Relationships, Academics Ultimately Led Justin Thurman To Notre Dame

Notre Dame made a big impact with recruits this past weekend, but obviously the biggest impact came with new Fighting Irish commit Justin Thurman. The talented running back from Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit made a return trip to campus this weekend, and it was all he needed to ensure that he knew Notre Dame was where he wanted to spend his college career.

Make no mistake, the visit was the culmination of a process that led to this moment. Despite his young age, Thurman is a mature young man, and this was a decision that was well thought out and thorough. Once he was back on campus, that was the last box that needed to be checked.

"The visit pretty much solidified things,” Thurman told Irish Breakdown. "Once I got back on campus, everything just came together. I had been doing a lot of praying and a lot of in depth thinking but it just became apparent that nobody was going to beat Notre Dame. It just felt like home. It’s the right place for me to thrive.”

Thurman’s sister also took the trip to South Bend, which was her first trip to campus, but she was the last family member that he wanted to consult about this decision. Each member of the Thurman family shared a similar vision. The question wasn’t what could Notre Dame offer, but what couldn’t it?

"Notre Dame has everything,” Thurman explained. "The culture, academic program, high level football, the people, it’s really an easy decision. I made this a very holistic process and just let everything figure itself out.

"The 4 for 40 is something that has really mattered a ton to us,” he continued. "Being able to put yourself to that level in the future is big. The Golden Standard everyone lives by from Coach (Marcus) Freeman all the way down is just so different. I wanted a collaborative environment where people were pushing for a common goal. I have a lot of love for the people there from coaches, recruiting staff, players and everyone involved.”

In the end, life after football was a big deal for Thurman. The educational piece was truly non-negotiable.

"Academics are the main thing for me,” Thurman stated. "I needed to have that strong foundation to build off of. They also have a real estate minor at the Mendoza Business School and that’s something I’m very interested in.”

Having his whole family there really helped Thurman gain clarity. Throughout the entirety of the recruitment, they were able to support him no matter what.

"To be honest, my family is the most beneficial support that I have,” Thurman said. "Just being able to give me guidance and support structure. They have been open to giving me as much guidance and feedback as I’ve needed. I’m just so lucky to have them. It’s a big decision but they made it an easy one.”

The decision became finalized on Saturday, the first day Thurman was back on campus. He was able to sit down with his family and before you know it, the decision was made. The Thurman family then got to share a special moment with the Notre Dame coaches, which really put everything into perspective.

"That night, we had a chance to sit down with Coach Freeman and Coach (Deland) McCullough,” explained Thurman. "First of all, I wanted to thank them for the opportunity and let them know that I wanted to commit. I just have to thank God and my support system. I have prayed a lot about this and in the end, there is no better place than Notre Dame.”

That moment was especially important due to the relationships that Thurman had developed with the Irish staff. They had a great impact on him, so sharing that moment was big.

"Relationships were key,” Thurman said. "I have a great relationship with Coach McCullough. He’s so detailed about playing the running back position and development. He’s just so easy to talk to. All the coaches are big family men, and Coach McCullough is almost like a father figure. He treats all his players like they're his sons, which is so unique.

"Coach Freeman as well,” he added. "It’s never just about football. It’s about being the best possible version of yourself.”

The Florida native chose the Irish over a long list of impressive offers. Some of his other notable offers include Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Iowa, Louisville, Kansas State, NC State, Vanderbilt, Kansas, Purdue, Indiana, Rutgers and UCF among others.

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