Notre Dame is making a concerted effort to continue recruiting the state of California as hard - maybe even harder - than it has in the past and the Irish made that clear to Gavin Williams during the 2027 California safety’s recent trip to South Bend.
Williams made the visit for the Irish’s matchup against rival USC.
“It was a great visit,” he said. “The community, the energy, everything was great.
“I got to see everything. I flew on Thursday night, so I was with them Friday. I saw some professors and got in the building. So, Saturday morning, I saw everything and obviously I got to go the game. That was a good game for Notre Dame.”
The Damien High School standout said he spent a lot of time with secondary coach Mike Mikens, head coach Marcus Freeman and really the entire defensive staff.
“Great people,” Williams said. “Coach Freeman is a great guy, very easy to talk to. He seemed like a good dude.”
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was impressed with the Irish during their 34-24 win over USC, especially with the defensive backs.
“I loved how they played,” he said. “They play Man and they're not afraid. I like that about them for sure.”
Williams has dozens of scholarship offers from schools like Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, Washington and Oregon among several others.
Getting to see Notre Dame go head-to-head with the Trojans was an opportunity for him to see two schools he’s considering.
“I'm looking at both the programs right now,” he said. “Just seeing how they both competed against each other and how big the environment was and how they're doing, so it was a great experience overall.”
Williams has trips coming up to Tennessee and Washington next, but could return to South Bend, possibly soon.
“Maybe coming back out to another game if they make the Playoffs,” he said. “I'm for sure going to come visit again. “If I don't come for a playout game, then in the spring for sure or after the season. He told me that he was going to come down and see me sometime. So I'm still in great touch with them.
“I can't say enough about Notre Dame. I love the energy in the building, the culture and everything at Notre Dame.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Under Armour Black Notre Dame Fighting Irish The Bend Rival Raglan Hoodie
