Standout Running Back Daniel Anderson Couldn’t Be Happier With Notre Dame Decision

Star 2025 Notre Dame running back commit Daniel Anderson thinks back to Notre Dame decision

Earlier this season, Notre Dame received multiple commitments during their battle against Ohio State. One of them was 2025 Bryant (Ark.) High School star running back Daniel Anderson, who wasn’t necessarily on commitment watch going into the weekend but the Irish staff really cemented everything for him.

Now two months removed from that decision, Anderson thoughts back to that commitment. In a recent interview with Irish Breakdown, he reaffirmed his excitement behind that decision. It was just the right time for Anderson.

“I think it was a great decision,” Anderson told Irish Breakdown. “I’m very happy about the decision I made. Notre Dame is just a really good school and I’m glad I decided to go there.”

Anderson is a well spoken, and academically oriented young man who sees the full scope of what a great university like Notre Dame can bring. He also spoke glowingly about Deland McCullough, who had great input into solidifying things for him.

“He really inspired my decision,” Anderson explained. “After knowing how he structures his running back room, it's just something I really gravitated towards. He’s not just a good coach, he’s a good father too, just as a person. He’s just a great man. I’m glad I had his words of wisdom to influence my decision to go to Notre Dame.”

The two have also already begun to discuss how Anderson fits potentially with one of the deepest running back rooms in all of college football. Coach McCullough has shown the ability to put great players in the right pairing, something Anderson is excited to be a part of.

“He explains to me that every running back has a set job in the room,” said Anderson. “He’s going to have those running backs rotate in and out. It’s not just one person getting all the glory and all the fame. He’s got every running back going and getting the job done and helping the team overall. When I get there, I’m going to love to just be a part of that.”

So far Anderson is a part of a tremendous start to the 2025 recruiting class. There are high expectations for that group, which they fully understand.

“I really think we’re already looking good and it’s only going to get better,” he said. “There are a lot of great players already on board and it’s going to get a lot better. We’re stacked already.

“Understanding that Notre Dame is such a prestigious school, and with how good the athletics are, it’s already something I expect when coming in,” Anderson added. “It’s something that I will have to look forward to and live up to.”

Anderson is coming off of a highly productive sophomore season in 2022, sitting as a huge reason why Bryant was able to capture their fifth straight state championship. He finished with 856 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on just 74 carries, including an impressive 11.6 yards per carry average.

The talented runner was also a weapon in the passing game. Anderson exploded for 246 yards and three touchdowns on just nine receptions. That was good enough for a 27.3 yards per reception average.

Unfortunately Anderson was limited this season to four games due to a foot injury. He rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Anderson also hauled in two receptions for 14 yards through the air.

The 5-11, 190-pound athlete had been gaining substantial interest on the recruiting trail leading up to his commitment. Anderson has been extended offers from the Fighting Irish, Tennessee, Colorado and Mississippi State among others.

From a recruiting ranking perspective, Anderson is considered a four-star recruit according to Rivals. The Arkansas native is currently pegged as the No. 170 overall player and No. 15 running back in the 2025 recruiting class. 

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Irish Breakdown Content

2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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