2019 MS DE Nathan Pickering Gets ND Offer He Wanted

Notre Dame doesn’t recruit Mississippi often, but after extending an offer to Nathan Pickering‍ on Monday night, Irish defensive line coach Mike Elston is hoping for the chance to recruit the state for at least the next year.

Elston explained why he was so interested in the 6-foot-5, 277-pound defensive end.

“He said it was very interesting that I had the academics to go with the talent and it was something he was really impressed by,” the Seminary, Miss., native said.

The Seminary High School standout already has offers from schools like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Auburn, Duke and Oregon among many others.

Pickering says he “was very excited” to add the Irish to the list.

“Notre Dame was an offer I was trying to get for the longest time,” he acknowledged. “The most important thing for me when I’m looking at colleges is academics. I know Notre Dame would challenge me academically, so it was a school I always wanted an offer from.”

And now, he’s looking at trying to get to South Bend for a visit.

“The next step is getting up there,” he said. “I’m trying to get up there March 3rd for a Junior Day.

“I’m just looking forward to building a bond with the coaches and to feel comfortable with them. You want to go to a school you can fit and prosper as an athlete, so that’s what I look for when I go to schools.”

He’s already been to Mississippi State and was just at Auburn last weekend. The junior defender has more trips on deck as well.

“I’ve got a lot of visits coming up with Georgia, Florida, Clemson and schools like that,” he said. “I’m going to be doing some traveling.”

Pickering values the opinions of his parents, but is seeking advice elsewhere as well.

“I’m going to include their thoughts on where they want me to go, but most importantly, I’m waiting on the answer from God,” he said. “I’m praying about it and I’m willing to do whatever He tells me to do. I’m not going to do anything until He tells me what to do. If that’s next February, like two days before Signing Day, that’s when it’ll be.”

In addition to academics, Pickering, who wants to major in Mechanical Engineering, will be examining the culture of the programs and the defensive schemes.