Elite 2028 Edge Jackson Vaughn Breaks Down Notre Dame Junior Day Experience
Notre Dame made a point to be intentional with its Junior Day this past weekend.
The staff focused on bringing in not only the nation’s top talent, but also prospects who could begin building relationships with one another early in the process.
While the event primarily centered around the 2027 class, a handful of elite 2028 targets were also on campus, including Bergen Catholic (N.J.) edge rusher Jackson Vaughn, who may sit at the very top of Notre Dame’s board.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder had previously visited South Bend twice, but this trip offered a more in-depth look at the program.
“I had a great time at Notre Dame this weekend,” Vaughn told ISD. “Just being able to get back on campus, see practice for the first time, see Coach (Charlie) Partridge, how he coaches and just learning more about Notre Dame.”
During practice, Vaughn paid close attention to how Partridge operated, evaluating what life might be like inside Notre Dame’s defensive line room.
“I was looking at how the players react, how Coach Partridge coaches the players and how technical he is,” stated Vaughn. “He just gets the best out of his players.
“He's very technical. He definitely knows what he's talking about. He can definitely help you get to that next level.”
Vaughn also came away impressed with the intensity early in spring ball.
“I like how they were getting after it yesterday,” Vaughn said. “Things got a little chippy.”
Beyond the field, Vaughn spent time connecting with current players like Elijah Burress and Nolan James Jr., fellow New Jersey natives, giving him a better sense of life outside The Gug.
“That was more like the personal side of it, just like building relationships with the players who are already there,” explained Vaughn. “I got a feel for what they do in their off time, just things like that.”
On Sunday morning, Vaughn sat down one-on-one again with head coach Marcus Freeman, who delivered a straightforward message.
“His message to me was to not be comfortable,” Vaughn stated. “Stay at it, stay on it, stay hungry.”
The five-star prospect is expected to visit Alabama, Cal, Miami, Penn State and Texas A&M in the coming weeks. But Vaughn isn’t just going through the motions. Each trip will serve a purpose.
“I hope to learn about the schools,” Vaughn said. “Where do I fit in? Where do they see me and if it’s a cultural fit. Do I fit into the culture?”
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