‘27 qb trae taylor is okay with notre dame’s process

Notre Dame’s plan for quarterbacks in the 2027 class has been

mysterious to say the least, especially when “Pot of Gold” offers

concluded on March 17 th without zero offers being extended to signal

callers. Several of those highly ranked signal callers would be visiting

South Bend in the days to come, and one of those highly ranked

prospects was four-star 6-3 195-pound quarterback Trae Taylor of

Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic. When Taylor released his top five

schools in mid-February, the Fighting Irish were notably absent from the

list and there is a simple explanation as to why they were excluded.

“They were very understanding of why I didn’t have ND in the top 5,”

Taylor told LLM. “I can’t put a school in who hasn’t offered.

But best believe if I'm not committed, I’ll keep doing my due diligence

with other schools.”

Taylor and his father arrived in South Bend this past Friday with clear

plans. They were intent on viewing the practice to see how the offense

looked being led by the current quarterbacks amid a highly contested

battle, having a conversation with head coach Marcus Freeman and

Gino Guidugli, and assurances of an open line of communication. His

checklist was accomplished during the visit, and he couldn’t be more

pleased with the results.

“The practice was really good and fast,” Taylor elaborated. “I can see the

changes being made for the quarterbacks in that room now. I see myself

in the offense and it fits me. Coach (Mike) Denbrock told me let’s do

Jayden Daniels’ things together.

“Had a good talk with Coach Freeman,” Taylor continued. “He just said

I’m a priority and the process for quarterbacks is different, and that I

need to be somewhere where the coach has my back. We also talked

about what comes with being a Notre Dame quarterback.”

2027 QB Trae Taylor and Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman

Those conversations also yielded when an offer may be forthcoming,

and the smooth passer isn’t bothered one bit by the direction the

Fighting Irish have chosen.

“Sounds like no quarterbacks will be offered until May,” Taylor stated.

Coach Guidugli will go out and watch the quarterbacks throw at the end

of April, and then the offers will go out. They said I’ll be their first stop on

the way out.

“My commitment date is still June 6 th ,” Taylor continued. “So many have

asked me if I’m turned off by not having the offer. The answer is NO. As

long as the communication is there and the relationship is building, I’m

good. If the offer comes, then great. If not, I’ve built relationships with

some great people. Who knows where our paths may cross again.”

The Fighting Irish staff is not bruised because of Taylor’s top 5 schools.

They respect how Taylor has handled his recruitment, and the visit

seems to have intensified things on both sides moving forward. Taylor is

looking forward to the rest of the process and deciding on his school.

“I’ll be ready when they come to see me,” Taylor shared. “All the

coaches said they loved how I handled my recruitment, and they

appreciated it. They loved how I’m moving forward, not waiting but being

flexible.

“I started going to game day visits in 5 th grade,” Taylor continued. “I

started going to college camps in 6 th and my first offer was in 7 th . I’ve

been doing this for a long time, so I know what i want from a school and

program. That’s why I went back to Notre Dame. They offer what I want

on and off the field. I can’t believe it’s all about to be over. Once I

commit, I’m done unless the staff leaves.”

SHAUN M. DAVIS

Lucky Lefty Media