Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
25. Ron Powlus III, Quarterback, Penn (Mishawaka, IN)
High: 25 – Low: 25
A surprise signing occurred during the middle of the day on National Signing Day when Ron Powlus III, son of the former Notre Dame quarterback, signed with the Fighting Irish. According to the 247Sports Composite, Powlus is a 3-star quarterback prospect, and he held scholarship offers from five schools including Buffalo, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, and Kentucky.
24. Josh Bryan – Kicker – Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA)
High: 24 – Low: 24
Notre Dame added a commitment from kicker Josh Bryan on Nov. 17 after he de-committed from Colorado. According to the 247Sports Composite, he ranks as the seventh-best kicker in the 2021 class. With Senior Jonathan Doerer returning for another season in South Bend, Bryan will have time to adapt to the collegiate game before attempting meaningful kicks.
23. Jojo Johnson – Cornerback – Merrillville (Merrillville, IN)
High: 23 – Low: 23
Jojo Johnson committed to the Irish on Nov. 24, and he is an extremely raw athlete who could grow into an explosive cover corner as his skill develops. Johnson is used all over the field on his high school team, playing defensive back, running back, wide receiver, and more. He held 18 offers including Iowa, Michigan State, and Purdue but the majority were MAC offers.
22. Jason Onye – Defensive End – Bishop Hendricken (Warwick, RI)
High: 19 – Low: 22
Jason Onye ranks as the 625th prospect according to the 247Sports Composite, holding offers from 21 schools including Michigan and Tennessee. Onye possesses great size that will allow him to grow into a strong-side defensive end. He compares favorably to the current defensive end Ade Ogundeji, however, Onye probably is more advanced physically and technically at this point of his career.
21. Will Schweitzer – Defensive End – Los Gatos (Los Gatos, CA)
High: 20 – Low: 21
Schweitzer joined the class after de-committing from Nebraska on Aug. 16, and he was a sought-after prospect, as he held 25 offers from mainly Power 5 programs. Of Notre Dame’s three current defensive end commitments, Will Schweitzer plays with the best technique. He is utilized in pass coverage, at linebacker, and rushing the quarterback, though while he might be most prepared to play technically, he needs to add significant muscle to his frame.