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with Marcus Freeman, Mike Denbrock and Deland McCullough.
“It was great,” he said. “Being able to talk to Coach Freeman, Coach Denbrock and Coach McCullough, just continuing to build that relationship I have with them. The relationship I have with them is great and it's growing every single time I talk to them and every time I go up there. I'm just looking forward to getting up there next June and getting ready to go to work. I'm excited to join the team.”
While in town, Thurman also took the opportunity to speak with some of the uncommitted targets on campus, including 2025 prospects Madden Faraimo and Isaiah Mizell.
“It was great,” he said. “I believe that they're very high on Notre Dame. I feel like they could really be great additions to the class at Notre Dame. They're great players, great people and I feel like they'd be great additions. I got to talk to them a little bit. They really like Notre Dame, not only the football aspect, but also the academics, the environment aspect and also the people there. It's just a very welcoming environment. They're really high on Notre Dame. I feel like it can be an environment they could be successful in.
“I mainly talk in terms of why I specifically chose Notre Dame and trying to help them kind of put themselves in my shoes as to why I made my decision. Talking about not only the football aspect, but the relationships I have with the coaching staff and also the people in general up there in Notre Dame and just the opportunities that it can present you on and off the field and the things that it can do for you for the rest of your life. Notre Dame is a place that can really put you in a good position for the rest of your life, whether you're playing in the NFL or pursuing other endeavors. It's a great place overall.”
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