Gregory Patrick officially signed with Notre Dame earlier this month, allowing the 2026 Michigan offensive lineman to turn the page toward the next stage of his football career.
“It feels awesome to finally have it wrapped up now,” Patrick told Irish Sports Daily.
“It’s kind of like a chapter closing. What we say in our football program at the high school is that it’s like a chapter closing in life and now it’s the start of a new one. So it’s really exciting and I’m just really optimistic for everything.”
The Portage Northern High School standout pointed to factors off the field at Notre Dame as what ultimately set the program apart from his other suitors.
“I’d say just the overall environment and the culture and just the people there is the most exciting thing,” Patrick said.
“Just being able to play with those future teammates, which I guess now are officially teammates, but being able to play with those guys is something that’s super exciting, just the people in the program.”
Relationships within the 2026 class have continued to grow, particularly along the offensive line, where the Portage, Mich., native said communication is constant.
“We talk pretty much every day just about anything and everything,” Patrick said. “Obviously, some of the guys that are enrolling early have different things to talk about since they’re going to be in college here in way less than a month now.
“It’s just really exciting. We all have a good relationship, especially all the o-linemen. We talk every day. The o-linemen, we’re pretty close.”
Patrick believes that familiarity will ease the transition once the class is fully on campus.
“I’d just say you’re kind of just ready to go once you get there because you’re already so comfortable with everybody,” Patrick said.
“It kind of just makes the transition to college and college football easier when you’re close with your teammates. And obviously once you start playing together on the field in the games and stuff, you’re just going to have a deeper relationship and deeper trust for each other.”
Patrick is one of the few Irish signees who will not be enrolling early.
“That was kind of a decision that was made within my family,” Patrick said. “I’m playing basketball right now so it’s keeping me busy and I’m having fun with that.”
Preparation for Notre Dame has remained a priority despite Patrick’s busy schedule.
“That’s pretty much what I’ve been focused on and obviously I’m still training,” Patrick said. “Notre Dame just sent out their signing day manual with all the workouts and stuff like that so I’ve been following that.”
As Patrick looks ahead to his arrival in South Bend, his focus will begin in the classroom before anything else on the field.
“Since the first thing that we’re doing there once we get there is taking summer classes, starting stronger there is a big thing,” Patrick said. “Football-wise I haven’t really thought a lot about that to be honest with you. I know travel team is a big thing but I would have to think a little bit more about that.”
Patrick expects to remain connected to campus in the coming months.
“We have Christmas break coming up so maybe stopping by then. I know they won’t be enrolled yet but once the New Year comes around and it gets to be early spring, yeah I’ll be down there quite often.
“Just really excited for everything that’s coming next.”
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