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2020 IN RB Dylan Downing Enjoyed Working With Autry Denson

June 27, 2018
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2020 Carmel (Ind.) running back Dylan Downing‍ (right) has been on the Notre Dame radar for quite some time, but the 6-foot, 220-pounder hadn’t been to campus as a recruit. 

Downing made the trip to South Bend last Friday to compete in the final Elite Skills Camp of the summer to get some work in with Notre Dame running backs coach Autry Denson.  

“I enjoyed it,” Downing told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a nice camp, and I liked the instruction they gave us. I liked what they did because it was different than the other camps I’ve gone to. It was a good mix of skills, drills and competition.” 

The Carmel standout enjoyed the variety of work Denson put him through as it tested his entire game.

“The other camp I went to was Ohio State,” stated Downing. “It was basically individual drills for the whole camp. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t have any diversity. Notre Dame was better because there was skill work, individual work and then competition.”

One similarity at both camps was a ton of reps. Notre Dame’s camp was smaller in numbers, while Downing got to work in an extremely small group in Columbus.  

“At the Ohio State camp, there was a camp, and then there was an invite camp, so I went to the invite camp,” explained Downing. “It was me and four other running backs with the running back coach. The reps were the same at both camps.” 

Denson’s coaching style and personality stood out to Downing during the two-hour camp, and Downing hopes they can continue to stay in contact over the coming months.

“He’s a good person, and from my first impression, we’re alike,” said Downing. “I liked him a lot.

“He would teach you and give you an example of the drill.  If you needed to change for the second time, he would show you or critique you.” 

Downing had been to Notre Dame previously, but it was before he was truly on the radar and he wants to get back to see more.

“I went to a game my freshman year, but that was me and my dad wanting to go to a game,” Downing stated. “Friday was the first time talking to a coach at Notre Dame when I was there.

“It’s beautiful up there. I’d love to get back for a visit because I haven’t seen everything but the indoor facility. I’d love to see the rest of it.” 


The Indiana native grew up a fan of two Midwest powerhouses and is hoping to hear more from them after picking early offers from Toledo and Washington State. 

“My two dream schools have been and still are Notre Dame and Ohio State,” Downing said. “I grew up watching both teams. Growing up in Indiana it was IU or Notre Dame, but Notre Dame is higher on the list for me.” 

When he does start to narrow things down, Downing plans to look at each aspect of each program. 

“I’m looking at everything from the academics to coaching to location,” said Downing. “I’m looking at everything about the college.” 

 
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