Elite DB Ivan Taylor raves about Notre Dame visit experience

Notre Dame held its annual “Grill and Chill” recruiting event on Sunday, which a few Irish class of 2024 commits attended, but it was mainly geared towards players in the 2025 cycle.

A handful of top Irish targets were on hand in the rising junior class, including Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange’s Ivan Taylor, who is easily one of the top players on Notre Dame’s wish list for the 2025 class. The impressive defensive back ranks as the nation’s No. 96 overall player and No. 8 safety per the On3 Industry Ranking.

Taylor spoke to Blue & Gold soon after the visit wrapped up, and he raved about his second trip to Notre Dame this summer.

“It was a great visit,” he said. “The coaches can’t get any better. I’ll definitely, for sure, come back. Coach [Chris] O’Leary and Coach [Marcus] Freeman are just good people to be around. They want to get me better and see something that I don’t think a lot of coaches see in me. They like the way I work, and I know I’ll be back up there.”

Taylor’s first visit to South Bend occurred in early June, as he participated in the staff’s Irish Invasion camp. He worked out mainly as a cornerback that day, but given Taylor’s quote mentioning O’Leary, it’s clear that the Irish staff likes him as a safety as well. Notre Dame likes him at both positions.

“They’re just happy to have everyday conversations,” continued Taylor regarding the ND coaches. “They were talking about football, but it was more about life. They treat you very well.”

Taylor, who is the son of former NFL defensive back Ike Taylor, has offers from his home state of Florida as well as the likes of Alabama, Penn State, Michigan, Ole Miss and others. As far as proximity to home is considered, Taylor will play ball anywhere.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll go to Alaska as long as I can play football,” he stated.

More from Taylor on his Notre Dame visit

The “Grill and Chill” was a unique visit for Taylor and the other 30 or so prospects on campus. It was an experience most — if not all of the recruits — had not had before on a college visit.

“Water balloon toss, home run derby, we grilled, played cornhole, Irish Ball, dodgeball — we did everything,” Taylor said. “It was competitive and fun.”

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the activities was the recruits grilling food.

“A whole steak,” Taylor added. “That was the first time doing that in my life. That took me by surprise.”

Recruits are buzzing about the visit experience, and much of that is thanks to director of recruiting Chad Bowden, who is a big part in all of this coming together.

“We call him ‘Hollywood.’ He has high energy; he always has a smile on his face,” Taylor said of Bowden. “He was a great time today.”

And of course, talking to the head man was a big highlight of Taylor’s visit.

“Talking to him was really good,” he said of chatting with Freeman. “We were having great conversations one-on-one. They gave me a lot of attention. You can tell how badly they want me up there.”

It’s early in Taylor’s recruiting process, but the Irish have cemented themselves as a big contender for him.

“They’re definitely top three,” he said.

“I’m going to focus on my season and have a good year. I’ll try to improve my craft and have a good season. After the season ends, I’ll take some official visits and commit in the offseason. I’m planning on being an early enrollee.”

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