i also think the TEs get a big boost this year in terms of play and blocking in particular with a dedicated TEs coach.
Loy's recruiting chat Spoiler Irish Illustrated reached out to all of the Notre Dame fans on the site for questions related to Fighting Irish recruiting. Nothing was off limits. There were a ton of questions and nearly all of them were answered. Here is everything in an easy-to-read format. As always, thanks to the subscribers for helping with the questions. SLIDE1 of 26 zahmbythegraceofgod: How much can Nick Lezynski play a role in recruiting currently? I saw he was tagged in Ziegler’s offer tweet. It seems to me that the more face time he gets with ‘22 recruits now, the better, given that Lea could be on his way to a head coaching gig and Lezynski is the presumptive LB coach in waiting. Tom Loy: Coach Lezynski does a great job with recruits. He’s had conversations, both on the phone and through virtual calls, with recruits and always represents the program and school well. He’s been on our “30 Under 30” list from 247Sports as someone to watch down the road. For example, he has been mentioned by four-star linebacker Prince Kollie as a key to his interest in the program. I think he’ll be a linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator at some point. He’s really bright and is a protege of Clark Lea and Mike Elko. SLIDE2 of 26 IrishInBuffalo: 5 2022 kids you feel ND is in a nice spot for early? Tom Loy: I think Notre Dame will eventually land linebacker Nolan Ziegler, linebacker Sebastian Cheeks, offensive lineman Billy Schrauth, running back Nicholas Singleton and offensive lineman Grant Bingham. SLIDE3 of 26 jabbajoe44: Are there any recruits you think a Spindler commitment would help with? Like Edwards or Rucci. Tom Loy: I believe landing offensive guard Rocco Spindler would definitely help with both offensive lineman Nolan Rucci and running back Donovan Edwards. It’s not going to great improve Notre Dame’s chances, but it’ll definitely help. Blake Fisher, along with others from the class and of course the coaching staff, is already taking it upon himself to recruit those two guys, but if Spindler picks the Irish, he’ll be all over those two guys in particular. That’ll help for sure. SLIDE4 of 26 Irishfan79: How hard is it on the staff to evaluate potential targets with the pandemic going on? Tom Loy: It’s definitely an issue. In a time where they typically get kids on campus and then go out and see them, it’s been a challenge for the staff to truly evaluate just on highlight tapes. That said, there are a lot of intelligent people inside the Gug and they are trusting their evaluation skills and ability to see next-level potential. They’ve done a really good job so far, in my opinion. SLIDE5 of 26 Irishfan79: I know it’s way too early but how many spots do you think ND is planning on taking in 22? Looks to be like another 20 or so if I’m looking at it correctly. Tom Loy: Honestly, I have no clue. 20 is always a safe bet, but these things are fluid and a lot can change. SLIDE6 of 26 jerboski: Do we land one of Nolan Rucci, Donovan Edwards or Dont’e Thornton? Tom Loy: That’s a great question and not one I’m fully confident in answering at this time. I mentioned before, but landing offensive guard Rocco Spindler will help Notre Dame’s chances with Rucci and Edwards. The pitch of “come play alongside me” to Rucci or “come behind us” to Edwards is a plus. If the Irish land Spindler, Notre Dame’s chances increase with those two. Thornton is a guy I could see Notre Dame landing. I think the Irish and Oregon make up his top two and the fact that the Ducks have already secured a few top receiver commits helps Notre Dame. SLIDE7 of 26 jerboski: are we looking at any speed rushers for this class? Tom Loy: No new names to report at this time. We’ve mentioned everyone on the site so far. But as I’ve said before, I think Notre Dame needs to see what happens early this fall and extend a few offers to guys that emerge. It happens every cycle. Let it happen again. Especially in a time like this, patience is key. SLIDE8 of 26 Reckers33Hot: Sometimes it seems like ND commitments get announced at the perfect time. Does ND ever request players to publicly announce their commitments at a certain time or is it just coincidence when they all roll at once? Tom Loy: It’s very rare. I know some people felt that way earlier this cycle. I think it was around the time Will Shipley announced for Clemson and someone committed shortly thereafter, as if Notre Dame was trying to soften the blow. That wasn’t the case at all. In fact, Shipley was set to announce after Notre Dame had already secured the silent commitment from the other target if I remember correctly. SLIDE9 of 26 IrishCowboy88: Probably too early to say, with certainty, which QB the Irish are most