2019 IL OL/DL Jarod DePriest Headed To Notre Dame For Jr. Day

Football and Nursing aren’t what one typically thinks of when you envisioning of a football recruit, but, having a plan after football is important for Jarod DePriest‍ and that’s the route he’s planning. 

The 2019 Illinois lineman comes from a small town. Notre Dame is high on his list and the Farmington native will get the chance to check out South Bend, when he visits for the Irish’s Junior Day.

“It is Notre Dame,” DePriest said. “They’re a school for football and everything else, but if I were to go to Notre Dame from a small town, it would mean the world to me.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder has been in contact with director of recruiting, Aaryn Kearney and quarterbacks coach Tom Rees and is eager to gain a greater understanding of Notre Dame as a school and a football program.

“I want to learn more about the coaching staff and the nursing program, since that’s what I want to go into,” he explained.

Those will be his biggest priorities.

“The way the staff is, I would like to play for a staff that treats you well,” he said. “The nursing program because I always want to have a second plan.”

DePriest currently has offers from South Dakota State, Illinois State, Eastern Kentucky and Cornell as a defensive lineman. He has taken an unofficial visit to Illinois in January and plans to return to Champaign next weekend. In addition to Notre Dame, he’ll also be visiting Iowa this weekend.

Iowa and Illinois have shown interest in the three-star recruit but at a different position.

“Some of the Division I-AA coaches want me as a defensive lineman, but some of the bigger schools like Iowa have told me they want me as an offensive guard more than on the defensive line,” DePriest explained. “I think I would play on the offensive side if I go to a bigger school.” DePriest said.

DePriest says his strength and speed are his greatest assets.

“My speed is what gets me for being a bigger guy, as well as my ability to finish blocks,” he said. “Strength and trying to keep my agility and speed as I get stronger.” 

The Farmington Central standout doesn’t have a timeline for a decision.

Notre Dame is a good possibility for the Illinois native if the Irish were to extend an offer, which would mean a lot.

“I want to be on a winning program, and I know if I were to get offered and go there I would know I would be in a winning program.”