I almost made a post telling Wicket that ND would not drop Nickel when he mentioned it a week ago, I was smart to not do that. I was not smart to mention it now.
Damnit, I'm getting sucked back into recruiting. Spent the last like 3 years being pretty checked out of it.
Ok. So my only 3 min video misinformed opinion of spring ball.... Pyne is a more talented version of Tommy Rees Buckner is a more talented version of Ian Book. So take with that what you want. Lenzy looks to be in best football shape of career. Our DL is nasty but do the parts fit the D? Blake Fisher is going to be really good. DBs still don't know anything. Kiser flashes a lot. Mayer is dominant
Loy's DB update Spoiler Corona (Calif.) Centennial four-star cornerback Jaden Mickey committed to Notre Dame on March 14. The 5-11, 175-pounder is ranked as the No. 220 overall player in America per 247Sports. He chose the Irish over offers from Arizona State, Cal, Georgia, Michigan State, Oregon, USC and others. He’ll take his official visit to Notre Dame over the weekend of June 25 and he seems very much locked in with the Irish. SLIDE2 of 14 Lexington (Miss.) Holmes County four-star cornerback Khamauri Rogers is a big-time, Top100 prospect. His offer list includes Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Miami, Tennessee and so many others. It seems as though he’ll take official visits to Miami on June 18 and Tennessee on June 25. Notre Dame has been trying to get him on campus for that final weekend in June, but as of today, his visit remains up in the air. That said, I’m told to keep an eye on a midweek visit around June 14-16. Again, no matter when he visits, as long as he visits, that’ll be huge for Notre Dame and its chances at landing him. Just get the 6-1, 170-pounder on campus and you’ve got a shot. SLIDE3 of 14 Notre Dame remains a top contender to flip West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West four-star cornerback Jyaire Brown from his Ohio State commitment. The Fighting Irish, led by defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens and defensive recruiting coordinator Chad Bowden, have worked extremely hard behind the scenes to get the 6-0, 180-pounder on board. A visit will take place, which will likely occur in June, but an exact date isn’t completely locked in quite yet. Ohio State expects to host him during the first weekend in June and then Notre Dame could welcome him to campus in the weeks after that. SLIDE4 of 14 If you’re looking for a three-star prospect that Notre Dame is much higher on than the industry average, look no further than Naples (Fla.) high school defensive back Devin Moore. The 6-2, 175-pounder is ranked as a Top30 safety nationally, but the fact that he can play cornerback at such a high level as well, it has Notre Dame all over him. The staff, truly led by head coach Brian Kelly, has been pushing extremely hard. He’s likely to visit Notre Dame in June and I’m watching the weekend of the 11th though the 13th for his potential addition to the visit list. Others in play include Alabama, Florida and Florida State. SLIDE5 of 14 Plano (Texas) John Paul II four-star cornerback Terrance Brooks is another priority target on the Notre Dame recruiting board. The 6-0, 185-pounder is considering a long list of suitors like the Fighting Irish, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and so many others. Notre Dame will get a shot to land him with an official visit, which is scheduled for June 14-16. As of today, there aren’t any 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions yet so it seems anyone could land the nation’s No. 138 overall talent. SLIDE6 of 14 Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy College Prep four-star cornerback Benjamin Morrison will be at Notre Dame for his official visit over the weekend of June 11-13. This is a huge visit for the Fighting Irish, as some strongly believe Notre Dame is the team to beat. In fact, my 247Sports Crystal Ball is currently on the Irish and as long as he gets the green light, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pull the trigger sometime around that visit date. The 6-0 175-pounder is ranked as a Top300 national recruit and one of the best defensive backs out west. Florida State, Washington, Michigan, Northwestern and many others are also pushing hard for the talented defensive back. SLIDE7 of 14 Notre Dame likes Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic three-star cornerback Jayden Bellamy a lot. The 6-1, 175-pound speedster is a terrific talent and the fact that he can play a lot of spots in the secondary is a definite plus. Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Rutgers and others are going to try and secure his commitment as well, but Notre Dame feels its in a good spot as of today. It also doesn’t hurt that his friend and teammate, quarterback Steve Angeli, is already committed to Notre Dame. We’ll see what kind of move the Fighting Irish can make during his official visit over the weekend of June 18-20. SLIDE8 of 14 Apopka (Fla.) high school four-star cornerback Nikai Martinez has been to Notre Dame before, but he’ll return to campus over the weekend of June 11-13 for his official visit, a trip that’ll play a big role in his final decision. Clemson, South Carolina and UCF are also working hard to land a commitment from the 5-11, 175-pounder. As of today, there aren’t any 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, so any one of these four could potentially be the landing spot. SLIDE9 of 14 Altoona (Iowa) Southeast Polk four-star safety Xavier Nwankpa is ranked the No. 1 player at his position this cycle according to 247Sports. The 6-2, 190-pounder is an elite talent and Notre Dame is recruiting him as such. He’ll visit South Bend for his official visit over the weekend of June 18-20. That said, there is a lot more optimism in Columbus about Ohio State’s chances to