Locked in with Notre Dame, four-star 2025 RB Justin Thurman still being recruited
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is part of the recruiting process, and one cannot blame other teams for trying, after all Justin Thurman (6-0, 185) is one of the best running backs in the 2025 class. The consensus four-star out of Tampa’s Jesuit verbally committed to the Fighting Irish on Aug. 1, 2023, but that is not stopping other high-profile teams from keeping up communications.
Last track season, Thurman was part of a 4×1 relay team breaking school records. Part of his winter grind is pushing his sprinter’s speed to that next level preparing to run the 100, 200, 4×1, and possibly the 400 meters.
“I am running outdoor track this year, like I have the last couple of years,” Thurman stated. “I have been doing some preseason conditioning and some training. We are working like it is practice even though we are still a month and a half from the season. We are making sure we are ready to hit the track fast.”
On the gridiron, Thurman is putting in the work, “I am continuing to fine tune the skills as a versatile athlete in all aspects of the game. I am working on my speed and explosiveness, and my vision too. This offseason I am fine tuning my skills to stay on my game for spring ball.”
Teams have extended 21 opportunities to Thurman, with some ACC teams showing interest.
“FSU, Duke, and UNC are showing interest,” Thurman shared. “Tennessee, Rutgers, Kansas, and Iowa – a lot of schools that have offered have been reaching out. Missouri has been; I got that in early August. Auburn has been reaching out trying to stay in contact with me as well.”
The bond is so strong with Notre Dame, it is hard to imagine Thurman moving off his decision.
“Our relationship is going great,” Thurman said. “I was able to take a couple of game visits during the season for the Tennessee State, Ohio State, USC, and Wake Forest games. Each time I was there, I felt at home. They were great game-day experiences to see how it is run.
“The fan base is crazy; that was great to see in person. It was good to see how it is run and seeing myself as a player and student there. It has been great. Coach (Marcus) Freeman, (Deland) McCullough (RB), and all the coaches have been great showing me what Notre Dame is all about.”
Thurman’s next recruiting visit will take him back to South Bend.
“Notre Dame has a Junior Day on Jan. 20; I am heading up there next weekend,” Thurman stated.
The Fighting Irish has one of the best, the best to some services, 2025 recruiting class thus far and Thurman is doing his part to keep Notre Dame at the top.
“Yes, I’ve been helping with recruiting,” Thurman shared. “Jack Lange (6-8, 275), an offensive lineman out of (Eureka) Missouri, we were from the same area before I moved to Tampa. Notre Dame recently offered him. They really want him. I think he would be a great addition. We played together in middle school and little league. We were great teammates; we have stayed in contact with each other. Notre Dame is high on him.
“Ethan Long, he just committed a couple of days ago; he’s a safety out of Connecticut, and (WDE) Chris Burgess (Jr.), who committed last weekend during the Army All-American Game, both those guys I believe will be great teammates. We have a great 2025 class we are building. I feel we are building something great. We are ready to show the whole world what we can do.”
*Click the link for the Aug. 1 Justin Thurman Notre Dame commitment interview.