Elite 2027 CB Josh Dobson "Definitely" Wants To Return To Notre Dame
Things are trending in a good direction for Joshua Dobson as his recruitment continues to take shape.
The 2027 South Carolina cornerback says the process has been steady as he stays in contact with several programs.
“Everything’s going great,” Dobson told Irish Sports Daily.
The Catawba Ridge High School standout remains firmly engaged with Notre Dame, even as a recent staff change altered part of his relationship with the Irish. Dobson had former a strong bond with former Irish defensive backs assistant Jevaughn Codlin prior to Codlin’s departure for North Texas.
Now, defensive backs coach Mike Mickens and head coach Marcus Freeman have been working to pick that up.
“Coach Mickens and Coach Freeman, they’ve still been texting me and keeping in contact,” said Dobson.
That change hasn’t shifted how Dobson views Notre Dame as an option moving forward.
“I still love Notre Dame for everything it is,” he said. “So it didn’t impact me as far as if I go there, but it definitely impacted my relationship with them a little bit.”
Dobson visited South Bend for the Texas A&M game back in September and was blown away. Getting back to campus is the next step the Fort Mill, S.C., native wants to take with the Irish.
“Definitely taking another visit and getting back up there and talking to Coach Freeman and Coach Mickens again,” Dobson said.
Dobson will focus on making that return trip more about continuing conversations than first impressions.
“I’ve seen the campus,” he said. “I’ve really seen everything, so whatever else they have to offer that I can see, I’ll be interested.”
That visit could come early in the new year as he begins planning his next wave of trips.
“Probably January or spring,” Dobson said.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder plans to make Notre Dame part of a broader stretch of travel as he continues gathering information, noting that he’d also like to make trips to schools like Tennessee, LSU, Florida and Auburn.
He holds offers from each.
As those visits come together, Dobson is approaching a point where he’ll start trimming his list.
“I’m planning on doing that in a couple weeks or next month,” Dobson said.
When it comes time to narrow things down further and eventually make a final decision, Dobson said his priorities are already clear.
“Player development, family environment and winning,” Dobson said.
Those themes are part of what continues to resonate about Notre Dame.
“My mom loves education, so that was a big piece with their presentation to me. She’s a teacher and educator, so I love everything about how they go about life after college and what they do for their kids.”
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