Four-Star Running Back Turns Down Alabama and Florida to Commit to Notre Dame, Citing Culture, Education and Legacy

Notre Dame landed a significant addition to its 2025 recruiting class when four-star running back James “Jay” Danvers announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish over Alabama and Florida. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back from Tampa, Florida, made his decision known via social media on Thursday evening, concluding a hotly contested recruitment that featured two SEC powerhouses and one of college football’s most historic programs.

Danvers, ranked among the top 15 running backs in the 2025 class by several major recruiting outlets, is considered a game-changing athlete with a blend of burst, balance, and vision. His ability to run with power between the tackles, coupled with soft hands out of the backfield, made him a coveted target for some of the nation’s top programs. That he chose Notre Dame over Alabama—a school with a reputation for producing NFL-caliber running backs—and Florida, his home-state flagship, speaks volumes about the direction of Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy and Danvers’ personal priorities.

“I’ve prayed on it, talked with my family, and visited each school more than once,” Danvers said in a video posted to his social media. “At the end of the day, it came down to where I felt the most at home—not just on the field, but in the classroom, in the locker room, and in the community. That place is Notre Dame.”

Danvers’ commitment is the latest evidence of head coach Marcus Freeman’s ability to resonate with elite talent on a national scale. Freeman, who has emphasized culture and development since taking over the program, has turned Notre Dame into a serious player in the race for top-tier recruits, even in SEC-heavy territory like Florida. Danvers cited his conversations with Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough as instrumental in his decision.

“Coach Freeman didn’t just talk football—he talked life,” Danvers said. “He asked about my dreams outside of the game, and he listened. He showed me that Notre Dame is a place where I can grow as a man, not just as a football player. Coach McCullough has worked with pros, and I know he can help me become the best version of myself.”

What makes Danvers such a unique addition to Notre Dame’s class is not just his pedigree, but also his style. He brings a versatility that can be immediately impactful. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns during his junior season at Tampa Bay Tech, while also hauling in 36 catches for 412 yards and five scores. His tape shows a runner who’s equally comfortable dodging defenders in open space or lowering his shoulder for extra yardage. He’s known for his acceleration through the hole and his ability to make defenders miss in one-on-one situations. That kind of complete back has often thrived in South Bend, and Danvers hopes to follow in the footsteps of players like Kyren Williams and Josh Adams.

His high school coach, Jeff Wilson, believes Notre Dame is getting not just a star athlete, but a relentless worker. “Jay’s a competitor, plain and simple,” Wilson said. “He wants the ball in crunch time, and he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team win. Notre Dame is getting someone who’s going to show up every day and give them everything.”

The decision came as a mild surprise to those following the recruiting process closely. Alabama had long been considered the frontrunner, thanks to their history of developing elite running backs like Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and most recently, Jahmyr Gibbs. Danvers took multiple visits to Tuscaloosa and built a solid relationship with the Crimson Tide staff. Florida, meanwhile, made a strong late push. The Gators offered proximity to home, early playing time, and a chance to help rebuild a once-proud program. But in the end, the opportunity to be part of something bigger swayed Danvers.

Notre Dame’s tradition, academics, and national brand played a huge role. A strong student with a 3.7 GPA and interest in business and communications, Danvers said the university’s academic reputation was too strong to ignore. “Football doesn’t last forever,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I’d be set up for life after the game, and Notre Dame gives me that. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Danvers becomes the 14th commitment in Notre Dame’s 2025 class and the first at the running back position. His pledge vaults the Irish class into the top five nationally, depending on the recruiting service. It’s a clear win for Freeman and his staff as they continue to build on momentum heading into the summer. The Irish have made it a priority to recruit the Southeast more aggressively, and Danvers is proof of that strategy paying dividends.

Notre Dame fans have already shown strong support for Danvers online, flooding his announcement post with messages of excitement and welcome. The Fighting Irish faithful know that landing a player of his caliber is not just about the talent—it’s about what it says for the program’s trajectory. Beating out Alabama and Florida is no small feat. It sends a message to the rest of college football that Notre Dame is serious about winning championships—and that it can go head-to-head with any program in the country to do so.

For Danvers, the decision also comes with a sense of purpose. “I want to help bring a title back to South Bend,” he said. “That’s the goal. I know we have the pieces, and I want to be part of that legacy. When you wear that gold helmet, you’re representing something special. I’m ready to embrace that.”

As Notre Dame continues to round out its 2025 class, the commitment of Danvers could serve as a spark for other highly rated recruits considering the Irish. Freeman and his staff have built a culture around development, accountability, and excellence—both on and off the field. And now they have another foundational piece to work with.

Danvers plans to enroll early in January to get a head start on his college career. He’s already begun preparing by fine-tuning his speed and strength regimen while continuing to maintain his academic workload. “There’s no time to waste,” he said. “Once I get on campus, I want to be ready to contribute. Whether that’s special teams, third-down packages, whatever the coaches need—I’m there.”

His parents, too, expressed pride in his decision and the maturity he showed throughout the recruiting process. “He handled this with class and care,” said his mother, Tanya Danvers. “We’re proud of the young man he’s become, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow at a place like Notre Dame.”

Notre Dame’s path to a national title has always included great running backs—from the power of Jerome Bettis to the all-purpose brilliance of Reggie Brooks and the toughness of Darius Walker. Jay Danvers is the latest to join that legacy, and he’s embracing the challenge that comes with it.

In today’s recruiting landscape—where NIL deals, flashy facilities, and social media often dominate the headlines—Danvers’ decision stands out for its values. He chose tradition, development, and long-term impact over short-term hype. That says as much about him as it does about the program he’s joining.

Notre Dame has its man. A four-star running back from SEC country who turned down college football’s most powerful dynasty and his state’s premier school to wear the blue and gold. Jay Danvers is coming to South Bend, and he’s bringing big dreams with him.