Does Notre Dame football have the next Joey Bosa?

While it’s completely unfair to label a kid just leaving high school as the next Joey Bosa, Brenan Vernon of Notre Dame football is comparable in many aspects. Size, strength, and motor all stand out similarly to Bosa in high school.

Again, I want to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on Brenan Vernon heading into his freshman season. Though, with hard work and dedication, Vernon could be heading to the NFL to join the Charger’s defensive end. Both will have left high school at an impressive 6’5″ and 270 pounds. Bosa’s arms measured 33.38 inches, whereas Brenan has a slightly longer reach at 33.50. Bosa does have about half an inch in hand size compared to Brenan Vernon’s 9.5-inch hands.

The measurable traits are undoubtedly similar. Rating out of high school was eerily similar as well before an inexplicable drop in the rankings from Vernon. Bosa finished his high school career with a 95 overall rating, according to 247Sports, while Vernon is rated a 90 overall. At one point, the young defensive end from Mentor, Ohio, was also rated a 95 according to 247Sports.

Selected for the All-American Bowl game this Saturday, January 7th, Vernon will look to make an impact against the best in the nation. In team practices for the game, Vernon had a smooth interception at the line of scrimmage, showing his ability to disrupt the passing game. Obviously, the most critical skill will be getting after the quarterback. Still, it’s nice to know his hands are above average should a similar opportunity arise with Notre Dame football.

The future is bright for the entire class of 2023, for the Irish, and Brenan will be a significant factor in leading that group. Along with Drayk Bowen and Christian Gray, the team will be in good hands at all 3 levels moving forward. Obviously reaching the heights Joey Bosa has would be a best case scenario for Vernon, though nothing is out of the question.