Notre Dame’s season opener against Michigan will bring a host of top prospects to South Bend, including four-star defensive end Bralen Trice of Phoenix O’Connor.
Trice, Rivals’ No. 23 weakside defensive end in the class of 2019, will get his first look at Notre Dame this weekend and is fired up about his official visit to campus.
“I’m crazy excited,” Trice told Blue & Gold Illustrated. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about how crazy the Notre Dame-Michigan game can get and the energy there with the fans. I’m excited to get out there.”
Trice said he wanted to make sure he got the opportunity to see Notre Dame after learning as much as he could about the school and the football program.
“It’s an outstanding school academically,” he said. “That’s a big part of the whole recruiting process for me, and the football aspect of it, with the tradition, the family and the coaches, it’s amazing.”
So far, Trice’s main contact at Notre Dame has been defensive line coach Mike Elston, with head coach Brian Kelly contacting him at times as well.
Trice said he’s enjoyed getting to know Elston throughout the recruiting process and is looking forward to meeting him in person.
“It’s been great,” he said of his relationship with Elston. “I like to talk to coaches and get to know them. I don’t want to get too involved with a school without them having good communication with me.”
The four-star added that Elston has also made an effort to build a relationship with his mother, who Trice said is a huge factor in his recruitment.
Trice is a top remaining defensive end target for Notre Dame, and the Arizona talent said it’s awesome to know how much the Irish want him in the class.
“It feels great to feel wanted and needed both as a player and a student” Trice explained. “Especially by such a great school and program. It feels amazing.”
Coming into the visit, Trice has Notre Dame listed in his top five along with Washington, Oregon, TCU and UCLA.
Trice will arrive for the visit on Saturday and will bring his mother along for the trip. He said he just wants to take it all in.
“I expect to see lots of energy, and a lot of tradition on the field and off the field.” Trice said. “I want to feel like I’m at home and feel comfortable with everything.”
According to Trice, distance from home will not play a factor in his decision.
He will announce his commitment sometime prior to the conclusion of his senior season.
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