Notre Dame football: Irish land 2022 defensive end Aiden Gobaira

On Saturday afternoon, the Notre Dame football program landed 2022 Virginia defensive end, Aiden Gobaira. The biggest competition was Penn State, and they were seemed to be the perceived favorite for quite a while.

Gobaira was able to visit campus on his own this past weekend and obviously jumped at the opportunity once he got to see Notre Dame for himself. Clearly, his position coach Mike Elston played a huge role in landing Aiden this quickly. What I think solidified this after the visit was his additional relationship with new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman.

They both made it known that he was a priority to this recruiting class and Gobaira jumped at the chance to join the Fighting Irish. At the moment, Gobaira holds 17 offers from the likes of Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan State, and many others.

What will Gobaira bring to the Notre Dame football team?

The 6’6 235-pound defensive end is going to bring a ton of length and athleticism. He also is a stud lacrosse player which clearly shows how athletic he is for his size and he brings a ton of physicality to his game. His frame is what’s really impressive because he still has a ton of room to grow.

When Aiden gets into the strength program, watch out. This kid’s frame in itself screams All-American. As for his play along the line, he has a really quick get off and has the physicality and speed to blow right past you.

He’s a big-time competitor and has a nonstop motor that you hate to see when you’re up against him. Gobaira could easily be someone down the road that Notre Dame opponents will game plan against, and go the opposite way of where he’s lined up, that’s how high of a ceiling I personally think he has.

Obviously, strength and some weight will have to be added and if he can keep his quickness and athleticism after that, he will absolutely be a problem for offensive linemen and defensive coordinators. This is just another great start to the Marcus Freeman era, and once again Mike Elston lands his guy.

With Gobaira’s commitment, Saturday the 2022 class has six pledges, three on offense and now three on defense. Gobaira will be joining recent defensive end commit Tyson Ford along the line and I’d absolutely expect Elston and Freeman to add several more to this group.

As of now and what’s remaining on the board for the Irish, this could arguably end up as one of the best defensive line classes in the Kelly Era if the right pieces continue to fall. What a pick up for the Irish.