Tae Johnson, a four-star safety from Fort Wayne North Side High School, recently explained why he turned down offers from top SEC programs to commit to Notre Dame. Johnson said a defining factor was the involvement of head coach Marcus Freeman.
Although SEC powerhouses pursued him heavily, Johnson credited Freeman’s guidance as the pivotal reason he chose the Irish. His commitment underscores how Freeman’s hands-on approach impacted the recruitment of one of Indiana’s top defensive prospects.
Marcus Freeman’s Leadership Secures Tae Johnson’s Commitment to Notre Dame
Notre Dame defensive back Tae Johnson has made clear that head coach Marcus Freeman’s presence and leadership were the defining reasons he chose the Irish over several SEC powerhouses.
Johnson, a four-star safety from Fort Wayne North Side High School, acknowledged that opportunities at programs like Tennessee and Georgia were on the table. Still, Freeman’s influence carried more weight than the allure of the SEC.
On “The Separation Podcast” with Dre Muhammad, Johnson reflected on the unique dynamic he shares with Freeman.
“My relationship with Coach Freeman is like a father-son in some sort because he understands what type of community Notre Dame is,” Johnson said.
He said transitioning from his background to the culture on campus came as a shock, making Freeman’s guidance critical.
“It’s not a community where a lot of people like me go to. Once you’re on campus, once you’re in class, it’s a shock. Like it’s not the same. I’m used to being where I’m from. At Notre Dame, you don’t see that.”
Johnson admitted that there were moments when he doubted his decision.
“It definitely was times where I was there like, ‘Bro I don’t even belong here. I should have went to Tennessee or I should have went to Georgia. It’s more people like me,’” he said.
Yet Freeman, he added, provided the reassurance he needed to remain focused.
“Having Coach Freeman there just reminds me of why I’m actually doing this and why I’m actually at Notre Dame. So, I definitely respect Coach Freeman a lot and I trust in what he’s doing and I appreciate him for sure.”
Freeman’s ability to connect on a personal level played an essential role. Johnson noted:
“Just seeing him as a Black head coach is it. It makes me understand why I do want to be there, ’cause he talks to me about a lot of stuff other than football.”
Those conversations ranged from the university’s history of producing CEOs to broader discussions about valuing education.
“That’s the reason I’m at Notre Dame because it’s a great opportunity for me to go to a place where the education is (valuable). Like, education is probably valued more than their football there.”
With a competitive safety room this offseason, Johnson has embraced Freeman’s message of personal growth. Instead of comparing himself to others, he has stayed committed to becoming the best version of himself, a mindset reinforced by the leadership that first kept him from leaving for the SEC.