Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
20. Justin Walters – Safety – Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, IL)
High: 18 – Low: 22
Justin Walters joined the Irish class on Feb. 2, and according to the 247Sports Composite, he ranks as the 566th recruit in the 2021 class. He held offers from 23 programs including Michigan and many other midwestern powers. Walters is a physical safety with size at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, and he will start at safety but could move to linebacker if he grows into the position.
19. Kahanu Kia – Linebacker – Punahou (Honolulu, HI)
High: 18 – Low: 19
Kahanu Kia became the third Punahou linebacker to join the Notre Dame program. He follows in the steps of legendary Irish linebacker Manti Te’o, and current buck linebacker Marist Laiufau. He is an instinctual linebacker who would fit as a buck in the current system, the current system is subject to change after the departure of defensive coordinator Clark Lea. Regardless, Notre Dame hits on almost every recruit signed out of the state of Hawaii, so, therefore, fans should expect great things from Kahanu Kia.
18. Devin Aupiu – Defensive End – Pacifica (Oxnard, CA)
High: 16 – Low: 17
According to the 247Sports composite, Devin Aupiu ranks as the 578th prospect in the Class of 2021. He is an explosive defensive end who is just scratching the surface of his ability. After viewing his highlights, it is clear that Aupiu overwhelms his opponents with athleticism. Most of the time, he is crashing the backside, unblocked, and running down the ball-carrier. Current Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston will be able to develop Aupiu into a tremendous pass rusher over time.