Notre Dame Coaches Active in Recruiting Final Days; Targeting Top Talent like James Simon
During the final days of the recruiting window, Notre Dame coaches have been on the move, securing commitments from top prospects for the 2025 and 2026 classes, enticing them away from other schools. They recently visited James Simon, a highly skilled running back from Calvary Baptist in Shreveport, Louisiana, considered the premier natural runner in his class.
Marcus Freeman and the Irish at Calvary Baptist today! #WeAreCalvary!#SwordsUp! pic.twitter.com/xY8BZHOxS7
— Recruit Calvary Baptist Academy Football (@CalvaryRecruits) January 23, 2024
Despite already securing commitments from speedster Justin Thurman of Florida and standout Daniel Anderson of Arkansas, Notre Dame’s coaches are staying in touch with Simon, recognizing his talent and making efforts to potentially bring him to South Bend for a visit.
Reflecting on the recent visit, Simon told Irish Breakdown, “It was fantastic to see the coaches back at my school.” “They’ve been in constant communication. I’m holding off on any more school visits until official visits are arranged. I’m really hoping to visit Notre Dame officially soon.
“Recruiting has been going well overall,” he added. “With many new coaches joining recently, it’s been quite busy. All the schools recruiting me have been doing a great job. I don’t have a definitive list of top schools right now. That’s what these visits are for — to narrow things down.”
Simon visited Notre Dame during last season’s USC game, initially unsure of what to expect, but the experience put the Irish on his radar. Bringing him back for an official visit would be a significant win for the program.
While Simon will undoubtedly be a challenging recruit to land, Notre Dame has clearly piqued his interest, seemingly meeting his criteria on the surface.
“Ideally, I’d like to make my decision before my senior season,” Simon stated. “Overall, I’m looking for a school that fits me best. I want a school that can help me develop and reach the NFL.”
Simon boasts a four-star recruit rating on all major recruiting portals, with On3 ranking him as the 123rd best player overall and the eighth best running back in the 2025 class. He’s ranked among the top six players in Louisiana by every rating except Rivals.
A plethora of elite programs have expressed interest in the 6-0, 195-pound running back, including Georgia, Alabama, USC, Texas, LSU, and many others.
As a junior, Simon was a standout player for the Calvary Baptist team that won the state championship. He recorded 21 touchdowns and 1,600 rushing yards in just 14 games, averaging an impressive 8.3 yards per carry. Additionally, Simon caught 20 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
