Notre Dame wrapped up 2027 recruiting this spring and it’s allowed running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider to get a head start on the 2028 recruiting class.
Petal (Miss.) running back Acely Brown made his first trip to South Bend this weekend and it's safe to say both sides were impressed with each other.
For Brown, the people around the program immediately stood out.
“They all treat you like a family,” stated Brown. “It's different from other places. The coaches actually care about the students and not just football, but for the future of the student.”
Notre Dame wasted no time introducing the speedster to the staff, as he had meetings with Marcus Freeman, Mike Martin and Seider.
Seider has been heavily involved in Brown's recruitment and the relationship between the two continued to grow after spending several hours together throughout the weekend.
“He’s similar to me,” explained Brown. “We’re not outspoken people. We’re more quiet, but with the game of football, we get loud.”
The Mississippi native also mingled with some of Notre Dame’s current running backs during the visit. South Bend is a change of pace from Mississippi, but Brown admitted he was comfortable at Notre Dame due to the people.
“It's very different from where I'm from,” Brown explained. “The South is way different, but I feel comfortable here even being miles away from home. I could see myself here.”
Brown did participate at Irish Invasion and was the best back on the field. In fact, it wasn’t particularly close and it was an impressive group of backs working with Seider.
“He said that I competed well today,” said Brown. “The running back group was pretty good.”
Brown's recruitment is quickly becoming a national battle. Along with Notre Dame, Georgia, Miami and Texas are pushing hard for the four-star prospect.
“I’ve been to Georgia and Texas already,” Brown stated. “I go to Miami on June 17th.”
There's still plenty of time left in Brown's recruitment, but Notre Dame appears to have made a significant early impression. In fact, the standout running back is already discussing plans to return.
“I feel like I could come here for more visits or come to a game during the season,” Brown said. “I feel like it’s a good fit here.”
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