2020 CA LB Enjoys Notre Dame Trip

Class of 2020 linebacker Dean Neeley‍ was in attendance last Saturday to watch Notre Dame take on Miami (Ohio). It was the sophomore linebacker’s second visit to South Bend and he enjoyed his most recent trip even more.

“It was amazing, I went on a visit this summer and I absolutely loved it and this time was better than the last time,” expressed the 6-foot 200-pounder.

Neeley loved the facilities and what he was able to see this summer, but this time around the visit was more football-related and that is what sparked a better time.

“Last time I went it was during the summer, so I didn’t get to see the game and the locker room wasn’t finished yet and this time we got to see both of those as well as having a dinner,” explained Neeley. “It was a family atmosphere, it was nice.”

Watching a game in Notre Dame Stadium is one thing, but watching the team put on an offensive clinic sitting in the Irish student section is another and this is what the sophomore linebacker was able to experience.

“The atmosphere was insane,” Neeley said excitedly. “I sat next to the student section and it was very live, and by the end of the since the Irish scored 52 points the students were doing 52 push-ups it was great, everyone was so hyped.”

Despite the distractions and rowdiness from the student section, Neeley really was able to focus on the game, and was impressed by Notre Dame’s play, especially his position group and the defense as a whole.

“They played pretty well, I mainly watched the defense since I play linebacker,” he said. “I was happy that they got that pick and forced some turnovers and I talked to (linebacker coach Clark) Lea about that and he was very happy with how the linebackers played. I really focused in on (Drue) Tranquill, and number four (Te’von Coney).”

The Mater Dei sophomore inside linebacker is behind a couple seniors on his team’s depth chart, including standout four-star Solomon Tuliaupupu. Waiting for his shot, Neeley takes advantage of any playing time he can get, and last game due to an injury to Tuliaupupu, he recorded five tackles and a sack in three quarters of play.

The Irish coaches see this potential in the underclassman linebacker expressed their interest in him in the future.

“I talked to Coach Lea and Coach (Brian) Polian,” explained Neeley. “Coach Lea and I had a simple conversation about how he thought they did and how they were planning for the game and he told me he wanted to work with me next summer and hopes to see me on another visit.”

Neeley does not have any other visits set up for any other schools, but has gained interest from UNLV and Colorado. He can’t wait to get back to South Bend for another visit.

“Of course, I will be back to South Bend, I love it at Notre Dame and I love the coaches.”