Notre Dame Exceeds 2021 QB Chayden Peery's Expectations

Chayden Peery‍ made the long trip from California to South Bend this weekend to check out Notre Dame and it was well worth the trip for the 2021 quarterback.

“It was cool,” the 6-foot-2, 195-pound sophomore said. “There’s nothing like a sold-out crowd. I’ve never really experienced. The tours I’ve taken have never been that crazy. The atmosphere was insane, the fans, it was crazy.

“I toured the facilities and the locker room. Coming out of that tunnel was special, that was freaking awesome. I love the rich tradition of Notre Dame, tapping on the board, going through the locker room, going through the tunnel. That’s all super special.”

Peery called the campus “gorgeous.”

“It exceeded my expectations by a lot,” he continued. “The whole South Bend area right around the stadium is beautiful.”

While in town, Sierra Canyon High School standout had the chance to speak with Irish wide receivers coach Del Alexander.

“We actually have a lot in common,” Peery explained. It was funny because he knew some of the people my dad knew from back in college days. He’s got family like five minutes away from my house.”

Peery was impressed with the way the Irish handled the elements during their 42-13 drubbing of Florida State.

“Anyone who can play in that weather is good,” he said. “It was cold out there, but I think I could get used to it if I ever came here. They played good. The uniforms and everything about it, the fans and the stadium, it was awesome.”

Peery is hoping the Irish may stop in to check on him during the spring.

“Coach Alexander said he had watched my film and I caught his eye,” the signal-caller said. “He might be coming out later this year or early next year. I think one of the parts of my game that stands out – and once they start talking to me they’ll be able understand that – my poise and decision-making. You can’t really tell that through film.”

He wants to start building relationships with more members of the Irish staff and would be open to camping in South Bend this summer.

Peery has a pair of early offers, from Nevada and San Jose State.

“It probably drives me more actually because a lot of people doubted me and doubt that I should have these offers at such a young age,” he acknowledged. “I just have to go out and prove to people why I deserve them and then go out and get some more.”

At this point, he said it’s a bit too early to know exactly what factors will be most important to him, but it’s clear he has a good understanding.

“Everybody always says the home vibe, the home feel,” he said. “I agree with that, but I feel like the relationship I would have with the coach and the relationship with somebody like the athletic director. At Sierra Canyon, I definitely have a good relationship with the Head of School and he’s always got my back, so that’s good to know.”