2020 TE Commit Michael Mayer Makes Notre Dame Return

Michael Mayer‍ had been to a game at Notre Dame before, but Saturday night’s contest against Michigan was the first since the 2020 Kentucky tight end announced his verbal commitment to the Irish back in July.

And that meant a couple extra perks during this weekend’s unofficial visit.

“I got to go in the locker room before and after the game and just kind of take it all in and realize that that’s going to be me in a couple of years,” the Covington Catholic High School standout said. “It’s really exciting.

“It was really surreal. You can feel the energy. To an extent, it’s kind of like my high school. In the locker room before the games, there’s so much energy and electricity everywhere. That’s kind of like my school, except to a bigger extent. Obviously, it looked like they had some of that energy on the field too. They came out with a lot of energy. Obviously, they were really pumped up for the big rival. They came out ready to play and it showed.”

The Alexandria, Ky., native enjoyed his entire return trip and especially the 24-17 win over the Wolverines.

“It was awesome,” he said. “It was a good experience.

“The atmosphere was crazy. I can’t imagine playing in front of all of those people. Playing high school football in front of two, three thousand, so I don’t even know how excited I’d be playing in front of that many people. I can’t wait for it.”

Mayer also had the opportunity to reconnect with Irish head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Chip Long.

“I got a chance to talk to them after the game and they pretty much just said, ‘Take it in because this is going to be you in a couple of years,’” Mayer explained. “That really hit me hard because it’s true, I will be. That’s awesome.”

And he was also able to connect with many of his future teammates for the first time.

“I actually got to meet a bunch of 2019 commits too, which was cool,” he explained.

Mayer said “unfortunately” his fellow 2020 pledges – quarterback Drew Pyne and tight end Kevin Bauman - couldn’t make it.

“So, I didn’t get a chance to talk with them or meet them, but I’m really excited to get up to a game with them.”