Nolan James was thrilled to receive an offer from Notre Dame.
“It means a lot, obviously,” the 2025 New Jersey running back says to Irish Sports Daily. “The reputation of the football program and academics speaks for itself, therefore it clearly matters a lot. It’s the best of both worlds for the country.”
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder from DePaul Catholic High School has been in constant contact with Irish running backs coach Deland McCullough and head coach Marcus Freeman in recent weeks.
“I’ve been talking to them almost every day,” he confesses. “They want me to get there and Coach McCullough has been telling me they’re trying to build the best running back room in the country, and they want me to be up next in that room.”
James’ initial views of McCullough and Freeman have been encouraging.
“I really like them,” he admits. “They’re obviously really genuine. I can tell merely from the phone calls we’ve exchanged. They keep things straightforward, which I greatly enjoy.”
James has been committed to Boston College for about a year.
“Similar to Notre Dame, academics is obviously top of the country along with the football program, the relationships I have with the coaches,” according to him.
However, he will take a serious look at Notre Dame, including an official visit to South Bend this weekend.
“Obviously I’ve never been there, so I want to see the place, meet the coaches face to face, just get an overall feel for the program and how everything works around there and just get a feel for it,” according to him.
Elijah Burress, James’ good buddy and teammate, is also committed to Notre Dame.
“He’s been telling me to commit ever since he found out they offered me,” James jokes about Burress. “That’s one of my best friends, so he’s been just hyping it up all week.”
This weekend’s trip is likely to be the last major event in James’ recruitment process, and he expects to know where he’s heading soon after.
“I don’t want to keep any coaches waiting, so I’ll make a decision after my visit. I don’t want to drag anyone along.
