Notre Dame is always looking to enhance its roster, and that includes being opportunistic when the right prospects become available.
2027 Appoquinimink (Del.) offensive lineman Layton Von Brandt had been an early target for Notre Dame, but his commitment to Penn State in November 2024 slowed that pursuit.
That changed last month when Van Brandt reopened his recruitment and Notre Dame wasted no time getting him on campus.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder was able to take in much of what Notre Dame has to offer on Saturday and it didn’t disappoint the Delaware native.
“The tradition was amazing,” Van Brandt told ISD. “I really enjoyed the walk over from mass with the players, my time spent with alumni and Coach (Marcus) Freeman pregame.”
The time Freeman spent with the Von Brandt family left a lasting impression.
“Coach Freeman was amazing,” Von Brandt said. “He was down to earth and really took a lot of time with my family and I.”
Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph had previously visited Appoquinimink High School, but Saturday gave both sides the first real chance to deepen their connection.
“Coach Rudolph continued building the relationship he started with me back when he came to my school,” explained Von Brandt. “We just talked about the things he liked about my game and the standard in the OL room.”
Von Brandt also got an in-depth look at the Notre Dame offensive line. The Fighting Irish rolled up 249 rushing yards and didn’t let quarterback CJ Carr get sacked during the 49-10 victory over Navy.
“The offensive line did what the Notre Dame offensive line is known for,” explained Von Brandt. “They physically imposed their will in adverse weather. I enjoy watching their versatility. One week, they can win passing it all over the place, and the next can road grade you. That's why Notre Dame offensive linemen are so sought after.”
With his recruitment open, Von Brandt is using the fall to take visits. It’s an important period for the four-star prospect as he’s looking to find the right fit.
“Being a player who was committed to Penn State as a sophomore, I had completely shut down all aspects of my recruitment,” Von Brandt said. “I hadn't been anywhere since, so with me reopening it a month ago, I have to kind of get out and maximize my time into the spring and go see the schools I see as a fit and that have really been recruiting me the hardest. Notre Dame, for sure, is one of those schools.”
Von Brandt made it clear that Notre Dame did enough to get him back on campus and that will likely happen in a couple of months.
“I plan on coming back for a spring practice as well,” stated Von Brandt. “After the spring, I'd really like to narrow my focus on a couple of schools so that ideally I can make a decision this summer before my senior year.”
There isn’t a rush to make a decision, as Von Brandt has already been through this process once. That said, Notre Dame appears to be in a strong position following his first visit to campus.
“I definitely would put Notre Dame into one of my top choices right now and I could definitely see it being a place I call home. I'm just trying to make the most of this process the second time through and make the right decision.”
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