Brenan Vernon

Mike Elston's departure for Michigan was a surprise to many, including 2023 defensive end commits Brenan Vernon and Keon Keeley. Both commits had developed strong relationships with Elston, especially Vernon, who was the first offer in the 2023 class. In checking around today, Keeley and Vernon both are extremely pleased to hear Al Washington is the guy. Not only is he a big name, but both prospects have relationships with him already as he recruited them while at Ohio State. I know Keeley is fired up and Vernon also loves the hire. That said, I feel it'd take much more for Vernon to back off his Notre Dame commitment at this point than Elston leaving. Vernon is a Midwest kid who has been visiting Notre Dame since he was a freshman, so he's got an excellent feel for what he's getting. He also is a kid who could care less about recruiting, so other programs getting in contact with him is a little tougher.Keeley plays a premium position. It's why rush ends get paid stupid money in the NFL. Teams in the South aren't going to back off Keeley. The Washington hire helps significantly here, but Notre Dame is still going to battle it out. Keeley plans to get to Notre Dame as much as he can, including an official visit, so don't take it as he's fading on the Irish. I expect Notre Dame to be at Berkeley Prep as much as possible despite not being able to really talk to him per NCAA rules. The presence in the building will speak volumes by itself. It's also worth noting 2023 LB commit Drayk Bowen signs off on the hire. Ohio State never offered Bowen as they don't want two-sport athletes, but Washington and Bowen had several conversations over his recruitment.