Aidan O'Neil added one of the most significant offers of his recruitment last week,when when Notre Dame extended a scholarship.
The 2027 New Jersey defensive end’s offer sheet now includes the Irish along with schools like Duke, Florida State, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Washington and Wisconsin among others.
To Don Bosco Prep head coach Dan Sabella, O’Neil’s physical tools jump out immediately, but it goes beyond that
“He’s obviously gifted physically,” Sabella told Irish Sports Daily. “He’s one of, if not the hardest worker in our program. He just continues to grow and mature.
“He’s very conscious about nutrition, flexibility and making sure he’s doing everything he can to be the best version of himself and obviously the best football player he can be.”
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder pairs size with uncommon athleticism, feet, flexibility and coordination.
“If you watch Aidan in his stance and how much he bends and how low he can get and keep his pad level down, those are all things that jump out,” Sabella said. “Then you match that up with his length and it makes him a matchup problem.”
Notre Dame’s interest went up a notch with an in-person stop before the offer was extended. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge visited Don Bosco Prep recently and built some early rapport within the program.
“I enjoyed spending some time with him,” Sabella said of Partridge. “He was very personable. You can tell he’s been doing it for a while and he’s got a strategy and a style that works for him.
“I think there was definitely a connection there between him and Aidan.”
O’Neil also connected with head coach Marcus Freeman when the scholarship came through.
“He was very excited to be able to talk to Coach Freeman,” Sabella said. “He likes the trajectory that he feels the program is on right now and sees it as an opportunity to play at one of the best programs in the country.”
The defender is expected to visit South Bend soon and could return after that.
“He wants to get out there in the spring,” Sabella said. “If he likes it, get out there for an official as well.”
With visits to Texas A&M, Indiana and Penn State already lined up, the upcoming trip will provide Notre Dame a meaningful opportunity to further garner his interest.
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