Notre Dame football: Irish land OL Billy Schrauth, first of Freeman Era
By Carlee North
The Notre Dame football team landed the first commitment of the Marcus Freeman era as head coach, and it is a big one in Billy Schrauth.
Notre Dame football has landed a commitment from 2022 offensive lineman, out of Wisconsin, Bill Schrauth. This is Marcus Freeman’s first commitment as the new head coach at Notre Dame, and it’s a massive one on offense.
This recruitment has been a whirlwind, to say the least. It seemed Schrauth was ready to commit months ago, but just couldn’t pull the trigger, and it’s been back and forth ever since. He’s been to campus multiple times and loves everything about the campus.
This ultimately came down to his home state school in Wisconsin and the Irish. In the end, I think the relationship with Tommy Rees is what got this job done in my opinion. Notre Dame doesn’t really have an offensive line coach set for the future, with Jeff Quinn in limbo, and that’s telling how important Rees has been for Billy and his family.
Also, you can’t disregard his relationship with all of the current commits. Relationships were huge here and along with the prestige of offensive line history for Notre Dame, it was going to be hard to pass on. Billy will be signing next week during the early signing period and it’ll be with the Irish.
He holds 16 offers from the likes of Auburn, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and many more.
What does Billy Schrauth bring to the Notre Dame football team?
The 6’5 300 pound lineman will bring clear prototypical lineman play along with a massive upside to his game. He’s quick off the snap, loves contact, and isn’t afraid to stand tall and be a wall in the middle of the line.
He has great hand placement and once he’s able to get his hands attached to his opponent there’s no getting past him. This is very high praise but Billy is someone I could see ultimately ending up like former guard Quenton Nelson if he continues to improve his technique.
He has all the tools and athletic ability to be special in South Bend.
With Billy committing to Notre Dame Irish class now has 23 pledges, 11 on offense, and 11 on defense, with 1 special teamer. Billy will be joining arguably the best offensive line class in the country with Ashton Craig, Joey Tanona, Ty Chan, and Aamil Wagner in the lineman room and now Billy to top it off.
This class could be very special at Notre Dame but it really seems like we say that almost every year with the expectation at Notre Dame along the offensive line. Just an outstanding job by Freeman and specifically Tommy Rees for getting this one done.