Elite 2027 DL David Folorunsho Talks Notre Dame, Other Finalists
David Folorunsho doesn’t need much more time.
The 2027 Illinois defensive lineman is set to make his college decision on May 15 after wrapping up a spring visit schedule that provided the clarity he was looking for.
“I have all the information that I need,” Folorunsho told Irish Sports Daily. “Me and my family decided that we're going to make the decision because we have all the information we need.”
That clarity came from a busy stretch of visits that included a pair of stops at Notre Dame along with trips to Miami and Texas Tech, which helped shape the final group.
“It helped a lot,” he said. “I feel like most of these visits were official visits.”
With that phase complete, the focus shifts to finalizing a decision.
Next Friday, the elite St. Patrick’s High School prospect will choose between Notre Dame, Miami, Texas Tech, Georgia and Michigan.
He’s looking forward to having the decision behind him.
“I’m going to spend most of my time in the summer focusing on all my training and graduating early,” he said.
Folorunsho has worked through multiple options to reach this point, with Miami and Texas Tech making especially strong impressions during the process along with the Irish.
“Just the development piece, the relationships I've built over the past couple months and just the people there, what they're known for doing on the d-line,” he said of Miami and Texas Tech.
The Irish, however, have maintained a unique presence throughout.
“Notre Dame is a little bit more special for me because I have a lot of people around me who went to Notre Dame,” he said. “It’s close to home and it’s just a great spot for me and my family.”
That familiarity runs deeper than most.
Folorunsho trains with former Notre Dame defensive lineman Kerry Neal, plays for former Irish standout Tom Zbikowski at St. Pat’s, where former Notre Dame offensive lineman Dan Santucci is the school president.
Those ties have created a consistent connection to the program and helped shape his understanding of what Notre Dame can offer.
Still, it’s what he’s experienced firsthand that has stood out most.
“I feel like every time I go back down, I learn something new,” he said, noting his most recent visit was for his mother to see the place for the first time.
“Last time I went down, finding out how everybody treats each other like family would probably be the main thing and how tight-knit everybody is and just the community aspect.”
That combination of relationships and environment has resonated with both Folorunsho and his family.
“It helped a lot because that's something very important for me and my family,” he said. “We really like what Notre Dame has to offer.”
As the decision approaches, there is a sense of closure around the process.
“I’m blessed. I can’t complain. I’m just ready to make a decision and get back to work.”
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