Outstanding Irish Invasion TE Gavin Mueller discusses Notre Dame football recruiting journey

Until late spring, Gavin Mueller’s Notre Dame interest had almost nothing to do with football. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound junior from Wheaton (Ill.) St. Francis is a devout Catholic and a basketball player by trade. It was not until this offseason that Mueller wanted to tap back into his football talent and give playing collegiately a shot. 

“I played (football) my whole life growing up,” said Mueller, who hung up his cleats in high school to focus on excelling on the hardwood. “It was my favorite sport. I thought basketball was my calling. Then, I got back into the weight room. I missed football.” 

Without ever having played a down of high school football, Marshall offered him a full-ride scholarship on May 1. Seven other schools followed suit, including Cincinnati, Indiana, Minnesota and Purdue. 

Eventually, Notre Dame popped onto his radar and invited him to Sunday’s Irish Invasion camp. He arrived a day earlier for the first time in a football recruiting capacity. Before last weekend, his only other time on campus was to watch Kevin Corrigan’s squad, not Marcus Freeman’s.

“I was here for a couple of lacrosse games and loved the gold helmets,” he said. “I didn’t see much of the campus, But I came (Saturday) early and got a tour of campus, and it was beautiful. 

“The chapel was amazing. As a Catholic, that’s something you love. So, that was the biggest highlight for me.” 

Gavin Mueller expands on Notre Dame Irish Invasion camp performance 

Although Mueller is just getting back to competing on the gridiron, the Irish coaching staff identified a few traits that could translate to college football Saturdays. They might not have led to an immediate scholarship offer. Still, he certainly could add one later on. 

“They like my size and athleticism,” he said. “I have pretty good hops and speed because I play basketball. They liked that I listened pretty well.” 

Mueller was coached by senior offensive analyst Harris Bivin, deputy athletic director Ron Powlus—who contributed to the camp—and several other Irish assistants. He gave them a glowing review.

“They’re great coaches, for sure,” he said. “You could tell they know what they’re doing, and they will give you instructions if you’re not doing something right. If you have a question, they’re there for you.” 

Mueller visited Minnesota on Wednesday before he camps with the Gophers on Thursday. He did not share any other immediate college football recruiting visit plans. However, he does intend to return to Notre Dame again, this time for a football game.

“It’s a great school, and I’m super Catholic,” he said. “So I think it would be a great fit.” 

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