Notre Dame Made Star Running Back James Simon Feel Wanted
Over the weekend Notre Dame hosted several big time recruits to watch their battle against arch rival USC. There were several recruits that made the trip to South Bend for the first time, including 2025 Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist star running back James Simon.
Simon, who is one of the top running backs in the 2025 class, had some intrigue in Notre Dame before the weekend. The Louisiana native left with a much higher appreciation for everything the program brings.
"The trip exceeded my expectations,” Simon told Irish Breakdown. "Every part of the trip was awesome. Seeing the campus, meeting the coaches in person, the game, it was incredible.”
It was a great visit even without the game. Notre Dame’s 48-20 dominating victory just put the cherry on top. That whole game experience really capped everything off.
“The game was absolutely electric,” he explained. “From the start until the very end, the fans really kept it live. It was really cool to see such a big victory.”
Simon also had some very important opportunities to meet with the coaches and get to know them better. That time allowed them to really lay out his potential fit with the program.
"The staff’s message was that I’m wanted there a lot,” Simon said. "They believe that I can be used in many ways and be a big contributor.”
Overall, the visit really moves the needle for Simon. While Notre Dame currently holds two running back commitments in the 2025 class in Justin Thurman and Daniel Anderson, there is little question that they want Simon to be a part of the program.
Where that relationship goes from here remains to be seen. There is no doubt that the staff took a huge step with Simon this weekend.
"It was an amazing experience overall,” he said. "It’s something I am drawn to and want to get back out for more. There was something addicting about being on campus.”
Simon is rated as a four-star recruit by every major recruiting platform. He is rated highest on the On3 ranking, pegging him as the No. 124 overall player and No. 11 running back in the 2025 recruiting class. Each ranking outside of Rivals has Simon ranked as a top six player in the state of Louisiana.
The 6-0, 195-pound running back has been garnering interest from an assortment of premier programs. Some of his notable offers include the Fighting Irish, Georgia, USC, Texas, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, TCU, Oregon, Florida State, Auburn, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Missouri, Houston and Arizona among others.
In seven games as a junior, Simon has rushed for 575 yards and seven touchdowns on just 79 carries (7.3 yards per carry). He also has hauled in 10 receptions for 82 yards.
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