Walter Matthews

Notre Dame hasn't received a commitment from Saturday's Junior Day to this point, but in time, it will likely serve as a big weekend for the future of the program. - The weekend was a chance for Notre Dame's 2024 commits to get around each other once again and as mentioned last week, it's never a bad thing in today's recruiting world for multiple commits to be in the same place. It's a close group and they grew even closer over the weekend. Sure, it's easier to have CJ Carr, Cam Williams and Karson Hobbs show up for events with them all being three(ish) hours or less away, but for Aneyas Williams, Jack Larsen, Peter Jones and Owen Wafle to get back to campus is significant. - 2024 Georgia tight end Walter Matthews got his first look at Notre Dame over the weekend and while I think he enjoyed it, I would have to say he's the one kid whom the Irish didn't make a huge move with. He's a kid that doesn't say too much, so Notre Dame could have impressed him more than he lets on, but right now, I'd expect him to stay in the South. - 2024 Hamiton Southeastern (Ind.) offensive lineman Styles Prescod picked up an offer from the Irish during his visit and the fact Harry Hiestand went to his high school on Friday tells you all you need to know about how the staff feels about him. Notre Dame will need to get him back on campus this spring for practice as Prescod has blown up with offers from Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin in the last 48 hours. I like where Notre Dame stands and it will only help the Irish to get him around guys like Blake Fisher in future visits. - Notre Dame helped its chances with 2024 defensive end Bryce Young, 2024 defensive end Jacob Smith and 2024 defensive lineman Jerod Smith this weekend. In fact, I personally feel Notre Dame leads for all three of them. All three plan to take more visits this spring, but it seems Young wants to end the recruiting process sooner than later, while the Smiths will likely make a summer decision. - 2024 Prior Lake (Minn.) defensive lineman Jide Abasiri was impressed with the visit and left the staff with a positive view of how he could fit into the program. That said, Notre Dame didn't offer as Abasiri is probably a bit too raw right now. I think the camp circuit will be big for him this summer, but I also believe Notre Dame might not need to get to the point where he is offered as Al Washington has the Irish sitting in prime position to land a few guys who already have offers. - 2024 Largo (Fla.) linebacker Adarius Hayes made his second trip to South Bend and I think the Irish have some momentum here. Two trips from Florida for unofficial indicates a clear interest and the Irish staff has been very persistent with him. Right now, Notre Dame is in the 1-2 schools and we'll see where they fall once the high of the visit wears off and how he likes some of his other visits this spring. I do think Notre Dame is in a great spot to get an official visit and that was likely the goal of this weekend's trip as Hayes doesn't seem to be in a hurry to make a decision. - 2024 Lovejoy (Texas) linebacker Payton Pierce is starting to become a fixture at Notre Dame as he made his third trip to South Bend in the last few months. I feel Notre Dame leads as of today and will be tough to beat. That said, Pierce is expected to visit Oklahoma at the end of the month, which is a school his family holds in high regard (alums). This is shaping up to be another Irish vs. Sooners battle.- 2024 Northside (Ind.) athlete Brauntae Johnson made his return to Notre Dame and at this point, the four-star prospect has seen and experienced just about everything he can. This one comes down to him being comfortable with Notre Dame's plan for him as he could play either side of the ball. As mentioned last week, I expect Johnson to settle on a position in the coming months after his basketball season and once he picks up his receiver training. If he and those around him see more development at receiver, then receiver might be the position he picks, but if not, then safety becomes a more comfortable option. Notre Dame has done great in Fort Wayne and Johnson is well-aware of this as he grew up a fan and trains at the same place all those former Irish players worked out at. - 2025 Ohio athlete Dorian Brew picked up an offer from Notre Dame and the Irish left quite the impression as well. Right now, Notre Dame leads and probably has a significant lead, but it's still very early in his recruitment. Brew is from the same are as Marcus Freeman and Mike Mickens, so there are a lot of pro-Notre Dame folks around him, which is never a bad thing. Vineyard Vines Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish Bradley Stripe Sankaty Polo