I caught up with 2025 strongside defensive end target Nathaniel Marshall this evening. Marshall visited Notre Dame Wednesday after receiving an offer on ND's annual Pot of Gold Day recruiting event March 17. He hails from Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick.
Marshall said his visit consisted of meetings, practice and a campus tour. He sat through team meetings and also had an individual meeting with defensive line coach Al Washington. Marshall told Inside ND Sports he views Washington as more than a football coach and highlighted the truthful advice he gives off the field.
“He’s a great guy and great coach,” Marshall said. “He’s honest, he’ll tell you things straight up [and] keep it a hundred with you with everything. He’s not just your coach, he teaches you life stuff.”
Most of Notre Dame's practice was situational work Wednesday. During his time on the sideline, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound defender said he noticed the defensive front's passion.
“I liked the energy they brought to practice,” Marshall said. “Every play the defensive line made, they were hype about it. Coach Wash was hyped, the players were hyped. I just loved the energy there.”
Notre Dame was Marshall's third visit of the week. He also visited Purdue Tuesday and Illinois Thursday. He reports 13 total offers including Illinois, Iowa, Louisville, Penn State, Purdue and Tennessee.
As he visits more schools, Marshall said he is looking at how players are treated by their coaches and teammates. He said his interactions with Irish players were positive.
"They made it feel like I was welcomed there," Marshall said. "I talked to [graduate student defensive lineman] Javontae Jean-Baptiste and [sopohmore linebacker] Nolan Ziegler. They made me feel welcome and they were great people."
Rivals has Marshall as a three-star prospect and No. 14 among strongside defensive ends in the 2025 recruiting class. He told me he plans to return to Notre Dame for camp this summer.
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