Notre Dame became one of the latest programs to offer Ifeanyi Emedobi when it did so a couple weeks ago.
The 2027 Indiana defensive end received the offer during a phone call with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge.
The timing caught Emedobi off guard.
“I was surprised,” Emedobi said. “I didn’t think I was going to get it so early, let alone get it at all this year.”
Partridge explained why the Irish staff believes Emedobi could be a fit in South Bend.
“He was talking about how much they liked me after a few days of contact,” Emedobi said. “Then he threw the offer.”
The 6-foot-3, 207-pounder has gathered several offers over the past couple weeks and now also holds counts Indiana, Vanderbilt, Penn State Maryland, Missouri, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, South Florida, Texas Tech, Virginia and Wisconsin among his scholarships.
The Northrop High School standout said adding the Irish stood out even among a growing offer sheet.
“I didn’t think I was going to get such a big school,” Emedobi said. “I got Texas Tech the week earlier, but I never thought Notre Dame was going to come through.”
Partridge also discussed development during the conversation.
“He said I’m the right fit,” Emedobi said. “He knows I take my academics seriously and he thinks he can develop me into being a top guy.”
When he thinks about Notre Dame, a couple things immediately come to Emedobi’s mind.
“I think about the diehard fans and their academics,” he said.
The Fort Wayne native said the next step will be getting to campus.
Emedobi already had plans to attend Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold Game on April 25 and is now scheduled to be in town on March 27.
“Getting on campus and checking it out, talking more with the staff in person,” he said of what he’s looking forward to.
Spring travel plans elsewhere are still being organized.
“That’s a working process right now with my dad and my coach,” Emedobi said. “We’re figuring out my schedule so I can make them all.”
Looking ahead, Emedobi expects to take all five official visits before making a final decision.
“Culture,” he said when asked what will matter most in the process. “If they can develop me on and off the field and the atmosphere.”
Notre Dame’s message has already centered on that development path, which should be especially important with Emedobi.
“I’ve heard people tell me I’m a very raw athlete. I have a lot of potential.”
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