Jack McNamara doesn’t need an introduction to Notre Dame.
The 2028 Illinois tight end has been around the program for years, but this weekend’s Junior Day visit represents a different step as the Irish continue to prioritize one of their top early targets in the rising junior class.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder holds offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Illinois among others.
McNamara picked up his Notre Dame offer last fall and has remained closely connected to the program ever since.
“I’m very excited,” McNamara said. “I can’t wait to get down there.”
This visit will center on continuing to build those relationships while giving McNamara another look at the program in a more intimate setting.
“Just building relationships with the coaches, being back on campus and seeing how they practice,” he said.
That familiarity with Notre Dame dates back years, but the experience has taken on a different meaning now that he’s being recruited.
“It feels very special,” McNamara said. “It was a dream of mine to play college football since I was a kid, so to be in this situation is pretty awesome.”
Even with contact limitations at this stage of the process, Notre Dame has made its position clear when the opportunities have come.
“They say I’m a top target for them at tight end and they definitely want that to be my school,” McNamara said.
The Brother Rice standout’s impression of the program has remained consistent throughout his visits.
“I think they’re great people,” McNamara said. “Notre Dame produces great people.”
McNamara is working through a busy spring schedule as he continues evaluating several of the top programs involved in his recruitment.
“Definitely just kind of trim the list down, see places I haven’t seen and go back to places I’ve already been,” McNamara said of the spring’s goals. “Keep building relationships.”
Despite the busy spring, McNamara doesn’t plan to make a decision anytime soon and his primary focus is on building relationships.
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Foul Ball Rope Adjustable Hat
