Wonderful “Champ” Monds IV took his talents to ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, May 1, to announce his college decision.
The four-star quarterback recruit out of Vero Beach, Florida, committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He will join head coach Marcus Freeman in the Class of 2027.
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Monds chose Notre Dame over the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida State Seminoles.
“I feel like Notre Dame has everything … and this is the best fit for me,” Monds said on McAfee’s show.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Monds is a four-star recruit and the nation’s No. 22 quarterback, according to Rivals’ industry rankings. He is the No. 25 prospect in the state of Florida, including the No. 2 quarterback, after reclassifying from the Class of 2028 to 2027.
Monds said Freeman was a big reason for his decision.
“He’s super down to earth,” Monds said. “When you’re talking to him, you don’t feel like he’s on any other higher level than you. … He’s a great guy and a great coach.”
Coming back from injury
Monds played just five games during his sophomore season due to injury. As a freshman, he completed 67.5% of his passes for 2,234 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He rushed for 502 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
As a sophomore, he threw for 691 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 71.4% of his passes.
After returning from injury late in the season, Monds led Vero Beach to the brink of its first state championship in 44 years. But Lake Mary connected on a Hail Mary and extra point as time expired for a 28-27 victory in the Class 7A title game. Coincidentally, the quarterback who threw that pass, Noah Grubbs, signed with Notre Dame.
