Zayden Gamble’s first trip to Notre Dame gave him a chance to see what the program has been selling throughout his recruitment.
The 2027 Florida defensive back made his way to South Bend for Junior Day this weekend as the Irish continue to build momentum with one of their top secondary targets.
“It went great,” Gamble told Irish Sports Daily.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder spent time touring campus, watching practice and getting around the facility and program.
He was able to sit down with defensive coordinator Chris Ash, defensive backs coach Aaron Henry and head coach Marcus Freeman as those relationships continue to develop.
A central part of the visit was Notre Dame’s academic message and the overall opportunity beyond football.
“The academics are key there and you won't find a better duo,” he said. “After history and research, it's definitely true.”
Gamble also got a chance to evaluate the program on the field.
He pointed to the energy and competitiveness during practice as a positive takeaway.
“It was really good,” he said. “They were really getting after it. They were competing, having fun.”
The St. Thomas Aquinas High School standout also spent time with current players and recruits during the visit, continuing to evaluate how he fits within the locker room.
“100 percent,” he said when asked if he could see himself fitting in with the group.
The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native holds offers from Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M, Miami, North Carolina, Auburn and Washington among others.
Gamble has already scheduled official visits with Notre Dame, Miami, Florida and Ohio State and will take unofficial visits to Georgia Tech and Georgia as he completes his spring schedule.
The next step in the process will be returning to South Bend for his official visit.
That trip is currently set for June 19 as Notre Dame looks to continue building on the momentum from this visit.
Gamble left South Bend feeling like he could see himself returning for good after the official.
“Great visit, great people. Somewhere I definitely could envision myself being.”
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