interested in for 2022. But who are the “5 names to watch” or however many you think are the favorites? Has the Irish top prospects at QB shown mutual interest? Who’s your favorite prospect Loy? Tom Loy: Cade Klubnik out of Texas is probably the quarterback Notre Dame has been in touch with the most. I’ll have other names very soon in my positional feature I’ve been doing over the past few days. My favorite quarterback prospect in 2022 is Quinn Ewers, but I doubt Notre Dame pulls that off or even offers. A few others I really like are Maalik Murphy, Ty Simpson, Braden Davis, Gavin Wimsatt and Cade Klubnik, Holden Geriner, Drew Allar, Kaden Cobb and AJ Duffy. SLIDE10 of 26 Reckers33Hot: What’s the thing majority of ND fans are wrong about when it comes to ND recruiting? Tom Loy: This one, to me, is simple. There is this perception that Notre Dame doesn’t work hard when it comes to recruiting or struggles to evaluate talent. I can’t say it enough how wrong that truly is. This staff gets after it, both in terms of making sure prospects are “loved up” and get attention, and there are some really impressive people in those offices when it comes to identifying talent. That’s probably the one thing I believe fans have wrong. SLIDE11 of 26 IrishMath: Is there any chance we could land Nolan Rucci without another visit? Tom Loy: Yes. I think Notre Dame is more in play than some seem to realize or want to believe. Wisconsin probably the team to beat, Clemson and Penn State involved as well. I think the Fighting Irish are definitely contenders and his relationship with offensive line coach Jeff Quinn is helping Notre Dame here. The longer this goes, especially if visits somehow open up, the better ND’s chances are. That said, I like Wisconsin right now. SLIDE12 of 26 jrndmd: Who do you think has a better shot of landing in this class - Jaden Slocum or Titus Mokiao-Atimalala? Tom Loy: I believe Notre Dame is the team to beat for Atimalala and I see Stanford being the top contender for Slocum. Neither seems itching to make a decision, but it could come at anytime. That said, the Fighting Irish are probably No. 2 for Slocum right now and Washington, USC, Michigan and a few others are involved with Atimalala. SLIDE13 of 26 washnd: If you had to pick one 2021 surprise commit down the stretch, who would it be? Tom Loy: If I’m talking about a surprise and someone still slightly realistic, I guess I’ll go with Dont’e Thornton. I know it’s odd, because I think Notre Dame is running No. 2 right now, but most don’t seem to be giving the Fighting Irish much of a shot when comparing them to Oregon. Everyone seems to be acting like he’s some lock to end up with the Ducks. I don’t think that’s accurate from what I’m told. I think it’s a genuine two-team race and it’s one that Irish fans should keep an eye on. If he sticks with his late-season decision, that could benefit Notre Dame, especially if the Irish are as good I believe they will be. SLIDE14 of 26 Krooter: Have you guys talked to Jake Taylor from Bishop Gorman? Have read some non-network stuff that leads me to believe ND will be the team to beat if they get involved. Definitely a guy I could see ending up 94+ when he hits the camps next year. No way he's a 3*. Tom Loy: He’s currently ranked a four-star prospect per 247Sports and the No. 242 overall recruit in the country. I agree that he’s underrated, especially in talking with someone at Bishop Gorman. I’ll have to ask around about his lack of a Notre Dame offer. That surprises me, as surely it does you as well. I’ll touch base with him this week and see what I can find out. UCLA likely a threat, as his brother is a Bruin, but Notre Dame will have a great shot with an offer. Plus, he was so good in the “Major League” movies. SLIDE15 of 26 GWeave5: Why hasn’t ND offered Caden Curry yet and do you think they will? Tom Loy: From what I’ve gathered, I don’t believe Curry is 6-5 and 250 pounds, which has given Notre Dame some pause, as well as a few others that are evaluating him. I’m told he’s closer to 6-2, which is quite a significant difference. Notre Dame is keeping an eye on him and will watch him this fall, but my guess, at least as of right now, is that Notre Dame won’t offer him. Could they down the road? Of course. But my guess is they are looking for more length at the position. Curry is a damn good ball player. Definitely intrigued to watch him play this fall. SLIDE16 of 26 acoluse: Most underrated recruit in 21 class? Tom Loy: Assuming you are talking about the Notre Dame commits, so I’ll go with cornerback Chance Tucker. He’s the lowest-rated commit in Notre Dame’s class, but he has the chance to be extremely special. If he can maintain his legit speed and add some good weight over the next 12 to 24 months, he’s going to be a problem for receivers at the next level. I