Highly sought-after linebacker prospect TaiYion “Tank” King from Port Arthur, Texas, had an eye-opening experience during his visit to Notre Dame for the Blue-Gold Game. This trip marked King’s first venture to South Bend after receiving a coveted offer from the Fighting Irish earlier in March.
King was effusive in his praise for the Notre Dame coaching staff, highlighting his favorite aspects of the visit, which included gaining insights into the program’s values and traditions.
“The visit overall was amazing,” shared King. “My favorite parts were getting to know the coaching staff and what it means to be a part of the Notre Dame family and tradition.”
During his time on campus, King had the opportunity to explore various aspects of the university, from the game itself to the campus facilities. However, the most significant aspect for him was building deeper connections with the coaching staff.
Head coach Marcus Freeman made a particularly strong impression on King, discussing the program’s ethos and its future direction. Defensive coordinator Al Golden’s experience and command of the defense left a lasting impact on King, who gained valuable insights from their conversation.
“Coach Golden has so much experience, and in the short time talking to him, I learned a lot about the little things,” remarked King. “He made me see defense in a new way, and I can appreciate it all.”
King also bonded with linebackers coach Max Bullough, sharing a mutual passion for the position and benefiting from Bullough’s expertise as a former player.
“Coach Max is a great linebacker coach,” said King. “It’s always good to be taught by someone who played that position because they know what to look for and how to help you go to the next level.”
Leaving Notre Dame, King’s admiration for the program has reached new heights. He sees himself fitting in both academically and athletically, drawn to the culture and atmosphere that Notre Dame offers.
“Notre Dame is a school that has a name that stands alone,” expressed King. “It’s a culture, and the atmosphere is like no other. I see myself fitting at the school because it’s small and fitting in the program because the staff wants to teach and wants players that want to win.”
Moreover, King envisions himself seamlessly integrating into Notre Dame’s defensive scheme, drawn to the program’s emphasis on player development and success on and off the field.
“I think I would fit in the way they run their defense and the way they play their linebackers,” he noted. “Their pitch is to come be part of something that is nowhere like it in the county.”
With offers from a multitude of top-tier programs, including Notre Dame, Texas, and Penn State, among others, King’s recruitment is garnering significant attention. His standout performances on the field, coupled with his impressive recruiting rankings, position him as one of the top prospects in the nation.
As King reflects on his visit to Notre Dame and looks ahead to his future, one thing is clear: he sees himself thriving as a member of the Fighting Irish family.
