Notre Dame football: Eyes on DL Rondell Bothroyd

Though Notre Dame football has had some misses in the transfer portal, they’re still making their rounds. Former Wake Forest captain and defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd has entered the transfer portal. According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, the Irish will pursue him.

First and foremost, subscribe to the guys at Irish Illustrated if you want to stay in the loop on recruiting updates. That said, Bothroyd would be an excellent pickup for the Irish in more ways than one. Not only is he a talented DL, but he also can be a leader on the defensive side of the ball. With Isaiah Foskey heading to the NFL, the defense will need some veteran leadership next year.

Though he has dealt with injuries his entire career, Rondell has put up solid numbers so far through parts of 5 seasons. In 2018 and 2020, he combined for a total of 5 games. His numbers are still great as Bothroyd has 136 tackles and 15.5 sacks with 4 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries. He can definitely be a difference-maker on the defensive side of the football.

Recruiting insiders at Demon Deacon Digest of 247Sports have indicated NIL may be a factor. Rondell may have received lukewarm feedback from NFL scouts and will look to supplant potential NFL earnings with NIL money. If that’s the case, Notre Dame football won’t be able to offer anything up front, but certainly can while he’s on campus. The Irish refuse, so far, to get involved in pay-for-play recruiting.

The coaching staff may have a leg up on the rest of the competition if they are indeed favorites for Sam Hartman. Landing the offensive and defensive captains from a power-5 program could boost both sides of the football. There will be other suitors that will be lining up for Bothroyd and FSU may be there yet again, just like with Braden Fiske.

While it remains to be seen if Hartman or Bothroyd will end up as members of the Fighting Irish, both would play pivotal roles in a race to the college football playoffs. The coaching staff needs some recruiting wins after a tough few weeks.