Official Visit Reinforces Things For Notre Dame OL Commit James Halter

For the first time since committing to Notre Dame, James Halter‍ got a chance to spend an extended weekend alongside the players who could eventually make up the foundation of the Irish's future offensive line.

This past weekend’s official visit only strengthened Halter’s belief that he belongs in South Bend.

"It was a great time," he told Irish Sports Daily.

The 2027 Pennsylvania offensive lineman arrived on campus Thursday and spent the next few days getting a deeper look at both the football program and the University itself, including head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph.

"We met with Coach Freeman, Coach Rudolph, had the State of the Union, just what Notre Dame's about, why it's special," Halter said. "We learned about the connections and the future of it."

The Central Catholic High School standout also learned more about the health, nutrition and development resources available to Notre Dame athletes while spending time around some of the traditions that make the school unique.

"We just learned about the tradition of the school and the Player Walk," Halter said.

One of the biggest takeaways, however, was finally getting all four of Notre Dame's offensive line commits together in the same place.

"It was really cool," Halter said of spending time with Oluwasemilore Olubobola‍, Richie Flanigan‍ and Jackson Hill‍.

"I hadn't met these people before so getting to meet them, it was pretty cool. I learned a lot about different people and I really enjoyed it."

The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder believes the weekend helped establish relationships that will benefit the group once they eventually arrive on campus.

"I definitely think so," Halter said. "We hadn't met all together ever so I haven't spent time with them. I really like those guys and I think that it'll be good."

Like the rest of Notre Dame's offensive line commits, Halter also spent plenty of time around Louisiana offensive lineman Albert Simien‍, one of the Irish's top remaining targets.

"We talked," Halter said. "We were with him the whole time. Wherever we went, he was with us."

The Irish commits made their pitch, but Halter understands the decision ultimately belongs to Simien.

"We did what we could, but it's kind of down to his choice so there's not much you can influence once they've made their mind up," he said. 

Based on the time they spent together, Halter believes Simien would fit naturally with the group.

"He's a really nice, smart kid and I think we did get along pretty well," Halter said.

While the official visit offered plenty of new experiences, it didn't change how Halter felt about Notre Dame. 

"There was never any doubt really. But going back there again, it reinforced that this is home for me and this is where I belong."

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