When looking at the absolute most essential recruiting targets in the 2027 recruiting class for Notre Dame, there aren't many higher on that list than Julius Jones Jr. According to at least one analyst, the Fighting Irish have done enough that they are now the leaders in the clubhouse for the legacy prospect's services.
Jones' father of the same name played running back for the Fighting Irish from 1999-to-2003. The star runner and fan favorite finished his career with 3,018 rushing yards and 27 total touchdowns. Jones was then selected in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and proceeded to play seven seasons in the NFL.
Notre Dame trending for legacy 2027 receiver Julius Jones Jr. after new projection
On Wednesday night, Rivals analyst Mike Singer entered an official prediction that Notre Dame would land Julius Jones Jr. It was the latest of what has been a long string of predictions from Singer. While some might see Jones' prediction get lost in the shuffle, he might be the biggest target for Marcus Freeman and Co. in the 2027 class.
While the younger Jones is following in his dad's footsteps in being a great player, he's playing another position. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, he's the No. 14 wide receiver and No. 6 player in Florida for the 2027 class. He's also the No. 69 player in the entire cycle.
In 13 games as a sophomore, Jones hauled in 51 receptions for 750 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 14.7 yards per catch despite playing against some of the best competition in the entire country.
In seven games so far this season, the junior has managed to haul in 27 receptions for 517 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 5-10, 175-pound pass catcher leads the team in each category thus far, and by a wide margin. Jones has also increased his yards per catch average to 19.1 on the year, creating a ton of big plays.
As Singer has said about several of his other 2027 predictions, there's still a long fight ahead for the Notre Dame football team, but he believes the Irish will eventually win.