Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Top Remaining Targets (Updated: August 25, 2014)
By Andrew Hall
Sep 28, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Damien Williams (26) is pursued by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Ishaq Williams (11) at Notre Dame Stadium. Oklahoma defeats Notre Dame 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2. Porter Gustin – Outside Linebacker – Salem, UT (Salem Hills)
247: 23rd Rivals: 113th ESPN: 190th Scout: 64th
Porter Gustin is the definition of a “big skill” athlete. Gustin could play Outside Linebacker, Defensive End or Tight End. This all depends on his growth and the system he will play in.
Currently, Gustin checks in 6’5″ 240 lbs. If he adds any weight, he will definitely play Defensive End in college. He probably would have been an excellent candidate to play the CAT Linebacker position if Notre Dame still featured a 3-4. However, Notre Dame moved to a 4-3 front this spring. He would likely play the Weakside Defensive End currently occupied by Freshman Andrew Trumbetti. He compares favorably to Troy Niklas. Gustin is extremely athletic for his size like Niklas who played both Outside Linebacker and Tight End at Notre Dame.
247Sports categorizes him as an Outside Linebacker in their rankings. They rank Gustin as the 23rd overall recruit and a 5-star prospect in the class of 2015. Rivals also categorizes him as an Outside Linebacker. However, they are not as high on Gustin. They rank as 113th best player in the country.
Gustin confirmed an official visit to Notre Dame for their battle against Michigan. The Fighting Irish are in good position here. They will have to battle Southern Cal for his services.