2021 OH DB AJ Kirk Blown Away By Notre Dame Atmosphere

AJ Kirk‍ got his first taste of Notre Dame on Saturday night and the 2021 Ohio defensive back was not disappointed.

“I thought it was a great experience,” the 6-foot, 196-pound sophomore from Dublin, Ohio said. “I’d never been to a Notre Dame game, so seeing the crowd and everybody and seeing how the coaches and players were, it was amazing to me.

“The way they got hyped before the game and how the coaches were just pumped. That had me going crazy.”

As it did with his Dubin Coffman High School teammate, 2021 linebacker Devon Williams‍, the atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium also made a major impression on Kirk.

“The thing that stuck out to me about the crowd was after every touchdown, they were putting people up, making them do push-ups and pushing them up and down,” he said. “I thought that was sweet.”

And seeing the Irish beat the Wolverines 24-17 also stuck out.

“Of course,” Kirk said. “The way they played was outstanding, especially against Michigan, who is known for their defensive team.”

He was paying close attention to the Irish’s defensive unit.

“I try to see every aspect about being a player for the school,” he explained. “I could definitely see myself playing for Notre Dame.

“I felt like they were mostly playing man and I could see myself as a free safety reading eyes and being able to react and I feel I could fit in.”

Notre Dame invited Kirk to a summer camp, but he wasn’t able to make it. After taking in Notre Dame this past weekend, he wants to establish some contact with the Irish and potentially return for another visit.

“Yeah, for sure,” he said. “It’s definitely a school I’d like to get back to. I would like to learn about the history of the program and what the school is known for majoring in and all of that. Also, I’d like to just get a feel for the campus.”

Kirk, who has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, has early offers from Michigan, Boston College, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Toledo.

“It feels good,” he said. “It gives me a chance to do something I always wanted to do ever since I was young.

“(Coaches) told me they like that I’m a big guy for my age as well being a rangy player. I’m also able to cover somebody man-to-man and I also have the speed.”

Kirk is the younger brother of Mike Doss, who was an All-American safety at Ohio Stat before a six-year NFL career.

“My brother has been such a big help for me,” Kirk said of Doss. “He’s basically taught me what I need to look for in the recruiting process since he’s already lived it and done everything. He’s been helping me out a lot.”

The Buckeyes are recruiting Kirk, but his brother’s connection won’t give them any major edge.

“Having him there is a help because people know him, but everybody is the same.”