When Tommy Rees was elevated to offensive coordinator prior to the Irish’s Camping World Bowl game, many wondered how the former Notre Dame signal caller would do calling games and behind the scenes with recruiting.
The jury is still out on Rees’ play calling but he was instrumental in the recruitment of Tyler Buchner, who at the time had yet to be elevated to his new position when he committed. Rees has also been credited with offensive guard Rocco Spindler, wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr., and tight end’s Cane Berrong and Mitchell Evans as a major factor in their recruitments. For the 2022 class, Rees has already made a big impact with instate tackle Joey Tanona commitment.
Looking one more class ahead to 2023, Rees is putting his stamp on Illinois wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate was interviewed by Fighting Irish Wire, and he let us know that Rees has been leading the charge in his recruitment.
[jwplayer b4DyAbZu]
“Tommy Rees reached out to me, I’ve seen him before like right after our season, in the hallways at school. We talked a little,” is what Tate told me. A freshman with the talent that Tate has sure got Rees’ attention and the ensuing offer was made.
Tate is looking for a place that feels like home, and hopefully when Tate gets a chance to visit South Bend it reminds him of Marist High School (a private Catholic school). Tate did mention he could commit early, but is going to “be patient with his commitment.”
The sophomore is working hard to get better and that’s a very scary for opposing defenses. Tate wants to get a few more offers as he said Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama and Penn State are some he would like to get in the future. If he continues his current trajectory, Tate will have those offers in hand shortly. Hopefully, it won’t matter and we will see Tate wearing Blue and Gold in the future with Rees leading his recruitment.