COMMITMENT | 2027 OL Jackson Hill Flips Commitment to Notre Dame
It’s not often a recruit can fly under the radar in today’s recruiting world, but 2027 Chaminade (Calif.) offensive lineman Jackson Hill managed to do exactly that.
The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder flipped his commitment from UCLA to Notre Dame on Thursday morning to give Notre Dame its fourth offensive lineman in the class, as he joins Richie Flanigan, James Halter and Oluwasemilore Olubobola.
“It’s just a better fit for me,” Hill told ISD on Wednesday. “I was talking with my coaches and teachers - even Coach (Joe) Rudolph was saying, ‘You fit into my o-line room. You’re Notre Dame goofy.’ That was funny to me, but I know what he’s saying.”
The decision wasn’t only about football. Notre Dame’s academic reputation and long-term value played a significant role in his decision to flip.
“Academically, I fit better with these guys, which will ultimately make it feel more like home,” Hill explained. “It’s far away and it’s a lot different than California. Notre Dame has fantastic schooling. It’s the golden standard of what a degree means. It’s a very powerful degree.
“The football and especially for the offensive line group, the legacy that they’ve been able to put into the NFL is a major thing. I like that the culture is tightly knitted.”
Notre Dame’s coaching staff also played a big role in his decision to commit to the Irish.
Rudolph led the charge, which included an in-home visit earlier this month.
“I like his experience and his coaching points,” explained Hill. “I think that we work very well together. I like how he is off the field. He’s a good person to develop me off the field.”
The three-star prospect made the trip to South Bend in April to watch practice. Hill was able to see the inner workings of Rudolph’s room and felt he would fit well inside the offensive line room.
“I liked how Coach Rudolph ran practice, which was a major thing,” said Hill. “I think it’s an important factor because that’s what I’ll be doing next year. It’s really good to know what I’m expecting and what I should be working on to improve myself now, but also for what I’ll see at the next level.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also made a strong impression during the visit and in conversations afterward.
“He’s very down to earth,” stated Hill. “He’s very relatable and straightforward in what he’s saying. He won’t beat around the bush and he’ll tell you what he’s thinking. I think he’s a good guy.”
During that April visit, Hill realized Notre Dame might be his future school while eating wings with a few offensive linemen.
“We were just talking and I felt I could be one of those guys. I felt like I fit right in with them. We were chatting it up and they seemed very similar to me.”
Now that his recruitment is over, Hill admits there’s a sense of relief.
“Absolutely,” said Hill with a laugh. “It’s just stressful talking to all these coaches and saying I might make it out or I don’t know. It’s good that I’m finally shutting it down and I can relax now. I can start focusing on finals and get ready for summer.”
Hill will be back at Notre Dame for his official visit on June 19th.
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