Rising in-state safety Max Phenicie hoping to stay on Notre Dame’s visit following first visit

The Notre Dame football program has welcomed some of the state’s emerging 2025 class recruits to campus for unofficial visits this season. The Irish are extensively scouting Indiana, whether it was NFL legacies offensive lineman Cameron Gorin (son of Brandon Gorin) or wide receiver Eugene Hilton (son of T.Y. Hilton). And that includes Max Phenicie.

While he has no known NFL ties, Notre Dame hosted the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Phenicie for its Sept. 16 game against Central Michigan. The Zionsville (Ind.) High product does not yet hold an On3 or On3 Industry Ranking. Still, Phenicie has already reeled in scholarship offers from Maryland, Michigan State and Ole Miss. Seven other Power Five programs are also on his radar. 

Phenicie grew up an Indiana Hoosiers football fan but always admired the Fighting Irish. So when one of his coaches presented the opportunity to visit Notre Dame, he accepted it without hesitation. 

“I had always heard Notre Dame was a pretty cool place to at least see the campus, especially for a football game,” Phenicie told Blue & Gold. “And when I went to the game, it was nothing but a cool experience.”

During his visit, Phencie talked to Irish safeties coach Chris O’Leary and director of high school scouting Dre Brown. Though that did not produce an offer, he said the conversations had gone well. He credited Notre Dame’s operation for allowing recruits to speak with the coaching staff easily.

“They took us out on the practice facility field to talk to the coaches,” he said. “I really liked that aspect as well because they told you exactly who the coaches were and who you should talk to, which I really enjoyed.”

Phencicie complimented the overall experience. It included watching the players walk into the stadium. That was a highlight of the visit.

“You get to experience the environment, which I really enjoyed,” he said. “It was definitely one of the better experiences I’ve had compared to other schools.” 

It was not just the atmosphere that impressed Phenicie. He also raved about the campus.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “The buildings are really cool. I enjoy the academic part of the school. Football is obviously really important to me, and that’s a big part of it, but so is education.”

In addition to Notre Dame, Phenicie likes Vanderbilt, Duke, Virginia and Indiana. He still awaits offers from each of those schools. Even though the Irish have not officially entered his recruitment, the in-state defensive back had an outstanding time in South Bend … and he hopes it is not his last.

“I’ve been to a college game pretty much almost every week this season,” he said. “Honestly, Notre Dame was probably one of the best, if not the best, in my opinion. … I had a great time at Notre Dame. It was a good experience, and I look forward to coming back soon.” 

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