Tate Wallace has narrowed his focus.
And Notre Dame remains in the middle of it, at least for now.
Last week, the 2027 Iowa linebacker recently released a Top 6 of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Arizona, Arizona State and Wisconsin as his recruitment is trending toward a decision.
The finalists separated themselves with the 6-foot-2, 226-pounder through consistency.
“Those schools did a great job of recruiting me,” Wallace told Irish Sports Daily. “I thought that they showed the most hospitality and overall the relationships I built up with those coaches were the highest. I just felt like home with those six types of schools. I just felt like the fit was there and everything.”
Notre Dame entered the picture in March when Regina High School standout picked up an offer during a visit to South Bend after meeting with linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary.
“It was unbelievable,” Wallace said at the time. “Just to get that offer from such a prestigious program, it’s just a blessing.”
The relationship with Jean-Mary has continued to grow from there and remains one of the biggest reasons the Irish made the cut along with the program as a whole.
“They compete for national championships year in and year out,” he said. “And then I have a great relationship with Coach BJ.”
That relationship has strengthened quickly.
“Coach BJ’s great,” Wallace said. “He’s everything you want in a coach. Obviously he’s going to be there for you. He’s got great ball knowledge of everything and you can tell how much he really cares about you on and off the field.”
The Iowa City native also came away impressed with Marcus Freeman after sitting in on a team meeting during his visit.
“I just love some of his speeches,” Wallace said. “The command of his voice. All the players sit straight up in their seats and listen to him.”
That presence stood out immediately.
“Coach Freeman just does a great job of controlling his locker room,” Wallace continued. “He’s demanding of his players and I feel like his players would run through a brick wall for him.”
Wallace is sticking with his plan to take just one official visit, to the school he ultimately commits to. He expects to have a decision in relatively short order, although he hasn’t set a date just yet.
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