VERO BEACH — Not very many prep athletes generate enough interest, let alone get the opportunity to reveal their future plans in front of a global stage.
But for Wonderful “Champ” Monds, he’s part of an ever-exclusive club.
The 2027 four-star quarterback was invited onto ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show early Friday afternoon to announce where he’ll play on the collegiate level. Sitting in front of a laptop inside the Vero Beach High School media center with members of his family seated behind him,
The 16-year old reached down toward his feet for a Nike shoebox to pull out a baseball cap featuring a very famous Leprechaun on the front of it. He will continue his football career at the University of Notre Dame, selecting the Fighting Irish over Florida State and Ohio State.
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Monds entered the media center alongside his family at 12:30 p.m., roughly 45 minutes before his announcement.
The Vero Beach High football star was calm and cool in the interim, shaking the hands of those in attendance before it was time to go on the air.
“I had a little bit of nerves. I feel like I don’t get nervous, especially on gameday. I’m just more excited than anything,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be able to get on the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ knowing how big that is; it’s worldwide. I’m just blessed to be in this position.”
Monds was the former No. 1 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2028 before reclassifying to 2027 this past January.
The rising senior is presently rated the No. 2 quarterback in Florida and the No. 22 overall recruit in the state on the USA TODAY Florida Network Top 100. He is also the No. 20 quarterback in the nation and the No. 24 overall recruit on the 247Sports composite rankings.
“I think the thing that the rest of the country got to see is that, first and foremost, they’ve got a great family,” Vero Beach head coach Lenny Jankowski said. “Champ is just one of those kids that, and I know this sometimes gets overused, but he’s the total package. He’s the best listener I’ve ever been around. He’s a very humble kid that just makes everybody around him better in all facets.”
‘Put our city on the national map’
Earlier this month, Monds inked an NIL deal with Rosenhaus Sports, a Miami Beach-based agency founded by Drew Rosenhaus.
The quarterback is represented by Rosenhaus agent Shawn O’Dare, who helped precipitate Monds’ appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. McAfee, a former punter for the Indianapolis Colts before embarking on a successful media career, has long had a working relationship with Rosenhaus.
“(McAfee) wanted to do it,” O’Dare said. “He was very happy and willing, and we’re thankful for Pat, that he’s willing to do this on the national stage.”
O’Dare is an area product, playing quarterback at Vero Beach High before continuing his career at the University of Miami. He has been a certified NFL Agent since 2015.
“I was born and raised here in Vero, so anything I can do to put our city on the national map and give back to the city,” O’Dare said. “When you have a fantastic client like Champ and the reach he has to people, it was a no-brainer to reach out, ask and see. Luckily, we have the connection to be able to do it and make it happen.”
‘I feel like this is the right decision for us’
On April 18, Monds made a two-day visit to South Bend.
He knew right then and there where he wanted to be, informing head coach Marcus Freeman of his commitment before leaving.
With two weeks between committing and the announcement, the quarterback struggled to remain tight-lipped.
“It was definitely hard. I love my teammates, so of course you want to tell them everything. I had to hold it back, but it was definitely kind of rough,” Monds said with a smile.
Soon after announcing his decision and putting on the Notre Dame cap, Monds, along with his family members, all unzipped their jackets to reveal their Fighting Irish t-shirts. Suddenly, Monds’ calm and collected demeanor was replaced with a radiant smile as bright as the future ahead.
“I’m feeling great, I feel like this is the right decision for us,” Monds said. “I feel like I’m going to do great at Notre Dame and I’m going to do great this last season. I’m just blessed.”
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at 772-985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Inside Champ Monds commitment announcement on the Pat McAfee Show
Reporting by Patrick Bernadeau, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
