2028 DE Asher Ghioto Returns to Notre Dame, Leaves With Offer

2028 The Bolles School (Fla.) defensive end Asher Ghioto‍ is quickly becoming one of the most coveted prospects in the country, and he made his second visit to Notre Dame last week.

On this trip, the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder was able to get a deep look inside the Irish program as he was on campus for multiple days. 

“My first visit was actually to Notre Dame like two and a half years ago,” stated Ghioto. “I came up here for middle school camp and it was pretty fun, but it was different getting up here and actually being recruited this time, so it was pretty awesome.”

Although Ghioto didn’t participate in the camp due to illness, he paid close attention to defensive line coach Al Washington.

“I was sick, so I couldn't compete today. I got to see Coach Washington coach,” said Ghioto. “He knows his stuff. He's a great coach and he's a great dude too. That was really important to me to come out there and see him coach and just watch what he did, even though I wasn't going through it myself, but I could apply that to my game now.” 

The visit also gave Ghioto a better sense of who Washington is off the field and that connection left a lasting impression.

“I would say he's definitely a family-centered guy, relationship guy,” explained Ghioto. “He's very faith-based as well, which is a big thing for me and all the colleges I look for is faith-based. Will they get me ready for the NFL? And, do they have good academics? I couldn't ask for anything more and that's what they provided. He's an awesome guy, but I'd definitely say he's a relationship guy and that's really important to me.” 

Ghioto was aware of Notre Dame’s storied tradition, but he admitted that last year’s run got his attention. 

“It was awesome,” Ghioto said. “They've been doing great these last couple years, but just bringing back how they used to be in just these national championship contenders year after year and winning national championships is just awesome. 

“They're now recruiting me and while being a national championship contender is really, really important to me. You want to go somewhere that can win national championships and produce good players.” 

Notre Dame became the 38th school to offer Ghioto, who has been busy taking visits as he tries to build a foundation for what he’s looking for in a college.

“It's interesting,” explained Ghioto. “It's pretty crazy. At the same time, it's a blessing to go through it this early on because I feel like I could really get a feel for what colleges want to pursue me early on. I feel like that's really important to me because not only are they going to follow me throughout all of high school, but they're not waiting until the end to tag on to be like, OK, this guy's good towards the end. Now, let's tag on.

“I feel like it's really important to me to get started this early.  Some people don't like it as much because there's a lot of restrictions held to it. I feel like really going and visiting is really important and I've gone and done that at plenty of schools. I just feel like it's really a blessing. It does get hectic at times, but it’s awesome.” 

Ghioto wrapped up his summer visit schedule in South Bend and is now turning his attention to the fall.

“This is the last place,” said Ghioto. “I wanted to end off here on a good note. This is the place I wanted to get here the most. Here and Clemson were the important things, so now I can get back and focus on summer workouts.” 

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