really like this addition to the class and believe he has a ton of upside. SLIDE17 of 26 acoluse: How many of these recruits does ND land: Donovan Edwards, Dont’e Thornton, Titus Mokia-Atimalala, Prince Kollie, Deion Colzie? Tom Loy: Best bet is Kollie, followed by Atimalala, then Thornton, then Colzie, followed by Edwards. I think Rocco Spindler joining the class will help with Edwards. I don’t see Notre Dame having much of a shot with Colzlie barring some complete change of heart. SLIDE18 of 26 kbeezley: Do you feel that ND is done offering 21 recruits unless there’s a high school fall season? Besides potential DE offer, what other positions would they consider adding numbers at? Tom Loy: I’d be shocked if Notre Dame was done offering recruits in the class of 2021. They are definitely looking to fill the class with guys currently holding offers, but I think there will be at least one guy that ends up in the class that doesn’t yet hold an offer. That’s just a guess. They may have to expand the receiver board, defensive ends and that could be it. SLIDE19 of 26 acoluse: Sebastian Cheeks, Tevarua Tafiti, Cyrus Moss, Nolan Ziegler. How many does Notre Dame land? Tom Loy: I think Notre Dame is the team to beat for Cheeks and Ziegler. I think the Irish are going to recruit Moss as a pass-rusher for what it’s worth, but they should be a player in that race. Notre Dame always seems to be a top contender for the Hawaiian recruits they push for, so I’m not counting our ND for Tafiti at all. SLIDE20 of 26 acoluse: Which receiver position will Lorenzo Styles Jr. most likely play? Tom Loy: If I’m Notre Dame, I get the ball in Styles’ hands as much as often. Whether he gets it on a short pass out wide, lines up in the slot, or even in the backfield. Just get him the ball. He’s pretty dynamic. He has terrific speed and he’s tough with the ball in his hands. Not sure exactly where he fits, but I think he’s just a playmaker Notre Dame could use. SLIDE21 of 26 jrw76: What can we as fans do to get Donovan Edwards? I’ve been praying daily, and have not been told by God that my prayers are heard. What does the staff need to do to sell ND. Tom Loy: Please don’t pray over recruits picking a particular school. Much more important issues that could use the power of prayer. Just my opinion. The staff is all over him and doing a great job. As noted above, land Rocco Spindler and it’ll surely help with Edwards. Him and Blake Fisher would be relentless in the pursuit of him, whether he likes it or not. SLIDE22 of 26 indyirish05: On average, how quickly do recruits respond to your communication (i.e. texts)? Do you typically have to follow up or will they respond within a few hours? On average, what percent of recruits inform you of their silent commitment (ND or elsewhere)? May be tough to answer but just curious around ballpark percentage. Tom Loy: It depends, to be honest. If it’s a guy I have a good relationship with, I won’t get ignored and he’ll hit me back immediately. For me, I like to stay in touch with guys and not just hit them up for interviews. I like to check in, see how they are doing, etc. I genuinely appreciate their time and the fact that they answer just about every time I contact them. Makes my job easier and allows me to bring great content for you guys. On the silent commitment topic, I can usually find out relatively easy because of the factors mentioned above. If they know they can trust me and keep it quiet, they won’t hesitate letting me know where they are headed, when they are deciding, sometimes well before they announce publicly, and things like that. There aren’t percentages involved, but I usually don’t have an issue finding out. SLIDE23 of 26 kbeezley: What’s the holdup on offering 22 QBs? It’s obvious that they won’t have camps to see individuals throw, but it’s clear that most blue bloods jockey early for their 1 a class. Tom Loy: For me, and I think Notre Dame agrees, there is no rush to offer a quarterback in the class of 2022 right now. Fans don’t love it, but there really isn’t a rush to get an offer out. They know they are going to be very selective and the recruits they are talking with know that. If a young man is upset he doesn’t have the offer right now, that same young man likely won’t be thrilled if he’s not playing in year one or year two. You better be special if you’re complaining about a lack of an offer before your junior year or if you haven’t played a ton as a sophomore in college. Notre Dame wants to take its time and I see zero issues with that. SLIDE24 of 26 jrw76: What is it that gives you a confidence of an 8 with Rocco Spindler? Tom Loy: My sources. My intel. My relationships. I have felt for a long time Notre Dame has led and I feel they do as of today. I first picked the Irish on the 247Sports Crystal Ball back on Sept. 30, 2018. I