‘Finally’ – Four-Star Linebacker Commit Nolan Ziegler Meets Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Staff For First Time

Nolan Ziegler, the No. 9 overall recruit out of Michigan in the class of 2022, committed to Notre Dame before any games were played in the 2020 college football season. It wasn’t until this month he finally stepped on campus to meet the coaching staff.

“It was such a relief to be able to go down and meet everybody,” Ziegler said. “It just felt great to finally meet the guys I’m going to spend the next four years with.”

The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Catholic Central linebacker has been a glue guy of sorts for Notre Dame in the 2022 recruiting cycle. He’s always contacting fellow commits and prospective ones to ignite passion and exuberance among future Notre Dame players.

Ziegler spent part of his time in South Bend courting high-profile Notre Dame targets like Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy wide receiver Carnell Tate, Shillington (Pa.) Governor Mifflin Senior running back Nick Singleton and Las Vegas Bishop Gorman defensive end Cyrus Moss, all of whom are talented four-star recruits.

Ziegler caught up with fellow 2022 Notre Dame commits Donovan Hinish, Eli Raridon, Holden Staes and Steve Angeli. He takes pride in playing a part in growing Notre Dame’s class, which ranks No. 2 nationally according to Rivals.

“It’s awesome to see it build,” Ziegler said. “It feels sweet to see it build on with all the guys continuing to join in. Seeing the progress of this class is sweet. Getting to know each guy and texting them to congratulate them is just special. They all make their own decisions, but it’s sweet to be a part of that.”

Fellow Notre Dame linebacker commit Joshua Burnham of Traverse City (Mich.) Central accompanied Ziegler on the visit as well. They have a unique bond, considering they share the same birthday — one that is of coincidental significance as Notre Dame commits.

“Being born on St. Patrick’s Day, you just know there is a special connection coming down to Notre Dame,” Ziegler said. “It just feels special. It’s awesome, especially being the two best linebackers in Michigan.”

Ziegler wasn’t conversing with future teammates the entire time he was in South Bend. He spent quality time with his parents and four siblings as well. He said Notre Dame defensive analyst Nick Lezynski made sure his family felt welcome on the campus tour.

“They’re a very important part of me,” Ziegler said of his family. “That’s going to be the hardest part of going to Notre Dame — leaving them. I definitely wanted them to get the chance to enjoy it because they’re a part of me. They loved it, and I think all the coaches and all the guys did too.”

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman understands where Ziegler is coming from. Freeman has six children of his own. Ziegler said he connected with Freeman because of that, but he also said the connection stretched far beyond personal life.

“I definitely felt like we got along pretty well,” Ziegler said. “I like the way he coaches too, especially what he did at Cincinnati. He focuses on the technique and mentality. I think he’s going to do great things for us at Notre Dame.”

Rated the No. 20 overall "athlete" in his class per Rivals, Ziegler is expected to do great things at Notre Dame as well.