Four-Star running back ‘They’re making their imprint,’ says DeZephen Walker on his visit to Notre Dame.

In the world of college football recruiting, few things carry as much weight as a visit to one of the sport’s most prestigious programs. DeZephen Walker, a four-star running back with offers from some of the nation’s top schools, recently had the opportunity to visit Notre Dame, and his experience left a lasting impression on him.

Walker, a standout athlete from Georgia, has been on the radar of college recruiters for quite some time, drawing attention with his explosive running style, vision, and physicality on the field. His recruitment has been a highly anticipated storyline, and each step of the process seems to be taking him closer to a decision about where he’ll continue his football career. After his visit to South Bend, Walker spoke candidly about his experience, sharing his thoughts on the program, the coaching staff, and what made the visit special.

Early Impressions of Notre Dame

Walker’s visit to Notre Dame came during a crucial time in his recruitment. As one of the top running back prospects in the country, Walker has been courted by several powerhouse programs, including SEC schools, Big Ten programs, and others from the ACC and Pac-12. But it was Notre Dame’s longstanding tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, that made this visit a key moment in his recruitment process.

“I’ve heard a lot about Notre Dame over the years, but seeing it in person is a whole different experience,” Walker said during an interview after the visit. “It’s more than just a football program. It’s a community, a culture. They take pride in everything they do, and that really stood out to me.”

From the moment he arrived on campus, Walker was struck by the historic nature of the program and the commitment to success. The campus itself, with its iconic landmarks like the Golden Dome and the Notre Dame Stadium, left an indelible impression on the young athlete. But it wasn’t just the scenery that captivated Walker—it was the people he met and the conversations he had with the coaching staff, players, and current students.

A Strong Connection with the Coaching Staff

One of the most significant factors for any recruit when visiting a program is the relationship with the coaching staff. Notre Dame’s staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, has garnered attention for its strong leadership, recruitment acumen, and ability to connect with players on a personal level. Walker, who has been closely evaluating coaching styles and program cultures, took note of the family atmosphere at Notre Dame.

“What I really appreciate is how real the coaches are with you,” Walker explained. “Coach Freeman is someone who’s not just about football. He cares about you as a person and wants to see you grow, not just on the field, but in life. That’s something that really resonates with me.”

Freeman, who took over as head coach in 2022, has quickly established himself as a dynamic and player-first leader. He’s known for his hands-on approach with recruits, and his ability to build relationships that transcend football is one of the key reasons why Notre Dame has seen success on the recruiting trail. During Walker’s visit, Freeman made a personal effort to connect with the running back and emphasize the importance of family within the program.

Walker also had the chance to spend time with running backs coach Deland McCullough, a former NFL running back whose coaching pedigree speaks for itself. McCullough, who previously coached at Indiana, has worked with some of the best backs in the country and has been praised for his development of players both on and off the field.

“Coach McCullough is a great guy,” Walker said. “He’s really knowledgeable about the game, and he knows what it takes to succeed at the next level. We talked about how he develops his running backs, how they’re prepared for the NFL, and that’s something that stood out to me. I can see how he’s helped some of the guys there get to the next level, and I want that same kind of development for myself.”

A Focus on Player Development

When it comes to college football, player development is one of the most critical aspects that can make or break a player’s career. For a running back like Walker, who already has the physical attributes to succeed at the next level, finding a program that will continue to develop him is paramount.

Notre Dame has a rich tradition of developing players into high-level professionals, and that’s something Walker noticed during his visit. The program’s commitment to not only developing football skills but also fostering the growth of players as people is a central tenet of the Notre Dame football philosophy.

“The way they develop players is something I really like about Notre Dame,” Walker said. “It’s not just about getting guys to the league. They’re all about helping you become the best version of yourself, on and off the field. I feel like they’re really making an imprint on the players they bring in.”

In addition to the on-field coaching and development, Walker was impressed by the academic side of Notre Dame. The university’s reputation for producing well-rounded student-athletes is another element that stands out to recruits, and Walker is no exception. As someone who values both football and education, he was impressed by the resources available to athletes to help them succeed in the classroom as well as on the field.

“The academic side of things is a big deal for me,” Walker said. “I want to be more than just a football player. I want to make sure I’m setting myself up for success after football, and Notre Dame gives you that opportunity. They have the resources to help you grow in both areas, which is something I appreciate.”

The Atmosphere and Facilities

Notre Dame’s football program is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, and Walker had the chance to experience them firsthand during his visit. From the weight rooms to the practice fields and everything in between, the facilities are designed to give athletes the tools they need to succeed. Walker was particularly impressed with the way the program has prioritized the player experience, ensuring that everything from nutrition to recovery is top-notch.

“The facilities are incredible,” Walker said. “You can tell they’re invested in their players. Everything is geared toward helping you reach your full potential. That’s something I really respect. They’ve got the best of the best, and it shows.”

The Notre Dame football staff also emphasized the importance of nutrition, recovery, and overall health, which are all integral parts of long-term player development. Walker, who understands the demands of the college game, appreciated the emphasis on keeping players healthy and ready to perform at their best.

The Notre Dame Culture

One of the most significant aspects of Walker’s visit was his exposure to the culture at Notre Dame. While many programs are focused on winning games and championships, Notre Dame places a strong emphasis on the values that come with being a student-athlete at the university. From the leadership within the football program to the commitment to faith and community, Walker quickly recognized that Notre Dame is about more than just football—it’s about developing character, integrity, and leadership.

“The culture at Notre Dame is special,” Walker said. “It’s not just about football. It’s about growing as a person, being part of something bigger than yourself. There’s a real sense of family there, and I felt that the moment I stepped on campus. It’s something that really resonates with me.”

During his visit, Walker had the opportunity to meet with current players, some of whom shared their experiences about being part of the Notre Dame family. He was particularly struck by the sense of camaraderie and support within the team. It was clear to him that the players at Notre Dame are not just teammates—they’re brothers who support each other both on and off the field.

Next Steps in the Recruitment Process

While Walker’s visit to Notre Dame was a memorable experience, it is only one of several stops in his recruitment journey. With a number of top programs still in the mix, Walker has plenty of options to consider. However, Notre Dame made a strong impression on him, and it will likely remain one of his top contenders moving forward.

“I’m still figuring things out, and I’m going to take my time with this decision,” Walker said. “But Notre Dame definitely made an impact. They’re definitely a program that’s doing things the right way, and I’m going to keep them in mind as I move forward.”

Walker plans to take additional visits and continue to evaluate his options. However, his experience at Notre Dame has given him plenty to think about, and it’s clear that the Irish have made an impression that will not be easily forgotten.

DeZephen Walker’s visit to Notre Dame was a pivotal moment in his recruitment journey. From the strong relationships with the coaching staff to the commitment to player development, the facilities, and the culture, Notre Dame left a lasting impact on the four-star running back. While his recruitment is far from over, it’s clear that Notre Dame has made its mark, and Walker will continue to weigh his options carefully as he decides where to take his talents at the next level.

For Notre Dame, the visit was another successful step in what has been a promising recruiting cycle, as the program continues to build its roster with elite talent. As Walker moves closer to making a decision, Irish fans are sure to be keeping a close eye on his recruitment, hoping that the program’s strong culture, tradition, and commitment to player development will be enough to convince the four-star running back to become part of the Fighting Irish family.