Steve Elmer has been at almost every single Notre Dame home game since he offered his commitment to the Irish last September. The next time he attends a game in South Bend, Elmer could be in a Notre Dame uniform.
The 2013 Irish offensive line commit from Michigan was back at Notre Dame last weekend for the Irish’s game against Pittsburgh.
“Everything went great,” the 6-foot-6, 300-pounder from Midland High School (Midland, Mich.) said.
“It was chilly, but we got a win and got a lot of things sorted out for early graduation. Just overall, a successful weekend. I can’t complain.”
Elmer laughed about the narrow triple-overtime victory, made possible by a Pittsburgh missed field goal.
“I think they were just trying to put on a good show for the home crowd; keep things interesting,” he chuckled. “I knew it was going to be like the Stanford game. I knew we were going to pull the Stanford game out in the end, I was just waiting to see how we were going to do it.
“It was less rainy this time, a little bit chillier. I knew it was going to happen. I knew that the field goal was going to miss and that we were going to win. I had some doubts right at that moment, but a win is a win.”
One thing that was different about this trip was that it was an official visit for Elmer. After more than a dozen unofficial visits to Notre Dame, this one wasn’t that different.
“We don’t usually spend the night when we go down there, we usually just go back home,” he said. “So, staying in a hotel overnight and going back the next day, that was a little bit different. I got to hang out there at night and do some stuff on campus after the game and free food, that kind of thing.
“It was just a solid weekend. It wasn’t terribly different than everything else I’ve done, but every weekend at Notre Dame is a good weekend.”
Notre Dame freshman offensive lineman Mark Harrell served as Elmer’s host.
“He was a cool guy,” said Elmer. “I got to see a bunch of the players, but he was my host.
“After the game, I usually see them in the locker room, but we’ve got to split back for Michigan. It was nice to be able to spend a good amount of time with them afterward.”
Elmer had the chance to reunite with one future teammate and to meet another.
“I finally got to meet Justin Brent,” said Elmer. “He’s awesome. Jaylon (Smith) was there again. I got to meet Demarcus Robinson again briefly and I just missed Alex (Anzalone) as he was coming in. I heard about his reaffirmation to his commitment, so I’m very pleased to hear that.”
Elmer also took the time to get some academic paperwork and meetings out of the way.
“My application is all turned in and everything is good,” he said. “I’m definitely on track to graduate in January and be at Notre Dame.”
Elmer, who will participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, would like to get back for Notre Dame’s final home game of the season against Wake Forest, but isn’t sure. It’s unlikely that he’ll return for the banquet in December, so it’s conceivable that the next time he gets back will be in January to move in.
“Oh my goodness,” said Elmer. “That’s crazy.
“I’m definitely excited to do it. I’m also nervous, but I’ll be able to pop back to Michigan quite frequently. It’s only about a three-and-a-half-hour-drive and that’s a nice thing for me. I’ll be there, but I’m not going out to the West Coast or anything, so I can go back home for a couple days if I need to. I’m ready to go, but I’ll definitely enjoy my last couple of months here in Midland.”
