Notre Dame Making Up Ground For 2019 DE Aeneas DiCosmo

It’s clear 2019 Bergen Catholic (N.J.) defensive end Aeneas DiCosmo‍ is a major priority for defensive line coach Mike Elston and he got to show it on Monday. 

Defensive coordinator Clark Lea and Elston made their way to Bergen Catholic, and it was greatly appreciated by the 6-foot-3, 217-pounder.

“Coach Elston and Coach Lea came up on Monday,” DiCosmo told Irish Sports Daily. “It’s been good to talk to them over the last few weeks and start to get to know them more.

“It meant a lot that both of them would take the time to come up and check in on me. It showed they have a vested interest in me and it means a lot.” 

The three-star prospect was offered by Notre Dame on April 3rd, and the biggest question DiCosmo had was where he was going to fit in. Elston and Lea have answered those questions as DiCosmo prepares to take an official visit to Notre Dame on June 15th. 

“They have explained the position I am going to play,” stated DiCosmo. “Coach Elston said he’s watched a lot of film and described how he see’s me fitting in at Drop and playing for Notre Dame.” 

DiCosmo released a Top 5 on Tuesday morning in an 'Adventure Time' styled graphic with Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Stanford making the cut. It wasn’t a secret the Irish had significant work to do to catch up to the Cardinal and Wolverines. 

“I’ve been talking to Coach Elston constantly, so I feel like I’m in a pretty good place with them, especially when it comes to knowing about the school,” said DiCosmo. 

The Bergen County native has also noticed Lea might be a little different than most coaches he’s spoken with as the conversation is unique. 

“Coach Lea is definitely laid back,” explained DiCosmo. “I can tell he’s a very smart guy. We have been talking about the books he was reading and all his philosophies and stuff. It’s always interesting to talk to Coach Lea from a conversation standpoint. 

“He’s an intellectual guy, and I definitely connect with him.” 

Cal and Stanford also made the trip to Bergen Catholic to check on DiCosmo. 

“They both came in at the same time on Monday,” stated DiCosmo. “I’m visiting Stanford in two weeks.” 

Stanford isn't doing Spring official visits, so the visit on May 11th will be a two-day unofficial visit.  DiCosmo was in Palo Alto a year ago for camp, but this visit will be much different. 

“I’m just trying to get a feel for the coaching staff,” said DiCosmo. “The last time I was there, I didn’t really get a chance to talk to any coaches. I’m looking forward to talking with the defensive coordinator, Coach (Lance) Anderson, to see how he feels about me and what he see’s me doing. 

“I kind of grew up watching some of their players like Donald Stewart. He was a senior (Paramus Catholic) when I was a freshman, so I’m looking forward to seeing how he likes it.”