Sligh Excited About Chance To Suit Up For Notre Dame

Notre Dame is looking to round out the 2018 recruiting class, and that includes improving the walk-on program. 

On Wednesday, Clarke Central (Ga.) offensive lineman Nicholas Sligh‍ was offered a chance to walk-on at Notre Dame, and it’s an opportunity that could shake up his recruitment.  

“It was special,” Sligh told Irish Sports Daily. “Notre Dame is one of the most historic programs in college football, and Notre Dame is a global brand. 

“I’ve grown up a Notre Dame fan. I come from a Catholic family, so Notre Dame has always been a Catholic football powerhouse. It’s unique to have an opportunity to go to a school you’ve watched since you were three or four years old. I’ve been watching them before I even knew what football was, so it’s pretty special.”

The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder made sure to tell his family and his father was fired up when he heard the news.

“My dad was extremely excited for me to get the opportunity to play at one of the nation’s best programs,” said Sligh. “We all like Notre Dame and enjoy watching Notre Dame.” 

The decision might not be as some would think, as Sligh has scholarship offers from programs like Air Force, Army, Brown, Colgate, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Navy, New Mexico and Yale as well as a preferred walk-on offer to attend Stanford. 

“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” explained Sligh. “As far as top options, I’m looking at Air Force, Stanford, Yale and now I’ll be considering the Notre Dame preferred walk-on offer. I want to go somewhere with really high academics.” 

Sligh's decision will come down to whether or not he feels he fits into the program on and off the field. 

“I’m not picking a place because I can play early,” stated Sligh. “I know I have to earn my playing time wherever I go. If I choose an option like Notre Dame or Stanford, I’m going to have to work really hard to have a shot at playing. 

“I want to feel like I’m a good fit for the university as a whole. I want to succeed as a student and an athlete. I want to get the best experience of academics and athletics.” 

Notre Dame will likely get the Athens native on campus in the next few weeks. 

“I’m talking about coming up next weekend, but I’m not sure I can make it work on such short notice,” Sligh said. “If I can’t make it, then I’ll try to get up the weekend before Signing Day.” 

When it does come to choosing a school, Sligh would like to have a decision made in the next few weeks, but he also knows time is on his side. 

“It’s tricky," Sligh stated. "It could be anywhere from a week until all the way up until Signing Day. It’s a hectic process right now. I’m talking to all these different schools and trying to schedule visits. 

“I’m just trying to evaluate my options. I’m trying to decide what the best couple of options are and then get a few visits in over the next few weeks.

“What’s unique about being a preferred walk-on, I can technically commit until deposits are due for regular students.”

When it comes to life on the field, Sligh believes his football IQ stands out for the center position. 

“I feel like I am really balanced in run block and pass protection,” Sligh explained. “I have a high football IQ. I have been watching and playing the game for so long, and I try to dissect every play and formation. I feel I have a good feeling for what’s going to happen on the field based off defensive alignments.

“I called out fronts and blitz pickups for my high school. I’ve got some of the things necessary to play center.  I feel I have the strength and build to play center. It’s a good position for me.” 

Sligh is well-aware Notre Dame plays Georgia in Athens in 2019, and it could be a special opportunity for the Irish fan to play against the hometown team as he has battled many Dawg fans over the years. 

“It’s definitely different, especially this year with Notre Dame playing Georgia,” Sligh said of living in Athens. “Northeast Georgia, there aren’t many Catholics in the area. There are a few Notre Dame fans here, but Athens is crazy about the University of Georgia. 

“I’m also a South Carolina fan, so it’s always a friendly rivalry between all my friends that go to Georgia. It’s funny, but it’s a unique dynamic pulling for other teams when you live in Athens.”