Fast Rising Linebacker Antoine Deslauriers Could Continue Canadian Pipeline For Notre Dame

Star 2025 linebacker Antoine Deslauriers goes in depth on Notre Dame offer

Notre Dame has had an impact with Canada born players in recent years. That includes players such as Chase Claypool, Devan Houstan, Armel Mukam and Sean Sevillano. Another Canadian born player was added to the 2025 board on Thursday when an offer was extended to Rabun Gap (Ga.) Nacoochee School star linebacker Antoine Deslauriers.

After a great visit from coach @Bullough40 at The Gap , I am beyond privileged to say that I have received an offer from the University of Notre Dame‼️☘️@NDFootball @coachdtwhite @coachBuckhalter @coach_Coop42 @MironYohan @LinebackerProt1 @DAWGHZERECRUITS @Vantagesportsx pic.twitter.com/b6nF9q1808

— Antoine Deslauriers (@AntoineDeslau05) January 25, 2024

The 2023 season was Deslauriers’ first season in the United States. Despite such limited exposure, the 6-1, 225-pound defender has been garnering a lot of interest in recent months. He now holds offers from the Fighting Irish, Miami, Oklahoma, Florida State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri, NC State, Maryland, Louisville, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, UCF and Duke among others.

That list promises to expand even more moving forward. Deslauriers is just taking it day-by-day and learning as he goes.

"It has been an interesting process,” Deslauriers told Irish Breakdown. "For the most part, the coaches just want to learn more about me since I have a unique process. I’ve learned a lot the more conversations I’ve had. I’m just really fortunate to be in the position I am.”

If you flash back several months, Deslauriers wouldn’t have dreamed he would be where he is right now. He definitely wouldn’t have pictured being offered by Notre Dame. Today was a huge day in his recruitment.

"Being a Canadian football player and after only one season in the states, I got to say it feels pretty good to be recognized by a top football and academic program like Notre Dame,” he said.

Max Bullough was the one who extended the offer to Deslauriers on Thursday. He has already made an early impact on the Canadian star.

"He talked about my explosiveness, my speed, how aggressive I am on the field, my ability to read plays, and my size,” Deslauriers explained. "We also talked a lot about football and I had the opportunity to share a little bit of my football IQ with him. He also talked with my coach about my in class performance and how I can have a full impact with the program.

"We had about a 30 to 35 minute conversation, just talking about football and explaining to me who he was as a person," Deslauriers continued. "We had a great connection. I’m excited to build that relationship.”

The next several months will be busy for Deslauriers, who is working on getting up and seeing multiple schools. His family remains in Canada, so his visits will be with his head coach, Derek White. South Bend is a place he is excited to see.

"We do not have a concrete plan yet, but we definitely talked about me coming on campus soon,” he said. "It’s a place I definitely want to see.”

There are tentative plans for a Notre Dame visit in March, although that is not cemented and he is also already talking about potentially taking an official to the school again in June. While those plans are up in air at the moment, his criteria for finding the right school are fully understood. Deslauriers knows what he is looking for.

"Football doesn’t last forever even if you make it to the top,” explained Deslauriers. "I have a high emphasis on top academic programs. I also want to be comfortable with how the campus is and how I feel there. I want a campus that is inviting. Obviously coaching as well. I want to be developed and really enjoy the people I am around.”

In just his first season with the Eagles, Deslauriers finished with 72 total tackles in 12 games played. He also collected 18 tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and three pass breakups. 

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