John Gay III Commits to Notre Dame: A Strong Start for the 2027 Recruiting Class
Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class is off to a strong start with a new commitment from Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep safety John Gay III. Gay chose the Fighting Irish over other schools like Florida, Ole Miss, and Syracuse, feeling a strong connection to the program. The 6-2, 180-pound prospect was offered a scholarship by Notre Dame in February and quickly built relationships with the coaching staff, including Florida natives Aaron Henry, Ja’Juan Seider, and Jevaughn Codlin.
A significant factor in Gay's decision to commit to Notre Dame was his relationship with assistant wide receivers coach Shaun Shivers, who was his high school track coach and a former player at Chaminade-Madonna Prep. The coaching staff's belief in Gay's versatility in the secondary played a role in his decision, with the prospect being open to playing safety or nickel.
Gay informed Shivers of his commitment before announcing it publicly, receiving a positive response from the coach. He also spoke with Codlin, Henry, and head coach Marcus Freeman to solidify his decision. On the field, Gay is known for his intelligence, versatility, and energy, contributing to his team's success with his speed and physicality.
Despite starting his recruitment process with offers from Mississippi State and Pittsburgh, Gay's profile rose significantly in a short period, attracting interest from various schools before ultimately choosing Notre Dame. With his commitment, Gay joins the Fighting Irish's 2027 recruiting class as the ninth overall commitment and the third defensive back. The future looks bright for Gay as he prepares to make an impact at Notre Dame.