felt there was no way he wasn’t going to pick Notre Dame. I got a little gun-shy on that and went “foggy” when I felt it was more of a 50-50 race, simply trying to gauge the current pulse, but I’ve been fully on the Fighting Irish for a while and don’t see myself changing that prediction. SLIDE25 of 26 jdub2525: If ND offers '22 DE Joe Strickland, would that be a similar situation as Ziegler? As in the kid has been wanting that offer and ND could be tough to beat. Tom Loy: I think Notre Dame would be the team to beat. They were so close to offering last summer when he was on campus for camp, but he lacks ideal size and they decided to be patient with him. I think the Irish could still offer depending on how things go this fall, but I’m not fully convinced good news is going to come his way. Very curious to see how things play out this season. SLIDE26 of 26 1COMMENTS mac034: I know ND has 1 local kid on board for the 22 class. Who else if anyone do you think they push for locally. Tom Loy: Just quickly going through the list of guys I could see Notre Dame offering from Indiana in 2022. There is an outside shot they offer defensive tackle Caden Curry, but I'm not sold they will. I feel the same way about offensive guard Demon Moore. My guess is they won't. I don't think they will offer defensive end Popeye Williams either. In Michigan, I don’t have anyone that jumps out as a guy Notre Dame will offer quite yet.
So, what the hell is going on with Abiara? Feels like months ago that all the CB's came in for Oklahoma, but publicly he's still committed.
We got an email yesterday saying we’d have ticket info ASAP now that the schedule is out but it had no details. 20k students-staff-season tickets has been my guess all along.
Yeah this is from a friend who works for sbpd. Could be just a rumor, but I’m guessing ND has or will tell the local cops for crowd control/parking purposes.
allen trieu just flipped his CB from Michigan to ND for Rocco, starting to get optimistic, Trieu is to UM what wiltfong is to ND, national guy but with a strong UM history afaik
Mick Assaf just announced he is stepping away from football. In unrelated news we are now only 4 scholarships above 85.
As always, these things seem to work themselves out at ND. All the more reason for ND to be aggressive in signing.
but the board is pretty light to warm up unfortunately sounds like Lea and Kelly decided to get way more involved in the last month, seems to have shockingly made a difference
Apparently ND had its first COVID positive case on campus today after just welcoming back the students. Not unexpected. Gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Not sure if it was student, faculty or staff. But yeah, 1 positive and 6 in quarantine due to contact tracing
It’s so stupid that they mix the football players with the rest of the students before everybody is tested...complete non sense
Yeah every student had to get a negative test a week before coming back. Anyone that didn’t take it it was positive couldn’t come to campus
Heard on a podcast today that tyree was in quarantine because he was in contact with a student that tested positive, i was not paying attention too much so maybe they were talking about an hypothetical scenario?
Has recruiting improved - yes Is it still legit to feel letdown - yes Kelly made it clear what the program needed to take the next step and it's fair to hold him to that standard.
I am satisfied with ND's defensive class regardless of what the guys are ranked. ND needed to land guys like Shipley, Colzie, and one of Tengwall/Rucci on offense to push ND's recruiting to the next level. Added those guys in on the 247 class calculator thing (along with Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, Jayden Thomas, Spindler who all seem likely) and that would have been the #7 class last year which I would be pretty alright with. Sucks because I am pretty sure all of Shipley, Tengwall and Rucci were supposed to visit right before visits got cancelled because of Covid.
Rucci will end up at Wisconsin and be the OL that doesn't pan out. It's what happens when they get actually high ranked ol recruits. Spoiler sample size of 1, Josh Oglesby
dont think bama is that different from UGA the last couple of years. They get a good few guys in the league but its mainly just 5 stars playing like 5 stars. Same can be said for OSU. Wisky and aTm have a decent record of developing guys as well
Them cancelling out of conference games was the beginning of the end. And honestly I can’t really say I’m even a little excited for this season anymore.
I’d love to see the B1G and Pac12 elitest assholes cancel the seasons and everyone else be like tuck off and still play
If you haven't already conceded mentally that the fall season isn't happening, you're doing it wrong. The cards are falling.