Notre Dame Will Stop To Check On '19 P Michael O'Shaughnessy On Tuesday

Notre Dame special teams coordinator Brian Polian will make his way to Central Ohio on Tuesday to check on 2019 New Albany punter Michael O'Shaughnessy‍. 

“I’m very excited," the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder told Irish Sports Daily. "Ever since I started playing football, I’ve dreamed of playing college football. Notre Dame has been a part of our family for several years. It’s crazy.” 

The family history in South Bend is stronger than most as members of both sides of his family have graduated and taught at Notre Dame. 

“It’s unbelievable," laughed O'Shaughnessy. "My mom’s side of the family has had tons of people that went to Notre Dame. My uncles went there, and a couple of cousins. My dad’s side has had professors teach there. The list goes on.“

O'Shaughnessy's grandfather, Lou Pilliod, also ran track for the Irish. 

“Notre Dame has always been a big part of our family,” he said. 

With O'Shaughnessy no stranger to Notre Dame, it wasn't a surprise he reached out to Polian to see if the Irish had interest. 

“I have been talking to Coach Polian for a couple of months," explained O'Shaughnessy. "I reached out to him and sent him an email to let him know who I am, and he said he was interested. We’ve been chatting back and forth about coming to camp and when he’s going to visit my school.” 

O'Shaughnessy doesn't hold any offers just yet, but that will change once he can get to camps this summer and take some unofficial visits. 

“There are a lot of schools that have shown interest over the last six months," stated O'Shaughnessy. It’s been kind of overwhelming. Notre Dame, Purdue and Vanderbilt are showing the most interest. Purdue and Vanderbilt said if I show up on campus, I would get an offer. 

“All the Ivy League schools get in contact with me every day. Every day is something different.” 

When he does make a decision, O'Shaughnessy will factor in the ability to progress athletically, but also academically. 

“My main goal is to choose the best college that would give me the best opportunity to reach my goal which is going to the NFL," O'Shaughnessy stated. "I also I have to be careful with the school I pick because going to the NFL extremely rare, especially for a punter or kicker. 

“I have to choose the school that is going to prepare me the best for life after college. Notre Dame has extremely good academics. I’m only going to pick a school that’s going to give me the ability to pick a career after football.” 

O'Shaughnessy is also aware of Notre Dame's prestige with specialists, including punter Tyler Newsome, who was named a 2018 captain. 

“That’s all I can ask for," said O'Shaughnessy.  To be a captain of a football team that is one of the most historic teams in college football history is ridiculous. 

"Jim Tressel said the punter is the most important position on the field. Having schools that realize the value of special teams is really important for me."