Notre Dame’s history at tight end is what initially caught Theo Schott’s attention.
The relationships developing behind the scenes are what keep the Irish near the top of his board.
The 2028 Indiana tight end has remained in steady contact with Notre Dame since picking up an offer earlier this spring and is already planning a return trip to South Bend for the Irish’s showcase summer event.
“I've been staying in touch,” Schott told Irish Sports Daily. “I plan on coming to the Irish Invasion.”
For Schott, the trip won’t carry the same pressure as many of the other prospects expected to attend. Since the Zionsville High School standout already holds an Irish offer, he can focus on building bonds with the staff, specifically offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Mike Denbrock and assistant tight ends coach Harris Bivin.
“I think the biggest thing is going to be after the Showcase, doing the Grill & Chill, just to keep building the relationships with Coach Bivin and Coach Denbrock,” Schott said. “I think that's more important than showcasing my skill at the camp in my opinion right now.”
The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder holds offers from schools like Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, LSU, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida and Michigan among others, but Notre Dame has managed to establish itself as one of the more significant early contenders.
Part of that stems from the relationships already forming with Bivin and Denbrock despite NCAA rules limiting communication with underclassmen prospects.
“Whenever me and Coach Bivin get a hold of each other, we have great conversations,” Schott said. “I love the relationship we're building so far.”
The Indiana native believes Bivin brings the kind of balance that matters in a position coach.
“He has a great personality,” Schott said. “He's funny. He also knows the game really well. When you have someone that has both sides of that, it's a good quality to have.”
Schott also values the chance to continue learning more about Denbrock and Notre Dame’s offense during future visits.
“I think the Grill & Chill will be a good time for us to talk some more and just get to know each other better,” he said.
The recruitment remains very much in the early stages.
Schott is planning additional trips this summer with schools like Texas A&M, SMU, Texas and Iowa among the programs he hopes to see before eventually narrowing things down.
A decision, however, is not expected anytime soon.
“Definitely not this summer,” Schott said. “It’ll still definitely be some time next year.”
When that time does come, Schott already knows what will matter most.
“I'd say my two biggest categories would probably be relationships,” he explained. “Second being how the place is going to use me.”
That second piece is especially important because Schott sees himself as far more than a traditional in-line tight end.
“I’m used as a wildcat quarterback,” he said. “I’m used in jet sweeps. I can line up out wide. I can play defense too and then I can be that traditional tight end that gets in line and blocks and runs routes from the wing.”
That flexibility is what he believes separates him from many other prospects nationally.
“I can really do everything. I really think that's what coaches see in me and why they extend offers because they love my versatility.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Champion Relentless Reverse Weave Sweatshirt
