2028 Edge Asa Burch Chose Notre Dame For The Relationships

Asa Burch‍ did not need to see Notre Dame knock off top-ranked Miami on Saturday night to make his decision. 

The 2028 Ohio edge defender announced his commitment before kickoff, even if all interested parties weren’t aware at the time, and Saturday night just showed him what he had chosen.

Burch became the fourth member of the Irish's 2028 class, when he made his announcement, although he wouldn’t be the last of the weekend. 

The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder had been one of the most coveted edge rushers in the 2028 class. He chose the Irish over more than 20 offers from schools like Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and Tennessee among many others.

Burch announced it to the recruits who were in attendance as well as on social media, but the news had not reached the coaches yet, so when the group went to eat before the game, he had to let them know.

"I had to tell every coach individually and that was really cool and they were excited and happy," Burch said.

He was not the only visitor who pulled the trigger on the weekend, and joining a group that eventually included running back Zaiden Jernigan and linebacker Julian Bruno meant something to him as well.

"It's great getting to know some other young dudes that are like-minded and want to win," Burch said.

When he explained the decision on Sunday, Burch started with the relationships he built with head coach Marcus Freeman, defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and Director of Scouting DJ Bryant, and the non-football opportunities Notre Dame offers off the field.

The Warren Harding standout has built those relationships over time, and one of them goes back well before Notre Dame.

Bryant first got to know Burch when Bryant was at Penn State and recruiting Burch's cousin. Freeman and Partridge did the rest, staying in constant contact that rarely stayed on football.

"(Bryant) kind of started a relationship with me when he was at Penn State, when he recruited my cousin Chaz Coleman," Burch told Irish Sports Daily. "Coach Partridge and Coach Freeman just contacted me every other day, checked up on me and just talked about stuff that's not football." 

His impressions of the staff as people matched the way they recruited him. He called them good people and strong-willed men, the kind of coaches he wants leading him.

The on-field fit was just as clear.

"Coach Partridge has a crazy background coming from the NFL and the dudes he's worked with and produced," Burch said.

Freeman's track record spoke for itself too. 

Burch sees himself doing a lot of different things in the Irish defense, the way Notre Dame uses its versatile edge players.

The Irish’s win over #1 Miami in Notre Dame Stadium provided another reason for joy.

"I loved it," Burch said. "They played hard, the defense got after it, especially the time they stopped them within the five."

His family fully supported his decision. His father, Alfie, has helped him through the process, and Burch made it clear the commitment was anything but a spur-of-the-moment call.

"It's not like we just randomly chose to commit off of a feeling," Burch said. "We've talked about it, prayed about it, and they were just happy for me.

"It feels pretty good. I'm happy with my decision and I'm confident about it."

Want the latest scoop on Notre Dame Football and Recruiting? Become an ISD Premium Subscriber and never miss the inside information. Sign Up for ISD