'27 5-Star DE David Jacobs Jr. Impressed by Notre Dame’s Family Atmosphere & Opportunities
2027 Blessed Trinity Catholic (Ga.) five-star defensive end David Jacobs Jr. had heard a great deal about Notre Dame but had yet to see it for himself.
That changed over the weekend as the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder and his brother, Dawson Jacobs, traveled to South Bend to get an in-depth look at Notre Dame.
Jacobs entered the visit with high expectations and it didn’t take long for the Georgia native to realize Notre Dame was different from other schools he had visited.
“It was awesome,” Jacobs told ISD. “I definitely enjoyed it. Everyone talks about Notre Dame and how it's the standard. That’s what it is. It’s amazing how many great things go around there. I was definitely happy I got up there.”
During the visit, Jacobs was able to have several meetings, tour the campus and observe practice. Yet, the most significant impression left on him was how he was treated and how the program is a family from the top down.
“The people are friendly,” stated Jacobs. “There are just great people up there. I was impressed with how they work. It’s a dedicated team to what they want to do and what their goals are. I loved how they treat each other. Notre Dame is a family up there. It’s just awesome up there.”
Jacobs is also no stranger to watching college practices, and perhaps with a different eye than most of his peers. His father starred at Georgia and coaches him daily, so Jacobs was looking at Al Washington’s group very closely.
“They were definitely trying to get better,” stated Jacobs. “They are a great team. One thing I noticed was the defensive lineman had really great footwork. The footwork was amazing. They took the little things seriously.
“I saw someone jump offside and they had to do up downs. I haven’t seen that at a lot of places when someone is offside.”
Washington and defensive analyst Nick Sebastian also made plenty of time for Jacobs and his family. It was the first time Jacobs was able to meet Washington in person and they were able to build on their relationship.
“They’re like family,” said Jacobs. “I love them. They’re awesome people to be around and great coaches. I learned a lot from them. I definitely enjoyed talking with them and meeting Coach Wash for the first time.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and Director of Recruiting Carter Auman had a similar message for Jacobs.
It centered around life after football and how Notre Dame sets its players up for success when the ball is no longer an option.
“It was awesome,” Jacobs explained. “His message was that I was going to find good football anywhere, but it’s about what is going to happen after football. My guy, Carter, gave me a great explanation about life after football. He asked me what I would do after I finish my career. If I make it to the league and 10 years later, I’ll only be 32, so what am I going to do for the rest of my life?
“He taught me how Notre Dame has those connections. Coach Freeman showed me how Notre Dame’s connections go crazy. They want to set you up for after football.”
It’s a message that Jacobs clearly took to heart.
“Schools definitely talk about what’s next after football, but that was Notre Dame’s main thing. I always say you can find good football anywhere, but the people and connections matter. Notre Dame definitely has those connections.”
Perhaps the person Jacobs connected to the most was Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa. The former Notre Dame defensive lineman is back on campus as the Director of Recruiting Advancement and has quickly become an essential piece to the recruiting office.
“I call him Aura Man,” stated Jacobs. “He’s amazing, dude. He’s literally Notre Dame built. I love him like a brother. I enjoyed him touring me around. He’s literally like a brother to me.”
Jacobs isn’t in a rush to make a decision, but Notre Dame made a lasting impression on the five-star talent.
“I loved it up there,” said Jacobs. “I’ll be back up there. Hopefully, when it’s a little more dry. That weather up there, you don’t even know what it is. You can’t look at the weather channel. One second it’s raining, then it’s warm and then cold. I’m definitely coming back up there.”
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