2020 In-State Safety Ryan Brandt To Camp At Notre Dame In June

2020 Angola (Ind.) safety Ryan Brandt‍ picked up his first offer earlier this week, and it came from Purdue. As with most high school players, the 6-foot-1, 202-pounder had dreams of being recruited by a Division-I program, and now it’s a reality for Brandt. 

“It was surreal,” Brandt told Irish Sports Daily. “I’ve been dreaming of playing college football for a long time, and I’ve been working so hard. It’s crazy to get an offer, especially from a Big Ten school. My heart kind of dropped."

The Indiana native camped at Purdue over the weekend and quickly impressed the staff as they came through with the offer just a few days later. 

“I went to a camp last Saturday, and they said an offer was coming,” recalled Brandt. “I ended up calling them on Monday, and they gave me an offer. 

“I was thinking about what to say if I got an offer. It’s one of those things you can’t really prepare for. It was nice to see the work I’ve put in has paid off and people are starting to notice it. My parents were happy, and I was thrilled.” 

Notre Dame will host Brandt on June 22nd as he will camp in front of the Irish staff. 

“I’ve in contact with Aaryn Kearney,” said Brandt. “I let him know I was coming to camp and he said the staff would be evaluating me.” 

Camp evaluations are always crucial for programs, but for Brandt, his workouts will allow coaches to see where he fits best as he’s your classic tweener. Brandt could end up at safety, rover or an outside linebacker and he’s open to all possibilities. 

“The coach who gave me the offer was the safety coach, and that’s where I think they see me at,” stated Brandt. “The safety at Purdue now is around 215 pounds and plays the rover position.

“If I do get a lot bigger, I could be an outside linebacker.”

On the field, it’s clear Brandt embraces contact and takes pride in being able to shut down opponents run game. 

“I dedicate a lot of my efforts to stopping the run,” Brandt explained. “Dominating the alley and getting down to stop the run is what I’m thinking first. I know my position is made for the passing game, but it’s so much more beneficial for my team when I’m able to make a play from 10 yards back and give my backers some time to take a break or make the tackle when they can’t.” 

As far as a dream offer, Brandt grew up watching Ohio State, but he’s more than open to all programs recruiting him. 

“My mom and dad have family in Ohio, so naturally everyone there is a Buckeye fan,” said Brandt. “Growing up I was rooting for the Buckeyes, but now that I’m being recruited by other schools that is being put to the side. I’m open to anything.”