NSD Superlatives | 2020

It’s one of our favorite pieces of the year at Irish Sports Daily. National Signing Day is exciting enough as Notre Dame fans get to see hyped recruits and under the radar prospects sign with the Irish. 

We have spoken to these kids and those around them for years, so it’s always fun to put a final bow on the class. 

Most Intriguing Prospect
Matt Freeman: WR Jordan Johnson‍ - Notre Dame has developed NFL receivers over the last few years, but none have had the pure talent of Johnson.

Jamie Uyeyama: DE Alexander Ehrensberger‍ - What could be more intriguing than a kid from Germany who has all of the physical and athletic traits to be a stud at Notre Dame? There are so many unknowns with him with the adjustment he'll be making coming to Notre Dame that we have no idea how good he will be. This is much different than the Irish landing Chase Claypool from Canada. Ehrensberger's talent is intriguing and so is the rest of his story. I can't wait to see what happens with his development over the next few years.

Christian McCollum: Michael Carmody‍ - He’s only played the position for a couple of years, so his ceiling is higher than most. Playing hoops has helped his footwork, but he won’t have any of toughness issues, which can often be the case when basketball players try their hands at football. His brother, Robby, has already proven that won’t be a problem. 

Best Pure Athlete
Matt: RB Chris Tyree‍ - There are several names here, but after watching Tyree lives at The Opening over the summer, I know Notre Dame is getting a special athlete.

Jamie: RB Chris Tyree‍ - Hard to disagree with Matt here. Tyree could play running back, in the slot, or corner at the next level. He also might walk on to campus and be the fastest man on the team.

Christian: TE Michael Mayer‍ - In the interest of being different, I’ll go with Mayer, who I expect to be the next great Irish tight end.

Best Interview
Matt: DT Aidan Keanaaina‍ - Wise beyond his years and always took the time to talk.

Jamie: QB Drew Pyne‍ - An intelligent kid who really thinks the game in an advanced way for his age. 

Christian: QB Drew Pyne‍ - The Connecticut quarterback has the poise and authenticity that reminds me of a young Jordan Spieth.

Most Underrated Prospect
Matt: CB Clarence Lewis‍ - I think this kid is going to be a very good football player as he's athletic and long. 

Jamie: WR Xavier Watts‍ - If he was from a different state, more people would have taken notice of his talent. He's an explosive athlete who can play on either side of the ball for the Irish.

Christian: WR Jay Brunelle‍ - The kid has been doubted several steps along the way, yet he’s always been up to the task. His work ethic and belief in himself will allow him tio outperform expectations at Notre Dame.

Biggest Get
Matt: WR Xavier Watts‍ - Taking him out of Nebraska was huge, but his ability to play receiver or defensive back is also significant.

Jamie: DE Jordan Botelho‍ - Has the competitive edge that is needed on Notre Dame's defense and has the potential to be an elite pass rusher. It was a coup for the staff to take him away from the West Coast.

Christian: RB Chris Tyree‍ - He will provide a backfield weapon Notre Dame hasn’t had in quite some time.

Most Immediate Impact
Matt: LS Alex Peitsch‍ - Will start from day one and hopefully, you won't hear about him again until he wins the Mannelly Award as a senior.

Jamie : WR Jordan Johnson‍ - The opportunity will be there and Johnson has the talent to take advantage of it. He can provide splash plays as a freshman.

ChristianL WR Jordan Johnson‍ - In addition to what Jamie says, he’s also a tenacious blocker, which will help him get to the field quicker.

Most Surprising Get
Matt: DE Jordan Botelho‍ - The four-star prospect had all the offers and took one official visit to Notre Dame.

Jamie: DE Jordan Botelho‍ - Seemed like Washington was going to be a contender for a long time for him and the Irish have lost out on some prospects to the Huskies in recent years. Like Matt said, it was surprising for him to be all in after just one visit.

Christian: DE Alexander Ehrensberger‍ - I didn’t see this one happening until it actually happened. 

Toughest Miss
Matt: DE Braiden McGregor‍ - McGregor would have been the icing on the cake for Notre Dame. The staff was extremely close but couldn't overcome Michigan at the end.

Jamie: CB Jalen Kimber‍ - He was never going to leave the south, but he was by far the best corner that the Irish got on campus for a visit this cycle and he would have made an immediate impact. Not landing a corner of his caliber was the biggest miss of this class for the Irish.

Christian: OL Walker Parks‍ - Landing Carmody certainly took the sting out of this one, but there was a period when the Irish looked like the favorites until Clemson blew him away.