DJ Tubbs didn't need to wait long to find out how Notre Dame felt about him once June 15 arrived.
The Irish made sure of that by staying up late to be among the first programs to contact the California wide receiver when NCAA rules finally allowed direct communication with prospects in the 2028 class.
"They waited until midnight my time," Tubbs told Irish Sports Daily. "I'm pretty sure it was 3 a.m. their time. They were up at 3 a.m. calling me, texting me and stuff like that. So that was pretty cool."
For Tubbs, the timing mattered as much as the message.
"That shows me they actually want me," he said. "They didn't offer me just to offer me. They offered me because they actually want me at their school and they see me at their school."
Notre Dame had already laid the groundwork months before.
The Irish extended an offer in April after Tubbs impressed during the Under Armour camp circuit, but the relationship actually began back in January when recruiting assistant Justice Bathas first connected with him.
Wide receivers coach Mike Brown later stopped by St. John Bosco High School, allowing the two sides to begin building a foundation before the recruiting calendar opened.
That communication has continued throughout the summer.
"I talked to Coach Mike Brown (the other day) actually," Tubbs said. "He was just checking in on me asking how my summer was and how our team's looking."
Brown has made an impression beyond simply staying in touch.
"What I'm impressed with is how he produces receivers," Tubbs said. "I've done my research and he has a really good background in football. Just seeing that and how he produces really good receivers and develops them well is the biggest thing for me."
In addition to Notre Dame, the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder holds offers from UCLA, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Miami, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan State, Boston College and Oregon State among others.
A trip to South Bend now appears to be the next priority.
"I definitely want to make it out there to a game this year," said Tubbs.
When he does, the focus won't simply be on the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium.
"I just want to meet the rest of the staff," Tubbs said. "I've met Coach Brown and I've met the head coach, but I really haven't had a sit-down to talk with them yet. I just want to talk to them more about football and actually have a conversation with them instead of over the phone.
"I've got to build that relationship with not just my position coach, but with everyone else."
As Tubbs continues planning visits this fall, which will include stops at Cal and Miami among others, the deciding factor in his recruitment won't be brand recognition.
"I'm looking for the school that'll fit me. I'm not chasing logos or anything like that. I just want to go somewhere where it fits me and where they'll develop me and help me get to my dreams in the NFL. Whichever has the best opportunities for me, that's where I'm going."
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