potentially land him than there is coming from those at Notre Dame. Either way, it looks like the Irish will get a chance to host him and that’s all you can ask for. SLIDE10 of 14 Notre Dame is also expected to host Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic three-star safety Kevin Winston in June. The 6-2, 190-pounder just informed Irish Illustrated that he will take his Notre Dame official visit over the weekend of June 25-27. The talented defensive back is a top priority for Notre Dame, Penn State and many others despite “only” being ranked a three-star prospect. He is also tentatively expected to visit Penn State on June 11. SLIDE11 of 14 Buford (Ga.) high school three-star safety Jake Pope, who is ranked a four-star recruit by 247Sports, is another talented defensive back expected on Notre Dame’s campus in June. The official visit dates are still being worked out, but the 6-1, 190-pounder seems to have a ton of interest in the Fighting Irish. Pope recently released his Top 8 that included Notre Dame, Alabama, Auburn, North Carolina, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma. He’ll likely narrow it down even further before setting and taking his official visit. SLIDE12 of 14 If everything checks out, I believe Franklin (Mich.) Wylie E. Groves fours-tar safety Jaden Mangham will take an official visit to Notre Dame over the weekend of June 25-27. Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Michigan and Michigan State are all very much in the mix here, but many believe if the Irish and Wolverines push, he’ll end up at one of those two programs. There is a long way to go here, but the 6-3, 185-pounder remains one of the more intriguing prospects in the Midwest. SLIDE13 of 14 Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star safety Sherrod Covil is a longtime Fighting Irish target. He’s expected in South Bend for an official visit during the final weekend of the month, June 25-27. Virginia Tech is the favorite per the 247Sports Crystal Ball and that’s probably the school recruiting him harder than anyone at this point. Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State are also very much in play here as well. Clemson and Ohio State are the two latest schools to offer the 6-0, 185-pounder as well, so keep an eye on those two as things move forward. SLIDE14 of 14 BEST BET FOR NOTRE DAME IN THE SECONDARY AS OF APR. 14 Four-star cornerback Jaden Mickey Four-star cornerback Jyaire Brown 14COMMENTS Four-star cornerback Benjamin Morrison Four-star defensive back Jayden Bellamy Three-star safety Kevin Winston If the Irish decide to only take four, I’d probably put an “Or” between Morrison and Bellamy. “Dream” scenario would include Moore. The gist of this is there are some great options for what should be a very talented group in the secondary.
CJ Williams Update Spoiler Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star receiver C.J. Williams is one of the most talented and coveted players in the country from the class of 2022. The 6-2, 195-pounder has over 50 scholarship offers including many from some of the nation’s top programs. So, where will he end up? Irish Illustrated and 247Sports the latest on Williams and his recruitment. Williams had initially decided on taking an official visit to Notre Dame over the weekend of June 4-6, which was first reported by 247Sports National Analyst Greg Biggins. However, there may have been a change in plans since that point. We’re now hearing that Notre Dame may not host any official visitors that weekend and things for the Fighting Irish will really kickoff over the June 11-13 weekend. That said, we’re being told to watch the June 25-27 weekend for Williams’ visit to South Bend. We believe there is a chance the Fighting Irish get the final visit before a potential commitment takes place. Although he hasn’t officially trimmed down his list, we’re being told to watch Notre Dame, Texas, USC, Stanford, Alabama and Ohio State when it comes to the major players in his recruitment. Don’t be surprised if he visits Ohio State on June 11, Texas on June 18 and then heads to Notre Dame for the last weekend of the month. Williams told Biggins USC is going to get a visit as well, so we’ll see when that one takes place as well. He could also hit a school on June 4 if it plays out as we expect and his Notre Dame visit gets pushed back. Either way, it should be noted that I’m getting closer to picking Notre Dame on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. I’m very close to be completely honest. I believe the Fighting Irish, due to the recruiting efforts of receivers coach Del Alexander and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, have the edge and two connected sources just this morning stated that they strongly believe Notre Dame leads. 71COMMENTS "I've heard great things about Notre Dame and it's a school that really fits me and who I am as a person," said Williams recently to Biggins. “I really like the culture there and that's big for me. It's great football with great academics surrounded by great people. I like their commitment to high academics, faith and doing things the right way and I want to be surrounded by other athletes that have my same values and goals.” We’ll see what happens, but Notre Dame looks to be a top, legitimate contender for 247Sports’ No. 45 overall player in the country and No. 6 receiver nationally. my personal opinion - he's a very good WR but not top 50 good where he is currently ranked. I think he's a notch below Jordan Johnson was coming out of HS but he is a borderline top 100 type talent and I'd love to add him to the WR class and shoot for a speed guy as the #3 WR. If biggest WR want that we have a realistic shot with as of now is Merriweather...that kid as a Junior played lights out and looks smooth and explosive. I'd take him over CJ Williams but I wouldn't mind both and then adding a speed guy as well.
