Allen Kennett has seen three different Notre Dame linebackers coaches involved in his recruitment, but his interest in the Irish hasn't changed nearly as much as the names recruiting him.
After making two trips to South Bend, the 2028 California linebacker is planning a third this fall as he continues building a relationship with new Notre Dame linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary.
Kennett's history with the Irish dates back to when Max Bullough was coaching the position. He camped at Notre Dame and later returned for a game, giving him opportunities to experience the program in two different settings.
Since then, the coaching responsibilities have changed considerably. Bullough left Notre Dame for Michigan State, Al Washington briefly took over the linebackers before leaving for the Miami Dolphins and Jean-Mary was eventually hired to lead the position.
Kennett has dealt with each transition without allowing it to significantly alter his view of Notre Dame.
"I talked to Coach Bullough when I first went up there and then there was a new linebacker coach who came out to see me and then he went up with the Dolphins and then Coach BJ came in," Kennett said. "I feel they're all good linebacker coaches."
Jean-Mary has begun developing his own relationship with the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Kennett.
"I've talked to Coach BJ a few times," Kennett said. "He's cool. I like him a lot."
Jean-Mary's message has been relatively straightforward. He wants the Servite High School standout back in South Bend so the two sides can continue getting to know each other.
Kennett doesn't need much convincing when it comes to making another trip.
His previous visits provided a detailed introduction to Notre Dame, including the opportunity to work with the coaching staff during camp and experience the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium on a game day.
"I love the structure up there," the Anaheim native said. "I love the culture. I love the school. It's a beautiful place. I like the energy up there too."
In fact, when Kennett thinks about what he'd like to learn on another visit, he isn't necessarily looking for anything he missed the first two times.
"I feel like when I went up there, I got to see everything," he said. "I went to the camp, I got to work with the coaches. When I went up to a game last year, I got to feel the energy. I love the vibe. I just want to see more of that."
Kennett intends to do exactly that this fall.
He said he didn't have a specific game selected when he recently spoke with Irish Sports Daily, but made it clear another Notre Dame visit was part of his plans.
"I don't know exactly what game, but I'm going to try and get out there for sure," he said.
The Irish will have plenty of competition for Kennett's attention during the season.
"I'm going to Tennessee, Texas, Oregon, USC, Michigan, Michigan State, and then I'm going to try and get up to Notre Dame too," he said.
Those trips could be important as Kennett begins moving toward the next stage of his recruitment.
He expects to trim his list considerably following his junior season.
"I'll probably drop a top eight probably towards the end of the season," Kennett said.
He doesn't have a similar target date for making his final choice.
"Just whenever I feel like the time is right," he said.
He does, however, already understand what he'll be evaluating as he works toward that decision.
"Development. I want to get developed wherever I go. I want to be able to play early. I want to get a good education. That's big too."
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