So now that we have our Jordan Johnson takes out of the way... we still need to talk about the Notre Dame Fighting Irish recruiting effort. Like — we want to see more effort.
The addition of Marcus Freeman to the staff has been like a jolt of adrenaline to a program with all of the tools to recruit with the elites — even with the academic restrictions. Freeman has been relentless in his pursuit of top talent, and that sort of thing can be infectious throughout the program.
But... don’t discount Mike Elston’s move back to Recruiting Coordinator as a big part of Notre Dame’s current success as the #4 team in the 247 Composite Team Rankings. Elston was instrumental in the creation of the Pot of Gold Day back in March that was widely celebrated as a huge success.
And now... Notre Dame is engaged in a national billboard campaign that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Giant billboards have gone up in the hometowns of current Notre Dame players and they state emphatically, “I chose Notre Dame.”
It’s a strong move for recruiting, but it’s also a really nice compliment to the players that are up on those billboards. It’s also proof that Notre Dame is getting MORE serious about its recruiting effort, and I think we can all celebrate that.
Here are some of the ones up around the country:
Kyle Hamilton in Atlanta.
With tears in my eyes pic.twitter.com/oJdFFCXYce
— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) May 6, 2021
Osita Ekwonu in Charlotte.
Billboard recruiting in ACC country. pic.twitter.com/uVOFgHiIKe
— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) May 5, 2021
Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola in New Jersey.
Here’s another — this time it’s billboard recruiting in New Jersey. I love these moves by Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/zN7e3Xr0PD
— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) May 5, 2021
Gabe Rubio in St. Louis.
I throw down for my city! Reppin tha Lou at 70 & Lindbergh! #StLouis #STLmade #GoIrish
— Gabriel Rubio (@GabeRubio97) May 5, 2021
@NDFootball @FightingIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/RSF6pWsCGZ
And there are plenty of others out there as well. It’s really a job well done on many different levels at Notre Dame.
We also found these floating around...
An old billboard with Moose Krause in Chicago.
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Samwise Gamgee in the Shire is ready to walk-on.
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Mickey O’Neil... from whereabouts unknown.
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Inigo Montoya in Florin by way of Spain.
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Uhtred Son of Uhtred is marching all the way from Bebbanburg.
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That is a finnnne billbawd Claire.
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Let us know if you see any more!