Barton Simmons, 247Sports National Director of Scouting, knows his prospects and this morning released his top 2020 recruiting classes that will have the most impact on this coming season. Although Notre Dame’s recruiting class was on the small side, just 17 commits, it was still ranked as the 17th best class in the nation, and Simmons is high on many players that could have make immediate impacts.
Simmons believes there are multiple players who could help the Irish offense, starting off with TE Michael Mayer, the lone 5-Star prospect in the class. He believes that Mayer “has the talent to backfill nicely for Cole Kmet,” which makes plenty of sense as Mayer should battle for early playing time.
Chris Tryee is also mentioned as an impact player, as the running back “adds speed in the run game that the Irish have lacked for a while.” With Tony Jones Jr. heading off to the NFL, there is a hole at the running back position that Tyree could fill if Brian Kelly deems him ready.
The final offensive player Simmons mentions that could have an impact is WR Jordan Johnson. He sees Johnson as “a guy capable of picking up some of the work left behind by guys like Chris Finke and Chase Claypool.” Those three offensive players are the highest ranked on the incoming class and it would be to no one’s surprise if they are names you hear early and often this season.
On the defensive side of the ball Simmons likes LB Jordan Botelho and DB Ramon Henderson as impact defenders. Both of them are already on campus, having enrolled early and are able to participate in spring ball. Simmons also mentions Ohio State transfer Isaiah Pryor as someone who could pay dividends early. Which recruit do you believe has the potential to be a star early for the Irish?