Tag: Isaiah Rutherford

Notre Dame Cornerback Isaiah Rutherford Transfers to Arizona

It can’t be easy to join a big-time college football program but barely see the field.

It can’t be easy to join a big-time college football program but barely see the field. That was the case with Notre Dame cornerback Isaiah Rutherford. At some point, he had to figure there was a program that would better utilize him. He thinks he’ll have his chance at Arizona, which is why he’s transferring there.

Rutherford, a native of Sacramento, California, did not see any game action for the Irish in 2019. This past season, he finally got to experience that as a sophomore, but only in the blowout wins over South Florida and Pittsburgh and the home finale against Syracuse. Even then, he never registered on the stats sheet.

Rutherford joins a Wildcats team whose secondary put up low numbers in 2020. Though they only played five games, they ranked near the bottom nationally in interceptions and passes defended among others. No, it’s not fair to judge them by such limited action. Still, it’s nice of the them to get reinforcements, and we wish Rutherford the best with his new opportunity.

California Dreaming, Notre Dame Recruits well in Sunshine State

The Irish have traditionally recruited California well and expect that to continue.

Yesterday, it was the minimal presence that the Irish in their neighboring state Ohio, but today Rivals took a look at who recruits California the best. It should not come as a surprise that Notre Dame made the list, the Irish have traditionally recruited the state well.

The Irish have secured a commitment from Tyler Buchner in the 2021 recruiting cycle, he is the top rated quarterback and second overall prospect in California. Last year it was CB Ramon Henderson and in the 2019 class it was CB Isaiah Rutherford and DE Isaiah Foskey. It was CB TaRiq Bracy, OT Jarrett Patterson and LB Jack Lamb who signed with the Irish in 2018.

It is safe to say the state of California has been kind to the Irish, and Brian Kelly keeps dipping into the Sunshine State for talent every year. There is potential for more Californian’s to sign with the Irish this year as RB Prophet Brown and DB Dyson McCutcheon both have Notre Dame in their top few schools.

Of the offers out to the 2022 class, only Texas with 10 has more than California’s 5 right now, so expect Kelly to continue to look for talent out west. Making the state a priority is a good thing, as it’s a hotbed for Division I talent. The California to South Bend pipeline should continue to be strong in the future.