2021 WR Andrel Anthony Jr. Enjoys Competition At Irish Invasion

2021 East Lansing (Mich.) receiver Andrel Anthony Jr.‍ was fired up before he got to South Bend on Sunday for Irish Invasion as he picked up an offer from Michigan following camp in Ann Arbor.

“I’ve grown up watching Michigan and it was a big offer for my family and me,” Anthony told Irish Sports Daily. “My dad is a huge Michigan fan and I’ve grown up watching them on TV. I’m very blessed and humbled by the offer. I have to keep working.” 

Despite the good news from Michigan, the 6-foot-2, 165-pounder showed up at Notre Dame ready to work. 

“Notre Dame was very competitive,” stated Anthony. “There was a lot of competition from across the country. People were from Georgia and Texas. The coaching was very good. I got coached up by Chip Long and Coach Del Alexander. I learned a lot I can apply to my game.” 

With talent coming in from all across the nation, Anthony also learned he had to adapt to some physical play during the camp. 

“It was very physical,” said Anthony. “Everyone was competing for the top spot. It was good because I learned if a defensive back is over aggressive, I can give him a double move.

“I learned about getting off the line better, using my hands if the defensive back tries to jam and sticking at the top of my routes to get out of my break faster.” 

Alexander also made sure to challenge and coach up Anthony as he was a player getting a serious evaluation from the staff. 

“I like it,” Anthony said of Alexander’s coaching style. “He’s very detailed and the details matter. He touches on the little things, so you improve. The little things really count in big games. He’s laid back, but he’ll get on you at the same time.” 

Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Indiana, Iowa State, Toledo and Western Michigan have also offered Anthony, but where does Notre Dame stand following Irish Invasion? 

“I talked to Coach Alexander and two recruiting coordinators and they said I should be definitely hearing from them in coming days,” Anthony stated. “They felt I did a great job.” 

If Anthony did get an offer from Notre Dame, it would be a significant one as it’s close to home and there is some history there.

“I’d be very blessed,” Anthony said. “It’s kind of funny because I was playing basketball and we played at Notre Dame. I talked to one of the coaches there and that was in fourth grade.” 

Michigan State could be the next program to offer the Michigan native as he’ll be at camp this weekend.

“I’m going to Michigan State’s elite camp on June 15th,” said Anthony. “I’m going to schedule some visits pretty soon. 

“If I do well at Michigan State, I believe they will offer. I just have to keep working hard and they will come.” 

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