2018 Notre Dame WR Commit Kevin Austin Jr. Enjoys Trip Home
2018 North Broward Prep (Fla.) receiver Kevin Austin Jr. had been to Notre Dame before, but what he experienced on Saturday night was on a different level. The four-star prospect had been committed to the Irish since August, but it was his first chance to get up for a game, and it didn’t disappoint.
“It was an amazing experience like it always is for me,” Austin told Irish Sports Daily.” I had a great time meeting all the commits in person, talking to the coaches and meeting the players.”
The 6-foot-3, 198-pounder had seen a game inside Notre Dame Stadium when he was younger, but Austin felt the emotions of Saturday night as he realized he will be on the field a year from now.
“The atmosphere was amazing, and it was electric inside the stadium,” stated Austin. “You could feel it. The whole Notre Dame fanbase was going crazy.
“I had been to a Notre Dame-USC game at Notre Dame when I was younger. I kind of understood what the atmosphere was going to be like, but being older, I appreciated the experience more.”
Notre Dame most of its 2018 recruiting in town for the weekend and it was one of the many highlights for Austin. The chance to finally meet guys face to face and form an early bond was something the Florida native had been looking forward to for quite some time.
“It was great, and we had a great time talking to each during and after the game,” said Austin. “We all got to connect with each other and became closer over the weekend.
“We treated Paul (Moala) like he was part of the family and every other recruit that was there.”
Austin also played the role of a recruiter with many of Notre Dame’s top prospects on campus over the weekend.
“I’m not very good with names,” laughed Austin. “I know Tommy (Tremble) was one of them. We were working hard on BJ Crim and trying to persuade them to come.”
Notre Dame’s staff also made sure to spend time with the top-ranked receiver. The staff didn’t pitch Notre Dame as much as making sure Austin knew the plan that was laid out for him when he arrives in South Bend.
“I spoke with coach (Autry) Denson, coach (Chip) Long, coach (Del) Alexander and coach (Brian) Kelly,” explained Austin. “We had a great time, and it was nice to spend time with them.
“They told me they couldn't wait to get me to Notre Dame so they can give me the tools to excel. It’s up to me once I get there to use those tools.”
Austin had thought about taking other visits shortly after he committed, but he quickly made the decision to only use an official visit to Notre Dame and shut his recruiting process down.
After this weekend’s trip, Austin has also decided to give the Irish more good news.
“I will be signing in the early signing period in December,” said Austin.
Through seven games, Austin currently has 24 receptions for 616 yards and eight touchdowns.