Notre Dame Football: Class of 2021 Linebacker Targets

After not taking a single LB in the 2020 class, despite having a plethora of players at the position on the current roster, Notre Dame football must get at least a couple of linebackers in this class.

As to who that will be, only time will tell and the options are set to expand and change based on new offers and commitments. Let’s take a look at some of the options on the board currently. There are two things to keep note of, one being that is it still very early on in the process, so there is no need to panic yet. The second thing to keep note of is that Notre Dame football will likely go for quality over quantity at this position in this cycle.

Branden Jennings

The top-50 ranked linebacker – according to 247 Sports – was seen as a big time target by Irish fans after enjoying his visit to campus last fall. While they had seemed to make a move in this recruitment, the in-state Florida State Seminoles seemed to being going all in on him and making him a priority target in the rebuilding program’s class. Bad news for Irish fans came last Friday as Jennings announced his commitment to FSU. As I mentioned before, there is still plenty of time left, and if Notre Dame really wants this guy, there is lots of time to swing him their way.

Barrett Carter

Another top-100 ranked linebacker, Carter was thought to be a probable candidate for the class. While it is still early, this recruitment seems to have slowed some and in-state Georgia seems to have a slight lean for Carter’s pledge. As to where he will end up, your guess is as good as mine.

Names to Keep an Eye on

While these players have not currently received an offer from The University of Notre Dame, they have shown interest and with an offer the Irish could become big players in the class.

Benjamin Perry

As I mentioned above, Perry has not yet received an offer from Notre Dame, but did visit for their Junior Day at the beginning of the month. Although he is listed as a safety, the Irish are recruiting the Chicago-area prospect as a linebacker. It’s not certain the Irish will offer, but this is a prospect that I am very keen on. His physicality and toughness are highlighted in his film. This is a guy I would like to see receive a Notre Dame offer.

Cole Bishop

Another prospect who visited for Notre Dame’s Junior Day, Bishop is also listed as a safety, but Notre Dame sees him as a linebacker. At 6-2 and around 200 pounds, that sounds about right for a linebacker. Despite not earning an offer, Bishop seemed to enjoy his visit to campus.

One Last Note

The board seems quite bare at the moment, but as the cycle moves forward it will certainly expand. There are a handful of other guys at the position that have been offered by Notre Dame, but weren’t listed to not have shown much interest at this point.