2026 CB Jaziel Hart Excited to Learn More About Notre Dame Following Offer
2026 North Cross School (Va.) cornerback Jaziel Hart is the latest prospect to earn an offer from Notre Dame.
Notre Dame defensive backs coach Mike Mickens provided the three-star prospect will good news on Tuesday night after evaluating Hart earlier this month.
“I was on the phone with one of their assistants, Coach (Jevaughn) Codlin, I’ve been connected to since he was at West Virginia,” Hart told ISD. “He allowed the coaches to see my film and once everyone saw my film, he got me on the phone with Coach Mike (Mickens). From there, he delivered the offer and now we’re here.”
Hart holds over 20 offers, so he’s not a stranger to the process, but Notre Dame extending an offer quickly got his attention.
“I was excited coming out of basketball practice,” stated Hart. “Having the national championship runner-up call and delivering a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame was a great feeling. It means a lot, especially knowing my education plays into it. It shows my grades actually matter in this process.”
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder’s relationship with Codlin could also be a key to watch down the road. It’s clear both have mutual respect and Hart looks forward to continuing to build on that in the coming months.
“He’s loyal and always keeps his word,” explained Hart. “He’s built a connection with me over time. We’ve always stayed close since he was at West Virginia. I’ve always supported him, and I was happy to see him get the Notre Dame job. It was a great feeling to get back in touch with him and get things rolling with him at a new program.”
Hart narrowed his recruitment down to Indiana, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia and Virginia Tech in January, but that is likely changing with the added attention in the last few weeks.
“They really did,” Hart explained when asked if Notre Dame shook his recruitment up. “Missouri as well. They hopped in the line, too. With Notre Dame being a top program, you have to give them a chance and go through the process. I have to allow God to figure it out and put everything in his hands.”
The Virginia native stars on both sides of the ball and was named first-team all-state on offense and defense for the third year in 2024.
What gives Hart an advantage on the field and grabs the attention of college coaches nationwide? It starts with his athletic ability, but Hart’s mental preparation gives him an even more significant advantage over his peers.
“The strengths of my game are my IQ, being able to read a lot of things and pick out a lot of things players do,” Hart said. “Playing receiver, I can put myself in the receiver’s shoes whenever I play defensive back. I am working on keeping my eye discipline and playing through hands. It’s important to stay calm when the ball is in the air when you’re playing a top receiver.
“It’s always good to keep working on the small stuff. How big are your steps coming out of my drop from my break? I’m working on all of that. That’s the difference at the next level. Weight and strength is one thing, but being able to read and pick out things other players don’t take in is important.”
When it comes to a decision, Notre Dame and others will have plenty of time to make a move. Hart is planning to decide shortly after his takes his official visits in June.
“I’ll probably make a decision after my officials,” said Hart. “I’ll probably be committing on July 3rd after I get everything settled down.”
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