Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
These 5 could have big time years for the Irish
In college football there is plenty of turnover each year, with players leaving to the NFL, entering the transfer portal or an unfortunate injury ends their playing career earlier than they anticipated. With that turnover comes new opportunities for other players to breakout. Here are 5 Notre Dame players who could make a big impact this fall.
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.
Yesterday, it as the offensive freshman that were profiled as contributors and today it’s the defenses turn for potential early impacts.
Yesterday we took a look at which Notre Dame offensive true freshman could make an impact this coming season. The key part of yesterday’s quote from Irish head coach Brian Kelly was that he expected both sides of the ball to have an impact freshman. Today, it’s time to look on the other side of the ball and see who could impact the Irish defensive after being in high school just a few months ago.
Linebacker Jordan Botelho
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The Irish have had good luck with Hawaiian prospects before, Manti Te’o worked out pretty well and Alohi Gilman was just drafted in the sixth round a few weeks ago, and the 6’3” and 230-pound edge rusher could see time early this coming season. Botelho won’t be an every down player, but in certain situations he could be deadly. Imagine a 3rd and long with a fresh Botelho coming off the edge, causing havoc for opposing offenses. The leading tackler from last year Drew White returns along with rising star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but there is one spot open and there is potential that Botelho can force Brian Kelly to get him on the field early and often.
Defensive End Rylie Mills
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The Illinois native was a wanted man during his recruitment, the who’s who of college football was after his pledge (Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU and others) but Kelly won the battle for Mills’ commitment. A player with that kind of offer list is not expected to come in and sit, and the 6’5” and 275-pound defensive end should have an opportunity for some early playing time. With Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara moving on to the next level, Kelly will be looking for someone to fill that production and Mills could be that guy. There aren’t many proven commodities at defensive end for the Irish and Mills could push his way into the lineup early in his career.
Athlete Ramon Henderson
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Henderson does not come with the accolades as his two classmates before him do, but he could have just as good of a career as either of them. Henderson could make his impact first on special teams, where the 6’3” and 180-pound Californian strides long, gets to his top speed quickly and takes fantastic angles to find open return lanes. The Irish haven’t returned a kick or punt for a touchdown since 2016, when C.J. Sanders did it twice. In the long term, Henderson could be a special cornerback, his length is elite and if he continues to get more experience on that side of the ball, his ceiling is sky high. Henderson could very well end up as a high pointing receiver as well, his body type gives the Irish staff plenty of options.
The last two days we have looked at potential freshman who could make an impact in their first year at South Bend. Who knows, maybe one of the overlooked prospects such as Germany’s Alexander Ehrensberger emerges as the freshman who has the biggest impact next year. What we do know is it will be fun watching each of these 17 recruits for the next 3-5 years while they wear the Blue and Gold.
Braden Lenzy’s fastest time ever recorded in the 100 meter dash is 10.82 seconds. Not at all shabby and quick enough to make him the fastest man almost anytime he steps onto a football field.
That is unless Henderson is there, as Henderson has gone 10.59 seconds in the 100 before.
Notre Dame entered Wednesday’s first National Signing Day knowing they’d likely have at least 17 high school seniors sign their National Letters of Intent and become the newest members of the Fighting Irish football team.
There was some optimism that number could grow slightly higher and it eventually did as early Wednesday afternoon Ramon Henderson signed his NLI and became the final player in Notre Dame’s 2020 recruiting class to sign.
Henderson is listed as an athlete in most places but figures to fit into Notre Dame’s mix in the defensive backfield.
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The Liberty High School product from Bakersfield, California chose Notre Dame over Utah and Oklahoma who were both in pursuit of his services.
Henderson is listed at 6-2 and 183 pounds and is blessed with truly elite speed.
How fast are we talking?
Braden Lenzy’s fastest time ever recorded in the 100 meter dash is 10.82 seconds. Not at all shabby and quick enough to make him the fastest man almost anytime he steps onto a football field.
That is unless Henderson is there, as Henderson has gone 10.59 seconds in the 100 before.
Congrats to Ramon Henderson and his commitment to play football at Notre Dame! Ramon will begin his journey next semester in South Bend. Proud of you Ramon! pic.twitter.com/1b07QSzV9m
— Liberty Patriots (@LHS_Patriots) December 18, 2019
Henderson was ranked as the 23rd best player in California by Rivals.
