Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Ranking the Class of 2021
6. Tyler Buchner – Quarterback – Helix (La Mesa, CA)
High: 1 – Low: 12
The future hopes of the Notre Dame football program are pinned on the right arm of San Diego quarterback Tyler Buchner. When he committed to the Irish in March 2019, Buchner was on the brick of an unparalleled junior campaign for the Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California. After shredding defenses, Buchner rose to 28th overall in the country and 5-star status.
One question remained: Could he do it against the best competition? Because of the pandemic, this question is only partially answered. Buchner transferred to Helix High School to play at a higher level. However, because of California’s restrictions on high school sports, he never played a snap.
His performance at the Elite 11 also left a lot to be desired. His altered throwing motion makes some believe that he is not the next great Irish quarterback.
5. Lorenzo Styles – Wide Receiver – Pickerington Central (Pickerington, OH)
High: 3 – Low: 8
According to the 247Sports Composite, Styles ranks as the 115th best receiver in the country. He held offers from 18 schools including Auburn, Michigan, and Ohio State, and is a proven playmaker at Ohio’s top division. He won a state championship as a junior and was a state runner-up as a senior. Styles makes big plays as a wide receiver and a punt returner, making him a versatile playmaker.
4. Prince Kollie – Linebacker – David Crockett (Jonesborough, TN)
High: 4 – Low: 7
Depending on what defense Notre Dame runs next year without new Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea, Kollie’s future position could be up in the air. However, if the Irish run a similar scheme, Kollie is ideal for the rover position. He is an extremely explosive edge player who is effective against the run and the pass, and regardless of Notre Dame’s new defensive coordinator, Kollie has an ability that will find success in any defense.