Notre Dame Commit Troy Pride Named Blue-Grey Bowl MVP
When Troy Pride gave a verbal commitment to Notre Dame last month, he said that the Irish coaches wanted him in the class because of his speed and ability to make plays on the boundary.
It didn’t take long for Pride to prove that he can do just that in a competitive setting.
The Greer (S.C.) High three-star cornerback had two interceptions at the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl to earn the game’s defensive MVP honors at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.
It was performance that was highlighted by a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second half.
“It means a lot [to win the MVP] because not everyone is an All-American,” Pride said. “So for me to be even selected was a honor and then the fact that I played well enough to win MVP just shows that God has a plan for me and that things are coming to fruition. I plan to continue to keep working and I hope there’s more to come.”
Pride — who is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 32 cornerback in the country — finished the game with eight tackles.
While he shined for a Grey squad that won 28-14 on Saturday, he wasn’t the only Notre Dame commit on hand. Orlando (Fla.) Bishop Moore four-star offensive tackle Parker Boudreaux and LaGrange Park (Ill.) Nazareth Academy four-star cornerback Julian Love both started the game, and both performed well in their respective roles.
“It was a great experience,” Love said. “Just working with [former NFL defensive back Mark McMillian], he’s a great guy and a great mentor. He’s done it before so it was great to learn from him.
“It was awesome,” Boudreaux added.
Pride becomes the second Notre Dame commit to earn MVP honors during the post season all-star circuit — joining defensive end Khalid Kareem, who was named MVP of the Semper Fi All-American Bowl after recovering two fumbles and returning one for a touchdown earlier this month. Pride said it’s a preview for what’s to come when he —and the fellow Irish commits — arrive in South Bend.
“I’m really excited,” Pride said. “Just talking with Julian and Parker the last couple of days. We’re all really excited. We think that we have a great class coming through. We just want to set out goals and then when we have an opportunity take advantage.”
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will go on in-home visit with Pride on Tuesday. The 6-0, 165-pound cornerback is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in South Carolina.