Albert Simien’s return visit to Notre Dame gave him a deeper look at how the program aligns with him on and off the field.
The 2027 Louisiana offensive lineman made his way back to South Bend for last weekend’s Junior Day as the Irish continue to build on an already strong relationship.
“It went great,” Simien told Irish Sports Daily.
The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder spent time with fellow offensive linemen during the visit, continuing to evaluate how he fits within the group.
“Those guys were cool characters,” he said. “Just getting to meet them, their families and kind of learn where they're from and what they're about. It was just a good experience to kind of match the vibe of the current O-line room right now.”
Simien also got an in-depth look at offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and his approach to development.
Meetings with Rudolph focused heavily on film and understanding the details behind the position.
“It's more of a teaching aspect than just spitting football out at you,” Simien said. “He'll give you a why to the reason you're doing a certain drill or you're taking a certain step.”
The Sam Houston High School standout also came away impressed with Rudolph on a personal level.
“Coach Rudolph’s a great guy,” he said. “Real family oriented. He gets to know the dudes that he's recruiting way past the football aspects of it and just tries to get the right guys into the building.”
Simien also spent time with head coach Marcus Freeman, whose message centered on purpose and fit.
“Find out your why for being at a place and what you could do for that program and not necessarily what do you get out of being there,” he said of Freeman’s message.
That message resonated with Simien as he continues evaluating his options.
The Moss Bluff, La., native also got a closer look at Notre Dame’s academic and spiritual environment during the visit.
“I grew up Catholic, so getting that Catholic foundation right there on campus is a great part of it,” he said.
“We had a great talk with the academic advisors while we were there and kind of figured out where all the majors and all the resources are at.”
The next step in his process will be working toward an official visit back to South Bend.
“I know for sure I want to take an official to Notre Dame,” Simien said.
He does not have any official visits scheduled yet and outside of Notre Dame, isn’t certain of any others he’ll take either.
Simien visited LSU after Notre Dame and will head to Texas A&M next week as he continues evaluating his options.
When he returns to Notre Dame, he wants to get a better feel for the day-to-day environment within the program.
“More of the student body and the small little traditions that they do that most people just overlook in their day to day.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
YETI Notre Dame Fighting Irish 20oz. Rambler Tumbler with Magslider Lid
