Geordan McKnight already knew what Notre Dame's coaches were like when they were evaluating him.
This weekend, the 2028 Ohio safety got his first opportunity to see how they operated when the evaluation wasn't about him.
McKnight earned his Notre Dame offer after working out for the Irish staff at camp in June. When the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder returned to South Bend for Saturday's 27-10 win over Michigan State, he wanted to see how those same coaches worked with their own players.
"At camp it was different," McKnight said. "They were just putting us through drills, but I really got to see them and how they coached their actual players (Saturday) firsthand, how they operated on a game day. All that type of stuff was nice."
The Pickerington North High School standout also had the opportunity to spend more time with head coach Marcus Freeman, defensive backs coach Aaron Henry and safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin.
"It was awesome," McKnight said. "That was great."
Their message focused on what they believe separates Notre Dame from many of McKnight's other options.
"Just how special the program was and the benefits of it, football-wise and off the field," he said.
McKnight is beginning to understand that pitch.
"There are a lot of schools that you could just go ball out and go to The League, but Notre Dame separates themselves by also giving you more opportunities than the rest of the schools," he said. "Off-the-field stuff after you graduate, after sports."
McKnight also came away impressed with Freeman, Henry and Codlin on a personal level.
"Great people, obviously," he said. "They are who they are for a reason. High respect for them. Just really good coaches, really good men."
The visit gave McKnight his first chance to experience Notre Dame Stadium for a game after his initial trip came during camp.
"The atmosphere was crazy," he said. "Notre Dame fans are insane. It was a crazy stadium atmosphere. It was really nice."
Notre Dame offered McKnight following his June camp performance, when the Irish staff liked the way he moved and his ability to play man coverage. McKnight received the offer during a meeting with Freeman after the workout.
The Irish joined an extensive offer list that includes Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Florida, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Indiana and Pitt, among others. Alabama and Texas have also offered within the last month.
McKnight has already been busy getting around this fall. He attended Ohio State's season opener and was at Texas the week before his return to Notre Dame. USC is next, followed by a trip to Penn State.
Notre Dame should get another opportunity with McKnight pointing to a likely for Notre Dame's game against Miami.
His first game-day experience in South Bend didn't dramatically change his view of the Irish, but it did reinforce the impression Notre Dame made when he earned his offer in June.
"My feelings for them haven't changed. It's a great overall program. Great opportunity in life is how I see it."
Want the latest scoop on Notre Dame Football and Recruiting? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
#1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour Irish Wear Green Gameday Hockey Hoodie