Saunders talk seems to have trailed off. Sounded like they would flip him and now it's been silent for quite awhile.
I lived in Luke's dorm section for one year. He was a pretty nice, respectful guy that didn't spend a lot of time in the dorm. Most memorable thing from the Luke Harangody dorm experience was one evening we were watching some college basketball show on ESPN and they mentioned he might miss ND's next game with a bad illness and right then he ran out of his room to that bathroom and we could hear him yakking from the section lounge. Think he missed that next game.
Harangody was so fun. Just a giant ogre that randomly threw balls at the basket and they just happened to go in.
He just got married, last time I saw him he had saved every penny he made in pro basketball dude is loaded
Interesting ON THE GROWTH OF JORDAN BOTELHO SINCE BEING SENT HOME AT ONE POINT "Jordan had a long way to go in maturity and accountability. He was sent home. He realized that we're here about a holistic development and this isn’t just about him getting sacks on Saturday, which he’s going to be able to do because he's a very talented player, but not to compromise the rest of our group and coach Kelly's culture inside the program. We sent him home and it was a reality check. He came back and had a few bumps in the road. He and I had a really good heart to heart. I shared a story with him, a personal story, and honestly from that moment forward, Jordan has just turned the corner. He's not on any lists of bad decisions and he's taking care of his business off the field in schoolwork. He's not a finished product yet, but the maturity is showing through and I'm super proud of him and I love him for it. The connection we have because we've gone through the trials and tribulations together, and more to come, but he's a very special young man. He's made a lot of growth and I'm excited for him."
I listened to the Freeman interview on make defense great again yesterday Then add in Elston’s interview this defense is going to be unrecognizable from Lea’s schemes- I’m really worried that how Lea hid ND’s DBs is going to be exposed in this scheme. Think we might see Freeman really changing by mid year what we see in the first games
honestly it sounds like bothelo likes flirting with that line. A few of the guys whove had done so at ND went well beyond the line after ND (thinking of you shembo)
that Elston interview was phenomenal, seriously hope he stays at ND forever the way he described his talk with Bothelho show how much he cares also loved the way he spoke about the depth chart and playing guys in the games who earned it during the week because he hated that as a player. I totally get why our dline has been so good under him these last few years. Also love the innovation he's brought as Recruiting Coordinator as well...him talking about closing and getting commits and how they are trying to emphasize it is quite interesting as well
Mills is also perfect in a 3 men front. And I know that freeman won’t use only that but when he does mills fits it perfectly.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see some DL transfer after the spring, some of these guys will have no role in Freeman’s scheme
think the 3 man front benefits Nana as well, in scheme the big end basically just blows people up- think MTA, Mills, and Nana are built for this
yeah just liked his HS film so much. Honestly that 2019 class in confusing AF. Hamilton and Kyren are both awesome obviously and a few guys might contribute next year but damn thats a tough class early on
I was looking and the 19 class has a lot of power, the 20 class has a focus on skill. Be nice to put it together this year but the classes mesh perfectly.
Quite a bit, actually. His three man fronts both fit his personnel the last couple years at Cincy and were a good option against the offenses in the AAC. Hell, he ran a 4-4 against Navy during a season when they were primarily a 3-3-5 and later ran a 5-2 Bear against Army because they had the Navy film. I think folks are trying too hard to decipher how ND's roster fits his scheme. That's just not how he approaches things. My guess is this year will be the most "multiple" defense he will have fielded as a DC.
My guess is Freeman is still trying to figure it out He doesn’t have Hamilton, Lacey, or Moala right now. He’s also going to get Kollie, Tucker, Gee, and Johnson to add to the safety corner hybrid mix in the fall. I’ve got to imagine ND will also add a DB from the portal. This defense should be really fucking good even if CB is weak.
No doubt. And I'm really intrigued by the young DL who should have a chance to work into the rotation this year.
New crystal ball from Loy. Only a 3 star but this kid is a baller and should get a bump in the rankings. Top 3 are ND, Alabama and Stanford
The recruit that gets Kelly out on the road recruiting just happens to be in Naples, Florida. How convenient.