Notre Dame Football: In Depth Look At 2018 Commits

Matt “Bo” Bauer – ILB – 6’3, 220 lbs. – Erie, PA – Cathedral Prep

Composite Ranking: #138 Overall/ #4 ILB/ #6 PA

114 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks,  2 forced fumbles and 1 interception.

Those are darned good stats for a sophomore inside linebacker who plays in a very competitive Pennsylvania prep division.

Not only is Bauer a fair sized, tough as nails mid-west linebacker, he’s also very athletic. He also excels at baseball which he was hoping to play as well at Notre Dame.

Brian Van Gorder, who was the defensive coordinator at the time they started recruiting Bauer, told the talented linebacker that he needed to make the decision to play only football if he wanted to play for the Irish.

Bauer mulled it over and decided he was willing to focus on football only. The offer came right away. He commited to Notre Dame over offers from Penn St., Michigan, Michigan St, Ohio State, UCLA and many others.

What impresses me the most about Bauer is his quick instincts and how fast he then closes on the ball. He has impressive speed with lightning quick pursuit and takes efficient angles. When he gets to the ball, he delivers the hit with authority.

Bauer covers ground quick enough to allow him to be effective in pass coverage as well. He projects well at both linebacker spots at the college level, given his ability to fill, cover ground laterally and provide effective pass coverage.