2022 QB Brady Allen Raves About Notre Dame & Tommy Rees

Notre Dame has locked up quarterbacks in the 2020 and 2021 class as Drew Pyne‍ and Tyler Buchner‍ have given pledges to the Irish. 

This spring, the Irish hosted 2022 Gibson Southern (Ind.) quarterback Brady Allen‍ for a practice. The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder already holds offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Purdue and Virginia, so he’s definitely a name to keep an eye on moving forward. 

“It’s crazy to think about where I was last year,” Allen told Irish Sports Daily. “I was getting ready to start varsity and getting my body right. I wouldn’t have expected to be where I’m at right now. It’s awesome. It’s been fun and I’m enjoying it.” 

In 12 games, Allen threw for 2,438 yards, 29 touchdowns and just four interceptions as a freshman. 

Similar to most kids, Allen has always dreamed of playing college football and his opportunity came much earlier as he already has options before he finishes his freshman year of high school.

“It was a dream come true because you always want to play college football,” stated Allen. “I was surprised and it was really special. I’m blessed and thankful for it.” 

The Fort Branch (Ind.) native made spring trips to Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue and Virginia Tech. It’s also safe to say his time in South Bend left a lasting impression.

“Notre Dame is a special place and it was my first time up there,” explained Allen. “I got to meet Coach (Tom) Rees and a lot of the other coaches. I had a great time and I was able to see what Notre Dame had to offer. I really enjoyed my time up there.

“I kind of grew up a Notre Dame fan. A lot of people in our area are Notre Dame fans, but it’s going to be about who has the best to offer and where I fit in. It’s cool to see all this stuff play out and maybe have a chance to play there someday.” 

Rees is making his presence felt on the recruiting trail in recent months as he continues to grow into a recruiter. Allen felt what Buchner and Pyne felt as he had the chance to speak to Rees while on campus. 

“He’s a younger guy so I feel you can relate to him a lot and he played there a few years ago,” Allen stated. “I really like what they do with the quarterbacks and Phil (Jurkovec). I feel I’m a lot like Phil. I just really like what Coach Rees is doing with them.” 

Notre Dame’s practice also impressed Allen as there was little wasted time and the Irish were able to accomplish a lot during the session.

“They are really quick,” recalled Allen. “They go from spot to spot and drill to drill. They are energetic and that’s how I like to practice. I really liked a lot of the quarterback drills.” 

Allen will be back at Notre Dame next month along with several other schools in June and July. 

“I’ll be back at Notre Dame on June 9th for camp,” Allen said. “I’m still trying to get the rest of the schedule figured out. I talked to Cincinnati a few weeks ago and I may visit them in a few weeks. 

“I’ll be at Penn State and South Carolina for a camp.”

It might be early in his recruitment, but if Notre Dame did end up offering Allen, the Irish would be a tough team to beat.

“I would be speechless,” said Allen. “It would be really special. I’d be very blessed. It’d be awesome.” 

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