Top DE Jackson Vaughn Recaps Notre Dame Visit, Relationships and Recruitment Focus
2028 Bergen Catholic (N.J.) defensive end Jackson Vaughn has traveled the country this spring.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder started his spring tour at Notre Dame before going to Alabama, Auburn, Cal, Miami and Texas A&M.
This past weekend, Vaughn made his way back to South Bend for a two-day visit and was accompanied by his parents.
“I would just say I wanted to get around the people again and talk with the coaches,” Vaughn told ISD. “Also, it was important because I got to be with Marcus Fakatou, who is a big-time recruit too. I feel like it was just important to get back down there.
“I wanted to get around the coaching staff again and see if I can really see myself there, which I really do.”
Friday night gave Vaughn a chance to see Notre Dame’s campus as he and Fakatou spent hours walking around on their own, soaking in the atmosphere.
The next day, they were hosted by Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, offering another layer of perspective.
“It was cool because it's different than being with the coaches and stuff,” explained Vaughn. “Actually, being able to get around the players and see how they feel about the school and hang out with them, see what they do --essentially what we'd be doing if we went there.”
This visit also stood out because of the tone set by Notre Dame’s staff. Unlike many recruiting trips filled with heavy pitches, Vaughn appreciated authenticity over being sold on a program.
“I don't feel like they're over-recruiting me or trying to sell a dream to me,” said Vaughn. “I feel like they're just being themselves. I can appreciate that.”
That authenticity didn’t come at the expense of clarity. The message from Charlie Partridge and Marcus Freeman was crystal clear.
“I love Coach Partridge,” stated Vaughn. “He's good. Coach Freeman, I would just say the same. Humble guy, but the main thing I got out of them is that they want me there. I want to be where I'm wanted, so I feel like I'm in a good spot.”
The visit coincided with Notre Dame’s Legacy Weekend, where hundreds of former players returned to campus and that experience left a strong impression.
Vaughn had one-on-one conversations with Super Bowl champion Rylie Mills and Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau, moments he didn’t take lightly.
“I even brought this up at the meeting with Coach Freeman,” Vaughn said. “Those are two guys who are living a dream. They really don't have to put themselves in a position where they have to act a certain way, but they choose to be humble and give back, which I can appreciate. It also inspires me to want to be like that when I make it one day.”
Beyond the relationships, Vaughn also noted the caliber of talent Notre Dame is targeting along the defensive line.
“I want to go somewhere where they're also recruiting guys like me, so that we can all push each other in practice and get better together,” Vaughn stated. “I feel like Notre Dame's doing a good job of that.”
When it comes to a decision, Vaughn is inching closer to one. The spring tour provided him insight into what he wants in a program when that time comes.
“It's basically just go where you’re wanted,” said Vaughn. “Go where you can see yourself. Don’t go for the likes or the whatever, the short-term stuff. Go where you can see yourself and where you can set yourself up for 40 years down the line and I feel like some of the schools were able to do a good job of that.”
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