Notre Dame football: Early signing day – defensive commits

While today is technically considered the beginning of the early signing period, the regular signing period is February 1st. Not surprisingly, though, Notre Dame football is looking to lockdown recruits earlier than later; it has become the norm to sign the letter of intent during the early period.

Defensive commits for Notre Dame football

LB Jaiden Ausberry
LB Drayk Bowen
CB Christian Gray
S Ben Minich
S Adon Shuler
LB Preston Zinter
DL Armel Mukam
DL Brenan Vernon
CB MIcach Bell
ATH Brandyn Hillman
DL Boubacar Traore
DL Devan Houstan
S Peyton Bowen (Undecided)

While it’s unrealistic that every commit will have a massive impact on the program they initially enroll in, the Irish have a tremendous defensive class. Especially given the ease with which a student-athlete can transfer, expect some departures before all is said and done. That being said, this group has serious potential to make waves on the defensive side of the football for Notre Dame.

Christian Gray is the highest-rated cornerback commit for the Irish in 10 years. Drayk Bowen followed in current Irish linebacker Prince Kollie’s footsteps and won The Butkus Award for best high school linebacker in the nation. Jaiden Ausberry broke the all-time tackle record at his high school with 384. The point is that this group’s list of accolades goes on. These guys have the physical and mental traits to become above-average contributors at the collegiate level.

While it’s unfortunate Notre Dame football lost out on Keon Keeley, and Peyton Bowen remains an unknown, the Irish will be in good hands. This is one of the top recruiting classes Notre Dame has ever had, and they’ve done just fine up until now. Marcus Freeman helped Benjamin Morrison reach freshmen All-American honors, and Joe Alt is the best at his position in the game. Neither of them was highly touted out of high school.

Coach Freeman is also a big part of Sauce Gardner’s success at Cincinnati and in the NFL. Of course, Sauce worked hard to get to where he is, but coaching and an eye for talent help. The Irish are in great hands recruiting-wise moving forward.