Montana Toilolo came away from his visit to Notre Dame with a clear feel for what separates the program.
The 2027 California defensive tackle made his way to South Bend last weekend, spending time around the program as the Irish continue to build on an existing relationship.
“It was amazing,” Toilolo told Irish Sports Daily. “Just the environment, the city of South Bend, so peaceful. The campus was beautiful. My parents loved it. I loved it.”
The Mater Dei High School standout holds offers from Notre Dame, UCLA, Miami, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Utah among others.
Toilolo spent much of his time with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, assistant defensive line coach Nick Sebastian and defensive analyst Chase Jones, getting an up-close look at how the group operates.
“Man, he’s a great coach,” Toilolo said of Partridge. “During practice, he was on it, fast-paced, energy and then in the film room, he’s great at teaching, breaking down film. He’s a great coach overall.”
Toilolo has been a top priority for Partridge since the coach took the Notre Dame job.
“He’s wanted me since he got there and he thinks I'm a great fit for the Notre Dame d-line,” Toilolo said of Partridge.
The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder also got a clearer understanding of how the staff views his role within the defense.
“They think I could play everywhere along the line,” Toilolo said. “Be a versatile piece and be developed there.”
He also connected with head coach Marcus Freeman alongside his family during the visit.
“He’s a laid-back, down-to-earth dude,” Toilolo said. “But I know he’ll fight for his players. He told us he loves them like sons.”
That combination of environment, coaching and overall feel has had a significant impact on how Toilolo views the Irish moving forward.
“Notre Dame’s top now,” Toilolo said. “After being able to tour the school, talk to the coaches and see practice, it’s up there for sure.
“Just the environment of Notre Dame. It’s a special place. I felt it over there. I felt the energy. I felt how special it really is.”
He clarified that Notre Dame is tied at the top with UCLA with Miami and Washington also in the mix.
Toilolo has several more stops ahead, with visits to Miami, Washington and UCLA on deck before shifting toward a decision.
“We’re planning to take a week to talk about it and then commit.”
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