Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Irish Add Another WR To Fast-Growing Class
In a Notre Dame football recruiting class that had very few holes, skill position was an often talked about position group over the last several months. That has all changed in the matter of two weeks.
The commitment of RB Kyren Williams made Notre Dame football fans relax. The verbal from receiver Cam Hart made Notre Dame fans happy. Now, the promise from TJ Sheffield to Notre Dame leaves fans somewhat confused.
The consensus four-star recruit from Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee has been on Notre Dame’s radar for awhile. He received an offer back on January 12th, and the Irish became an instant favorite. However, over the last several months, his recruitment became quiet. His last public offer came on April 25th — and besides announcing a top 4 back in May — other Notre Dame targets were gaining traction.
Even when he announced that he would be committing on July 6th, Irish fans didn’t know what to think. In fact, many felt that meant he’d end up elsewhere. His other top schools were Arkansas, Ohio State and Purdue.
Those questions have been answered…for now. Earlier today, Sheffield publicized his commitment to Notre Dame, and is now the third skill position to join the 2019 class since June 21st. That gives the Irish 18 verbal commitments.
What He Brings
Obviously, the Notre Dame coaching staff likes what they see in Sheffield and were willing to accept his recruitment with other receivers on the board. Taking a look at his offer list, us fans should feel the same.
Sheffield is a sub-six foot,170 pound wideout with a ton of speed and athleticism — traits the staff were targeting specifically in this class. Chip Long wants athletes that can stretch the field, and Sheffield can do just that.
One of my favorite recruiting analysts in the industry, Steve Wilftong of 247sports.com, mentioned he will instantly be one of Notre Dame’s fastest players. That’s high praise considering some of the speed on the roster.
When looking for comparisons, Sheffield will remind Notre Dame fans of a few guys currently on the roster: 2018 signee Lawrence Keys III and rising sophomore Michael Young. All three have traits perfect for the slot position, and all have top notch speed and elusiveness.
What’s Next
This is where Notre Dame fans might be confused. Adding two wide receivers in 2019 was the perceived goal, but with the somewhat surprise of Sheffield’s commitment, could the staff be looking into additional numbers?
It’s possible.
With high-profile targets Cornelius Johnson and Genson Hooper-Price still on the market, the staff could be leaving room for a third WR. If Notre Dame is able to take closer 22 players in 2019, this option certainly makes sense.
It’s also possible: the staff has a different plan for Cam Hart. The recent Notre Dame pledge is a standout on both sides of the ball, and many feel he can play defense in South Bend. If that is the case, Notre Dame will definitely be in the market for another 2019 WR.
Sheffield’s recruitment should also still be monitored, as he will still be taking official visits to other programs. Notre Dame should and will continue to recruit other wide receivers with that in mind.
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Overall, this is all good news for Notre Dame recruiting. Sheffield is terrific athlete with a ton of upside, and he wants to be apart of the program. You don’t turn that away.
Stay tuned as recruiting news seems to break every day!