2028 RB Zaiden Jernigan Feeling Like A Priority At Notre Dame

Zaiden Jernigan‍ doesn’t have to guess where he stands with Notre Dame.

The 2028 Mississippi running back talks with the Irish at least once a week, and he will be back in South Bend on Saturday for the Miami game, his third trip to Notre Dame after attending last season's USC game and returning this summer.

"It's been great," Jernigan told Irish Sports Daily of his communication with Notre Dame. 

"I talk to them at least once a week. They aren't going to go a week without talking to me, and they just let me know I'm a top priority for them and just have good conversations overall."

The contact goes well beyond a single coach. 

Jernigan talks with Irish running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider, head coach Marcus Freeman, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and staffers Tim Brown and Justice Bathas.

Being treated that way by a program like Notre Dame has not been lost on the 6-foot, 195-pounder and he understands what the Irish can do for him beyond the game.

"It feels great," Jernigan said. "If I go there, they can help me academically and on the field, and they've got a lot of traditions."

Jernigan is not heading north this weekend with a checklist of questions. He has seen the campus and met the people. 

"I'm really just looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere, connecting with the coaches in person again and just seeing if they can pull out the win," Jernigan said.

In addition to Notre Dame, Jernigan's offer sheet includes schools like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee and USC among several others.

The Louisville High School standout has already been to Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida and Alabama for games this fall, and he might add Oklahoma and UCLA after this weekend, but those aren’t locked in at this point. 

The staff has been pretty direct about what it likes in his game.

"When I talked to Coach Freeman, he said they need a running back who can bust out the explosive runs for touchdowns," Jernigan said.

For Jernigan, the fit he is looking for goes beyond his opportunity to play.

"It's just being able to enhance my abilities on the field and off the field and become a better man."

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