2019 WR Noah Jones Saw An "Incredible" Atmosphere at Notre Dame

2019 Loyola Academy (Ill.) receiver Noah Jones‍ had heard a lot about Notre Dame as Irish long snapper John Shannon attended his high school. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was in South Bend last weekend and got to take in the full Notre Dame experience during the Irish win.

“It was a really good trip,” Jones told Irish Sports Daily. “I enjoyed myself a lot. I am friends with John Shannon, and I got to see him walking into the stadium. I also spoke with him in the locker room after the game. 

“When he comes back, we normally have time to workout with each other. He has talked a lot about Notre Dame, so I knew a little bit about the program from him.” 

The three-star prospect got to campus early as Notre Dame had a jam-packed day for Jones and other prospects.  

“My dad and I had someone take us through the facility when we got there,” recalled Jones. “We saw the indoor, the offices and the weight room. We got to meet the other recruits and eat some food. We walked over to the stadium after that and watched the team walk into the stadium. 

“It was really cool to see the players up close during warmups too. After the game, we got a chance to go into the locker room to hear Brian Kelly’s speech at the end of the game.” 

One thing that impressed the Illinois native was the new recruiting lounge inside Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish created the room in the offseason, and it hit every note for Jones.  

“Before the game, we went to the recruiting room in the stadium,” Jones said. “We got a chance to eat and play some video games. All the recruits were just chilling, and the coaches got to come in and talk. 

“I thought it was unbelievable. The room was amazing. They had manikins throughout the room with different Notre Dame uniforms on and a wall of all the different helmets, gloves and cleats. They had TVs in the back with video games and a candy bar. It was everything. It was definitely top notch.” 

As for the game, Jones got to see how dedicated and supportive the fans and students were on Saturday. Most of the people in the stadium could have left at halftime, but they stayed to watch the Irish dominate Miami. 

“The atmosphere was incredible,” explained Jones. “It was so crazy. I didn’t expect it to be that crazy. The fans were on their feet and cheering the whole game. They were winning by a whole lot, but no one left and cheered the whole time. I really enjoyed it.” 

When it comes to recruiting, Jones is speaking with several Midwest programs and has a few visits on the horizon.  

“Northern Illinois and I have been talking a lot lately,” stated Jones. “Cincinnati and Toledo have also been talking with me a lot. I am speaking with a lot of schools in the Midwest and some on the East Coast too. 

“I am definitely trying to get down to Purdue and Northern Illinois. I’m probably going to try to get up to Michigan State during our playoff season.” 

Jones currently holds offers from Central Michigan and Dartmouth, so it’s not a surprise to hear his college decision will be driven by education.  

“Academics will play the biggest factor in my recruitment,” said Jones. “I know I want to major in journalism.”