First College Game A Major Success For McGregor

2020 Port Huron Northern (Mich.) defensive end Braiden McGregor‍ quickly became a coveted prospect during the spring, but the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder had yet to experience a college football game in person. 

That changed in a big way as McGregor and his family made the trip to South Bend to see Notre Dame beat Michigan 24-17 on Saturday night. 

“It was better than I thought it was going to be,” laughed McGregor. “My expectations were pretty high from talking to a couple of recruits that had already been to college games and hearing about it from Coach (Mike) Elston, Coach (Larry) Black Jr., and Coach (Brian) Kelly. 

“They surpassed every expectation I had for it.” 

The people around Notre Dame impressed the three-star prospect on past visits, and McGregor was once again taken back by the red carpet treatment the Irish gave him on Saturday.

“The way they treated the recruits was like we were all very important,” explained McGregor. “Everything they had for us and watching the game was crazy. The atmosphere was crazy.” 

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to experience The Walk before the game. 

“It showed how crazy some of the Notre Dame fans are,” laughed McGregor. “Some of the fans were out there an hour before The Walk getting lined up. They knew who some of the recruits were too. 

“Seeing the team walk through was something special. I could see myself doing it, and it was just something special that I won’t forget.” 

The Walk may have impressed McGregor, but the walking into Notre Dame Stadium on game day blew the Michigan native away. 

“When I walked out on the field with my family and coaches, I was like, ‘Wow. I could definitely see myself here,’” said McGregor.

The speed of the game was something McGregor quickly noticed was much different in person. Notre Dame defensive end Khalid Kareem also caught his eye as he plays the same position Elston is projecting McGregor to play.

“Watching it on TV, you can tell it’s a fast pace game,” explained McGregor. “In person, it’s so much faster than it looks. Realizing how big, fast and how guys move is crazy.

“Notre Dame’s defensive line was all over Michigan. That was probably the highlight of the whole game, and it’s what everyone is talking about. Khalid (Kareem) had two sacks was named a National Player of the Week. It’s insane because he plays the same position I would be playing. 

“I watched him a lot and seeing where I fit into Notre Dame’s scheme was awesome. The more I pay attention to Notre Dame, the more it’s becoming my home. It’s really nice.” 

McGregor and fellow 2020 defensive lineman Rylie Mills‍ were at Michigan for a visit earlier, but they weren’t introduced to each other in Ann Arbor. 

Notre Dame wasted little time introducing the two prospects, and it proved to be a smart decision. 

“We met at like 3:00 and we were side by side until we let,” stated McGregor. “We got a picture before we left and we both talked to Jaylon Smith together. Jaylon was giving us some pointers on how to go through the recruiting process and to pick the school you like and not the school everyone else likes. 

“Rylie and I have been talking since we met each other. We really hit it off. He’s a cool guy, and we’re similar. I could see him being a guy I get along with really well.” 

McGregor also got to spend time with a few of the guys already committed to Notre Dame, and they left a lasting impression.

“I got to meet a couple of the guys committed to Notre Dame,” said McGregor. “Meeting the guys going to Notre Dame is something special. They are level-headed guys that love football. I really liked them a lot.” 

With his first college game in the bag, McGregor will look to set up a few more visits this fall. 

“Right now, I don’t really have anything set up,” McGregor said. “I’m trying to set something up next Saturday, so I have to find a close game or a game I can leave early on Saturday morning and be home later because of my dad’s work schedule.

“I’m going to try to get to the schools that have offered me. They have shown me love, so I feel like I have to show them some love too.”

McGregor had planned to commit next summer, but that timeline has now been moved up.  

“I’m hoping to make my commitment probably in January or a little bit later,” said McGregor. “It’s coming up because I have my top schools in my mind and I’m going to visit them, so we’ll see how that goes.

“It’s all coming together, and it’s a good time right now.”