For Theo Schott, Irish Invasion was about far more than running routes and competing in one-on-ones.
The 2028 Indiana tight end viewed the trip as another opportunity to evaluate Notre Dame while allowing Mike Denbrock and the Irish staff to continue evaluating him.
By the end of the day, both sides appeared to have strengthened an already important relationship.
"I felt like the camp went really good," Schott said afterward. "Getting to learn under Coach Denbrock is pretty cool."
Schott entered the weekend as one of the top prospects on campus regardless of position with offers already from schools like Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, LSU, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida and Michigan among others.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Zionsville standout has made it clear throughout the spring that the Irish are firmly among his top early contenders.
A major reason for that has been the relationships he's built with Denbrock, offensive coordinator/tight ends coach, as well as assistant tight ends coach Harris Bivin.
The camp provided another opportunity to develop those connections while also receiving direct coaching from Denbrock and Bivin.
"I had some coaching points about footwork and route running that I really took in," Schott said. "The coaches had some great teaching points and I thought I learned a lot."
The workout itself went well.
Schott estimated he won three of his four one-on-one reps and came away encouraged by his performance.
"I thought I looked pretty good today,” he said.
The route tree focused heavily on concepts tight ends are asked to execute regularly at the next level.
"I think we ran a few slot fades and then a lot of basics like a dig and then a three-step slant," Schott explained. "Some out routes too. Taking good footwork and knowing when to get your break going out, those were key today."
The level of competition stood out as well.
Notre Dame assembled one of the strongest tight end groups of the summer and Schott appreciated the opportunity to work alongside several players he already knows.
"I loved that tight end group," Schott said. "We had five of the top 10 tight ends there. JC (Wessel) was there and he's one of my good friends.
"You have more fun when you're camping with dudes that you like and get to talk to the whole time. It makes it go by faster and you have a good time."
The defensive competition was also valuable.
"They looked good today," Schott said. "I thought there was a lot of talent on the field and it got me better."
Schott will remain focused on improving one particular aspect of his game.
"Definitely blocking," Schott said. "I'll obviously be running routes a lot, but I think in college as a tight end, blocking is a really key piece if you want to make it to The League. I've been working on my blocking a lot and then keeping up my speed."
While relationships remain important, Notre Dame's track record at Schott's position continues to resonate as well.
"I think Notre Dame is special," he said. "Just the way they've produced tight ends in the past. I like seeing that and envisioning myself playing like some of their past tight ends. It fits my play style and I think it just fits me."
That combination of development and fit is a major reason why the Irish continue to occupy such a prominent position in his recruitment.
"I feel like they'll always be a top school for me," Schott said.
Schott isn't rushing toward a decision, though. He may add a few more summer visits in the coming weeks and expects to continue evaluating schools throughout the process.
Schott plans to be back in South Bend this fall for a game.
"Yeah, for sure.”
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