McGregor High On Notre Dame & Recaps Trip To Alabama

2020 Port  Huron Northern (Mich.) defensive end Braiden McGregor‍ has seen his recruitment change dramatically over the last nine months. 

In the early spring, the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder left Purdue wondering if he would get an offer and a few days later he received an offer from Notre Dame. 

Fast forward to last weekend, and McGregor found himself in Tuscaloosa to see Alabama host Auburn in the Iron Bowl. 

“It was different going from the tradition at Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State,” McGregor stated. “It was cool. With it being a big game, the stadium was rocking.

“It was comparable to the Notre Dame-Michigan game. It was loud, and the fans were into it. It got out of hand pretty quick in the second half.” 

McGregor left Tuscaloosa with an offer and felt the love from the Alabama coaching staff as they made sure he got plenty of face time during the visit. 

“I actually got a lot of time with the coaches,” explained McGregor. “We walked around with a recruiting assistant when we got there and were given a tour around campus. We went to the stadium, and I was with coaches from two hours before the game until five minutes before they went on the field. Coach (Jeff) Banks came in and talked with us. Then another coach sat down and ate with us. It was pretty cool.” 

Before his trip to Tuscaloosa, McGregor made the trip down to South Bend to see Notre Dame roll over Florida in the home finale. 

“It was a really good visit, and it felt good to be back,” said McGregor. “I feel really comfortable with coaching staff. I sat with Coach (Clark) Lea for 45 minutes, Coach (Mike) Elston for 45 minutes and then Coach (Brian) Kelly for about 25 minutes. It was a really good discussion. “ 

Part of the discussion with the Notre Dame coaches surrounded the opportunity awaiting him in South Bend. 

“My dad and I started asking the tough questions about the depth chart and stuff like that,” McGregor said. “It’s really intriguing considering how Coach Elston talks about it.  I have a really good chance of making an impact on the field my first year. That’s definitely intriguing.” 

Earlier this fall, McGregor felt a decision could come in the winter or early spring, but it’s been pushed back to his original timeframe, which will be before the summer as he’s been given a few things to think about recently. 

“It’s kind of back to where it was in the beginning,” explained McGregor. “I’ll probably decide around April, May or June. Programs are offering as a tight end and schools are reaching out to play tight end. It’s a curveball for me right now. I’m not sure if I want to play tight end or defensive end. 

“I’m going to wait it out. I’ll know when I get the feeling I know.” 

The chance to play tight end is something McGregor will weigh and with a school like Alabama wanting him to play offense, it’s tough to not think about.

“I didn’t get to play a whole lot of it this year,” stated McGregor. “I think I only caught like 10-15 passes the whole year. I like it a lot. I feel comfortable out there. There’s something about catching a jump ball in the end zone that’s really cool.” 

McGregor will make another Midwest tour in the coming months, and it will be big for Notre Dame’s staff to continue to gain momentum heading into the spring.

“I’m probably going to hit up Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State in the next month or two,” said McGregor. “I think I’ll hit  Clemson up during that time too.”