
Zaiden Jernigan, regarded as the No. 1 running back in the class of 2028, has made a promise to pay an official visit to Notre Dame. Jernigan has drawn attention from programs across the country thanks to his remarkable skills and athleticism.
Standing 5’10”, the young prospect has quickly become one of the most coveted players in his class. Though it will still be some time before he officially joins a college program, Jernigan is already being pursued by several coaches eager to recruit him when the time comes.
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Last weekend, he attended the LSU game against South Carolina, and his next stop will be Notre Dame this coming weekend. That visit makes it clear that the Fighting Irish are firmly among the top schools on his radar as he approaches his eventual commitment.
Other programs hoping to land him include Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, and California. Jernigan already had the chance to visit Ole Miss, and the Rebels left a strong impression on him.
Zaiden Jernigan’s skills
Currently, Jernigan ranks as the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi and No. 22 nationally. Last season, he carried the ball 179 times for 1,386 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded nine interceptions for 116 yards and another touchdown.
With numbers like those, it’s easy to understand why so many major programs are eager to convince him to join their team. His speed, vision, and ability to read defenses make him an all-around standout capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.
The challenge for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame
Head coach Marcus Freeman faces a tough challenge in convincing the talented young prospect to commit to the Fighting Irish. One of the biggest obstacles in the way is a powerhouse from the SEC. Alabama, a program that Jernigan deeply admires.
Alabama was my dream school; I grew up watching their running backs and their explosive offense. Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, and Najee Harris are three of my favorites.
That’s how the teenager once expressed his admiration for the Crimson Tide.
Still, Notre Dame may have a golden opportunity. Alabama has not yet offered Jernigan a scholarship, something Freeman and his staff could use to their advantage. There’s plenty of time before a final decision needs to be made, and the upcoming visit to South Bend could play a decisive role.
If the coaching staff manages to impress him and make him feel at home, Notre Dame could very well pull off a major recruiting win, landing the nation’s top running back for the class of 2028.
This news was originally published on this post .
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