Shelby Spence has been to Notre Dame multiple times, but is still looking forward to returning again.
“I’ll be at ND for the spring game this weekend, it should be pretty fun,” the 2014 Chicago quarterback said.
“I’m excited to get the chance to talk with the coaches again and watching the players compete on the field.”
The 6-foot, 194-pounder from De La Salle doesn’t have any offers yet, but is hearing from several schools, including Notre Dame.
“I try to talk with them every so often, but since I’m a sophomore it’s pretty hard for me to get in contact with them,” he said of the Irish. “That’s why the spring game should be pretty big for me, talking to them and trying to build a relationship.”
Notre Dame offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chuck Martin is handling Spence’s recruitment for the Irish.
“He’s excited for me to camp there this summer and to see me throw,” Spence said of Notre Dame. “I’ll definitely be camping at Notre Dame this summer.”
Spence is interested in Notre Dame for a multitude of reasons.
“They have great facilities, great coaches and not only that, but you’re able to receive a degree from a great academic institution and play top-notch football at the same time,” he said.
“I visited last fall for the Michigan State game. It was a great atmosphere, the fans were really into the game and they were able to pull out a victory. I had a really good time down there.”
Spence also has strong family connections to the school and the football program specifically.
“Both of my parents graduated from Notre Dame and my dad played for Notre Dame,” he said.
Spence’s father, Marv, played defensive back for the Irish from 1984-87.
“I’ve heard a lot of Notre Dame stories growing up and visited a lot, so I’m very familiar with Notre Dame,” said Spence. “From that standpoint, (an offer) would mean a great deal.”
But Notre Dame isn’t the school on Spence’s radar.
“The schools that are showing me a lot of interest outside of Notre Dame would be Duke, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Florida State,” he said.
“I was at Florida State this past weekend for their spring game. It was interesting. It was different from a lot of the other Midwest schools I’ve visited. Seeing football down south was interesting. The speed of the game was a lot different, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”
Spence has a good idea of what he’s searching for in a school.
“I’m looking for a place I’m comfortable with, have a great relationship with the coaches and academics are a huge part of the equation for me,” he said.
Meanwhile, college programs like the dual-threat ability of Spence, who has been clocked as low as 4.56 in the 40-yard dash.
“They like my versatility as a quarterback,” he said of college coaches. “I’m able to run and throw and also, I make smart decisions and am able to read the defense very well.”
