Elite 2027 OL Albert Simien Excited To Learn More About Notre Dame
Albert Simien came away with a strong impression after a recent visit from Marcus Freeman.
The 2027 Louisiana offensive lineman hosted Notre Dame’s head coach at Sam Houston High School. The visit resonated with Simien and his family and reinforced the Irish’s standing in his recruitment.
“It just spoke a lot to me and my family,” Simien said. “How Notre Dame really wants us there and really takes my recruitment seriously.”
For Simien, the significance went beyond the visit itself.
“Not many head coaches will go out and see an offensive lineman,” he said. “Most of the time those guys are going to see receivers and skill dudes. It’s just something that’s not really common.”
Freeman’s message centered on both football and life beyond it.
“Just getting back up to Notre Dame, continuing my recruitment, continuing to find a purpose outside of football,” Simien said of Freeman’s message.
The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Simien holds offers from Notre Dame, LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Florida State and many others. He visited Notre Dame for two days back in October and plans to return to South Bend for a spring visit that will extend beyond football.
“I already have it planned to shadow a Psych major,” he said.
Academics are a central part of Simien’s evaluation as he considers schools far from home.
“I’m just trying to get to know what I’m really getting into,” he said. “If I do decide to go that far from home, knowing what support systems are there and what my life would actually be like.”
Simien’s interest in Psychology is personal.
“Just helping people,” he said. “It’s a developing area and not many people take it seriously. My brother got his Psych major. My mom, she’s continuing her endeavors with Psych, so it’s something the whole family’s been doing.”
On the football side of things, Simien is eager to continue building relationships, particularly with players already in the program, including incoming freshman offensive lineman Ben Nichols. The two connected on Simien’s first trip to South Bend and played together at the recent Under Armour All-America Game.
“Getting back talking with Ben face-to-face,” Simien said. “Me and him kicked it off pretty well the first time I was up there, then we had the UA game together and were hanging out, practicing side by side.”
Simien described Nichols as more supportive than persuasive when it came to Simien’s recruiting process.
“He was just saying it’s going to be my decision,” Simien said. “I’m going to make the right choice at the end of the day, whether it’s Notre Dame or not.”
Simien plans to take additional visits in the coming months, with Florida State and LSU among the schools he is considering most.
He plans to narrow his list following spring visits, release a top five and take official visits from that group before making a decision.
When the time comes, Simien’s choice will be about the people.
“It’s going to be relationships, basically. Who’s been there? Who’s really showed the most love and support? And who’s going to be there for you? Along with the opportunities that will be there after football.”
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