Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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2016 RECRUITING ISSUE arship. Just the fact that zNotre Dame was at my school — for me — meant I had a chance. It was like, 'Wow, I could do something with this.'" Love explained that the staff keep- ing a nearby prospect like him in the mix, when they can go into schools in all 50 states and recruit, made a strong impression. "Nobody really looks to the Mid- west, especially where I'm from in Chicago, for the top talent," he said. "When I was recruited by them, I wasn't ranked the highest guy or any- thing like that. All I could do was as- sure them that I'm a hard worker, and that if they gave me an opportunity that they won't regret it. "It's very cool that they look in- ward, and notice guys like me and [long snapper commit] John Shannon early on." After committing in the spring of his junior year, Love was eager to put on his recruiting hat to strengthen the remaining 2016 class. Even for a char- ismatic kid, he admitted it was a little difficult at first. "At the beginning, it was tough be- cause I was still coming off that excite- ment of being committed," he said. "And some guys don't want to recruit guys that play their positions. "But I learned my role really quick. I'd find out who we were targeting and just grab them, follow them on Twitter and get their numbers. "It got easier as time went on." Just as it became easier over time for Love to finally accept the truth about his childhood dream. He had what it takes to play for the Fighting Irish. ✦