We think.
Everyone thought Speed WR Roma was the last minute addition in this Irish recruiting class, but it turns out there's one more: Mr. Tom Freeman.
FREE-MAAAAAAAN. Welcome aboard sir.
Tommy Freeman follows in the footsteps of another Tom: The Bemenderfer, and comes to ND because it's what he really, really wanted. Tom is a Center, like the 'Derfer, and follows a strong recruiting class ahead of him at the position, like the 'Derfer.
But his passion and love for ND is all his own.
“In the fall, we visited Northwestern on an unofficial visit, and when we came back, Tom said I can’t see myself anywhere other than Notre Dame,” his father explained. “He grew up in a Notre Dame family with Notre Dame tradition around him. It’s what he’s always dreamed of doing, and I think that’s going to be a big help to him. He understands what it means to be a Notre Dame football player and the tradition that goes into it. He’s not going up there for a free education. He’s going back there to try and help them get back to where they were for many, many years."
Although not a super highly rated recruit, Tom is a player, make no mistake about it. He had offers from a number of programs, including Northestern (the 'Derfer's previous home), Duke, South Florida, Ball State, the academies and the Ivy League programs. No doubt, he's a smart kid given that list, and also a smart one for sticking to what he loves.
“His mom and I both went to Notre Dame. It’s always been a dream of his to play at Notre Dame. He considers it a great privilege to play for Our Lady’s University, and help them get back to the National Championship. It’s going to be a sacrifice, but he’s guaranteed me he’s going to work as hard as he can to earn a scholarship.
“There is no doubt in my mind he can do it. He’s going in weighing a solid 280. I think he’s fast enough and strong enough. Much better than I ever was. He’s smart. He understands the game. Plays with a lot of passion. Takes a tremendous amount of pride in being the best that he can be.”
We're happy to have you Tom. Keep that love going, keep the hard work going, and it can pay off. In playing time, in team development, in your own growth as a person and a football player. Congrats kid, and congrats to his parents for fulfilling his dream (despite the absurd cost).
