Lasting impression has four-star CB Max Williams still considering Notre Dame

Max Williams hasn't been on Notre Dame's campus since his freshman year of high school.

Following that visit in April 2016, the four-star cornerback became one of the first recruits in the 2019 class to receive a Notre Dame offer.

The Irish have made a lasting impression on Williams. That's why he's planning to return in November on an official visit for the Florida State game.

Recruiting coordinator Brian Polian and defensive coordinator Clark Lea have helped make Williams feel like a priority for Notre Dame.

"I have a great relationship with them. I took a visit there my freshman year. I loved the setting, loved the campus. I talked to their defensive coordinator when he came in the spring. He watched me practice, and he liked the way I played. He said I'm one of the top pure cover dudes that he's seen."

Lea attended a practice at Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra in May. Williams said Polian keeps in touch with him regularly, and he talks to cornerbacks coach Todd Lyght less frequently.

Plenty has changed at Notre Dame since Williams visited in 2016. Polian and Lea weren't even on the Irish coaching staff at that time. Notre Dame Stadium looks a bit different too with the completion of the Campus Crossroads project.

Williams is looking forward to seeing the changes.

"I want to see the game atmosphere and have a more in-depth visit," Williams said. "When I was a freshman, it was an unofficial visit. I still got to talk to the coaches and see the campus. I know for my official it will be more exciting."

Williams plans to have a commitment decision in December so he can enroll early at the school of his choice. He already made an official visit to Louisville in May, an official visit to Oregon is scheduled for October, and USC will likely receive his final official visit in December.

Notre Dame hasn't been pursuing many cornerbacks with K.J. Wallace already committed in the 2019 class. But Williams is on that short list. And that's not a pun.

The 5-foot-8, 164-pound Williams had an impressive showing at The Opening Finals in Frisco, Texas, earlier this month. He once again proved he can cover some of the best wide receivers in the country despite his size differential.

Rivals ranks Williams as the No. 13 cornerback in the 2019 class. 247Sports slates him No. 21 at the position.

Williams plays with a chip on his shoulder as he believes doubters don't respect him because of his size. He takes pride in overcoming it.

"I'm just a man of the game," Williams said. "I'm smart, I use good technique and I'm quick."