Coach | New Notre Dame RB Target Nolan James "Can Do Everything"

When Notre Dame recently reached out to Nolan James‍, the Irish weren’t his first priority.

The 2025 New Jersey running back’s primary focus was keeping the school he’s been committed to since last December, Boston College, in the loop.

“Nolan's obviously still committed to Boston College and has been upfront with them about everything from the jump,” DePaul Catholic head coach Nick Campanile told Irish Sports Daily. 

“He wanted to make sure that it was handled the right way. We obviously reached out to Boston College right away and explained exactly what the situation was. That speaks to Nolan's character too. His biggest concern is doing things the right way and being honorable and upfront about everything. “

Of course, the situation was created by the Irish extending a scholarship to James.

“The recruiting coordinator reached out to me and said that they were very interested in him and just asked what I thought of him,” Campanile said of the initial communication. “I told him what an outstanding young man he is and obviously an incredible player. 

“When you have a year like he's having, some of the big schools are going to take notice of that. It's not the first time that's happened here, so I'm not surprised.”

Campanile pointed to James’ ability to be “an every-down back” as one of his greatest assets.

“He can do everything,” the coach said. “He catches the ball incredibly well, as good as any running back I've ever had. He's unbelievable between the tackles, but he's also fast enough to get out on the perimeter, so he can carry the ball between the tackles, but also he can get around the corner and get on the edge as well. 

“Then, he's a great pass protector. He's one of the best blockers I've ever had as a running back too. So, he never has to come off the field because no matter the situation, he's got the skillset to handle it.”

Like his DePaul Catholic teammate and current Notre Dame receiver commit Elijah Burress, James checks the boxes off the field as well, according to his coach.

“Just really humble, great teammate, incredible kid, great student, a 4.0 student,” Campanile said. “Just very humble, really quiet. He's not a guy who goes out a whole lot. He kind of keeps to himself and he's a family-oriented kid. 

“I just can't say enough about his character. He's such a good teammate. He's similar to Elijah. Those guys have played ball together since they were probably 11 or 12 years old and they've always been great teammates, always been very selfless.”

James’ interest in the Irish is serious enough that he’ll be taking an official visit to Notre Dame this weekend.

“Just the fact that it's the Notre Dame,” Campanile said of James’ interest. “Obviously, the education's top notch. It's one of the best football programs in the country and they play big-time, big-time football. Not to say Boston College doesn't. 

“Boston College is great football as well, but I guess Notre Dame is up there. In terms of national programs, they're always up there. I think the opportunity to get a great education and play ball at the highest level is appealing to anyone.”

James told ISD he doesn’t plan on stringing the process along just to do so and Campanile agreed.

“I think it's a decision he's got to make pretty soon,” said Campanile. “I think he wants to early enroll wherever he goes, and he's all set to do that at Boston College and I think that's the plan. If he's to change his mind and go to Notre Dame, I think the plan would be to early enroll as well. So it's a decision I think he's got to make here in the next couple of weeks.”

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