Notre Dame Football: 5 observations of the 2021 recruiting class

By Brad Weiss | Feb 7, 2021

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 5

Notre Dame football helmet. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football added multiple possible first-year starters

Notre Dame football has a lot of work to do in terms of replacing starters from the 2020 season, especially up front along the offensive line. The Irish lost four-fifths of their starting offensive line after the 2020 campaign, including All-American and All-Conference players, so replacing them is going to be tough.

Luckily, the Irish brought in a talented recruiting class, with some of the best players being offensive linemen. Guys like Blake Fisher and Rocco Spindler will have every opportunity to come in and start for the Irish, and both men are already on campus, coming to South Bend as early enrollees.

Caleb Johnson was also an early enrollee for the Irish, giving the team three big men who have come aboard and are trying to put their best foot forward. Pat Coogan and Joe Alt are also offensive linemen brought in during the 2021 recruiting cycle, giving the Irish five new big bodies up front along the offensive line.

On defense, Philip Riley could start at corner, and Prince Kollie at linebacker to name a few, so expect the true freshman to make their mark in 2021.

Home/Notre Dame Football