Payton Pierce

- As it relates to Chansi Stuckey, I've spoken to numerous sources and there wasn't a massive revolt in the receiver room which led to Tuesday's decision. Was everyone happy in the room? No. I don't think you're going to find a position room anywhere in the country that is filled with happy student-athletes as not everyone can or will play. Multiple folks have said they were very surprised by the move, but there was no denying the receivers weren't overly productive over the last two seasons. Is that due to Stuckey, Drew Pyne, the focus on Michael Mayer, Sam Hartman, or inexperience and injuries in 2023? I think you can make arguments for all of the above. - In terms of what the roster could look like for whatever bowl Notre Dame plays in, I think the two-deep could look very different than what you saw for Stanford last weekend. There will be transfers, opt-outs and there is always a player or two who get banged up during bowl prep. Regardless of who is on the field or even the result, it's a great opportunity for Notre Dame to see what they have in some of the younger guys, but also to get valuable experience heading into 2024. For instance, if Audric Estime declares and doesn't play, it will allow Notre Dame to use Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price is more significant roles. Drayk Bowen made an appearance in short-yard situations last weekend and it wouldn't hurt to see him in a more extended role and giving JD Bertrand less reps at Mike. Obviously, the goal is to win the game, but the experience young guys can get like Jaylen Sneed did last year, can be beneficial for many players as Notre Dame opens the 2024 season in a cult atmosphere. - 2025 defensive back Ivan Taylor will make his commitment on Friday afternoon. The four-star prospect visited Notre Dame multiple times this year, including camp, July's BBQ and multiple games. Notre Dame appears to be in a very good spot to land him over Florida State, Louisville, Michigan, Tennessee, USC and Wisconsin. - In a world of early offers driving the recruiting world, it's always interesting to see different markers. It can be 3-5 years later to see how good an evaluation was or it can be testing the water with how others view players. The Butkus Award listed its five finalists of Sammy Brown, Payton Pierce, Brayden Platt, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Justin Williams for the high school awards. All five had Notre Dame offers and the Irish hosted Brown, Pierce and KVA on visits. It's worth noting they were early offers by Notre Dame as all three were offered in the first half of 2022. Brown: Jan. 25, 2022Pierce: June 24, 2022Platt: Jan. 20, 2023KVA: March 10, 2022Williams: Jan 19, 2023And sure, it's easy to offer some players after their freshman or sophomore seasons, but it's also encouraging to see them turn into good football players 2-3 years later as some fall off. Notre Dame has done a good job of offering the top kids early, but it also shows the importance of building relationships to get them on campus multiple times as Pierce and KVA made numerous visits. - A few sources in Florida have mentioned Notre Dame has reached out to Miami graduate transfer defensive end Jahfari Harvey. The 6-foot-4, 252-pounder recorded 23 tackles and one sack in 2023 after making 31 stops and 5.5 sacks in 2022. Notre Dame has the example of all examples as Javontae Jean-Baptiste thrived in South Bend in his final year of collegiate ball. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 16'' x 22'' Holiday Marquee Sign