Notre Dame's history of developing running backs already had Cayden Gould's attention.
Now, the 2029 Florida running back has an offer from the Irish after impressing the staff during a satellite camp at Florida International University.
"I was very excited," Gould told Irish Sports Daily. "I know about the program and the players they develop like Jeremiyah Love and everybody else at the position. I was just really excited."
The offer came after Notre Dame evaluated Gould in person at the camp.
"They just thought I'm going to be one of the best in my class and they liked what they saw," Gould said. "They came out and watched me perform at FIU."
The IMG Academy standout learned about the offer during a conversation with Ja'Juan Seider and Notre Dame general manager Mike Martin.
"I talked to the running backs coach, Coach Seider, and the general manager," Gould said.
Gould already had plenty of respect for Seider's résumé developing running backs.
"He's a really good coach," Gould said. "He developed a lot of backs in his time at Notre Dame and at Penn State."
The next step in the process is likely to be getting to South Bend.
The 6-foot, 210-pounder hopes to attend a Notre Dame game this fall while continuing to build relationships with the Irish coaching staff.
"Hopefully I get to go up there and see them play, get to a couple games," Gould said. "But right now I'm just focused on getting better and getting ready for the season this year."
When he does make the trip, Gould plans to watch the running backs closely.
"I would want to see just how the backs are in action because I'm a running back," Gould said. "I want to see how they move and their coaching points and stuff like that."
The Bradenton native also hopes to visit Michigan, Florida and Florida State this fall as he continues evaluating a scholarship list that includes Florida, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Louisville and SMU among others.
Although the recruiting process is still in its early stages, Gould already knows what will matter most when the time comes to choose a school.
"What matters to me is the connection I have with coaches and what's right for us, me and my family. Whenever that time comes, I'm going to pick the best connection I have with the coaches."
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