2020 In-State DE Deontae Craig Takes In Notre Dame Atmosphere

Deontae Craig‍ was at Notre Dame for a game last fall and the 2020 Indiana defensive end was back for more on Saturday night.

The Irish’s 24-17 victory over Michigan on a primetime stage did not disappoint.

“It was really good,” the Culver Academies standout said.

Craig especially enjoyed the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium for the contest.

“That was great,” the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder added. “I don’t think too many people left at all. They stayed basically the whole game and they were loud the whole time, so it was great.”

And he was impressed with the Irish’s performance.

“They played pretty well, especially being against Michigan the first game of the season,” he said. “I was really impressed with how they played.”

But another highlight took place well before the game.

“When I first got there, they had the guest panel, so Justin Tuck and DeShone Kizer and all of those guys were talking to all of the recruits,” he explained.

“Then the coaches came in and started talking to us a little bit. We went onto the field for pregame and then just sat and watched the game. I had a good time.”

The former players keyed on a theme for the recruits.

“How much bigger it is than football,’ Craig said. “They were talking about how everybody is there supporting you academically and socially for anything you’re trying to do besides football. That really impressed me a lot too.”

Craig already has offers from Tennessee, Indiana and Indiana State.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said of the early offers. “It’s motivating. It makes me want to work harder so I can get bigger and better offers.”

He didn’t get too much one-on-one time with individual Notre Dame coaches on Saturday, but is excited about remaining on their radar.

 “I’ll definitely try to get back up there and keep trying to perform and keep impressing them,” he expressed.

He’ll be at Indiana’s home opener against Virginia next weekend and expects to be at Purdue’s game against Missouri the following week.

Craig knows what he’s looking for in a school.

“Honestly, academics comes first. I want to go somewhere I can contribute sooner in the process. My family is going to be a big part of it as well.”