2022 QB Gunnar Smith Camping At Notre Dame This Weekend

Gunnar Smith‍ has a busy month and an especially busy weekend, but when the 2022 Florida quarterback received an invitation to Notre Dame’s Irish Invasion Camp, he made arrangements to add a stop in South Bend.

“I already had a visit to University of Kentucky set for this Saturday and I was able to work out with my parents to change some of our travel plans to drive up to Notre Dame Sunday morning from Lexington once I received the invite,” said Smith, who was invited by Notre Dame Director of Recruiting Aaryn Kearney.

The five-plus hour drive from Lexington to South Bend will prevent Smith from making it in time for the Quarterback Academy portion of the camp, which will be held before Invasion, but he’s looking forward to communicating with the Irish staff, something that’s been limited to date since he’s a 2022 prospect.

“The opportunity to camp at Notre Dame and be considered to play for such a prestigious university and program was an opportunity I could not pass up,” the 6-foot-3, 175-pounder said. “I am very thankful my parents were able to make it work out. I am excited to throw in front of the coaches and meet them face to face.

“I have confidence in my ability and I hope I have the opportunity to build a relationship.”

The Lake Mary High School standout would like to see some of the facilities and town while in South Bend, but added, “Hopefully this is the first of several visits.”

Smith picked up his first offer, from Kentucky, earlier this spring.

“The offer from Kentucky was exciting and motivating to keep working hard and improve,” he said. “To throw in front of the UK offensive coordinator and QB coach during our spring practice and then (co-offensive coordinator Darin) Hinshaw speaking to my coach and offering me a scholarship lets me know I am on the right path and my training is paying off.

“I love the game of football and want to play at the highest level against the best. An SEC offer as 2022 recruit makes me just want to work harder every day.”

In addition to camps at Kentucky and Notre Dame this weekend, Smith will be at Central Florida next weekend and Florida on June 22nd.

“I have several other invites, but with my team summer practice and team camp, I am not sure if I will make any other visits this summer,” he said.

Several colleges stopped by to check in on him during the Evaluation Period.

“The University of Florida has probably shown the most interest other than Kentucky and Notre Dame,” he said. “West Virginia also has been in contact with my coach.”

He knows what he’ll be looking for when it comes time to choose a school.

“My decision will ultimately come down to which school I feel I fit best with from the program, the coaches, the academic opportunity and the chance to play with and against the best in Division I,” he said.

But for now, his focus is on what’s in front of him.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this weekend.”