After "Unbelievable" Notre Dame Visit, 2020 ATH Caleb Willis Looks Forward To Return

Caleb Willis‍ was able to sum up Saturday’s visit to Notre Dame in one word.

“Unbelievable,” the 2020 Tennessee athlete told Irish Sports Daily afterward.

It didn’t take long for the 5-foot-8, 155-pounder to realize it was going to be a good day either.

“Right when I stepped on campus, I felt like I was at home,” Willis said. “There’s a great tradition there. Everything is traditional, I loved that. Great fans. The student section during the game is what kind of blew me away, how big it was and how involved they were in the game. I’ve been on plenty of visits and I’ve never seen a crowd like that, so involved in the game.

“The facilities are amazing, the coaching staff, talking to the recruits and some of the committed recruits. I really love Notre Dame. I really like the places and it’s one of my top places no doubt.”

The Jackson, Tenn., native made sure to take in the advice he was given from prospects who have been through the process.

“They were saying, ‘Don’t rush it, but definitely keep this place in mind,’” Willis recalled. “They were just telling me to enjoy the process and if it feels like home, make the move, but they told me not to rush it and have fun with it.”

Willis isn’t going to rush anything, but he’s not going to wait long to return to South Bend.

“I’m coming back,” he said. “I’ll be back up for the Florida State game.”

Willis pointed to the “tradition” at Notre Dame as well as his talks with former Irish offensive line target Trey Smith, who attended the same University School in Jackson as Willis.

“Notre Dame was in his top five,” said Willis. “I talked to him about it. He said he really loved Notre Dame a lot. That’s like my role model, so after I heard him say it, I thought, ‘There has to be something up there very special.’ I do see it now.

“Everything was laid out perfectly. I got to see everything. I guess, see more of the academic stuff like the classrooms and campus. Stuff like non-football I guess.”

Willis was also impressed with the Irish’s 38-17 win over Stanford.

“Notre Dame put it on Stanford, they really did,” he said. “I thought it was going to be a lot closer, but they put it on them. The running back combo was great and (Ian) Book did phenomenal.”

Willis had the chance to thank Director of Football Recruiting Aaryn Kearney for inviting him to the games.

“He said he can’t wait for me to come back,” said Willis.

Willis has an early offer from Memphis.

“It feels good,” he said. “It’s close to home, right there like an hour away. Of course, I want more. I’m not trying to be greedy or cocky or anything, but it’s like everybody’s dream to have multiple D-I offers. I really hope I get this Notre Dame one. I’m not going to rush it, but hopefully I get it.”

He said schools are recruiting him to play running back, slot receiver or cornerback in college.

 “In my opinion, I like corner better,” he said. “I feel like defense wins championships and I love being on the defensive side of the ball during the game.”

He was at Memphis for a visit a couple weeks back and has plans to get to Louisville and Wake Forest.

“And of course, I’ll be back at Notre Dame.”