2022 Spotlight | Notre Dame S Target Xavier Nwankpa

S Xavier Nwankpa‍ 

Ranking
ISD: 93 - four-star
Composite: 96.8 - four-star 

Vitals 
6’2, 175
Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) 

Offers 
Arizona State, Clemson, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Princeton, Texas and Wisconsin

The Skinny 
Notre Dame got in early on Nwankpa and it could pay off as he’s already been on campus. The four-star prospect was likely one of Marcus Freeman’s first calls as Notre Dame needs a game-changer in the defensive backfield and Nwankpa is exactly that. As of now, the Iowa native is taking his recruitment slow as he just released a top 12 of Arizona State, Clemson, Iowa, Iowa State, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas and Wisconsin. 

If we had to guess on his next cut, Notre Dame should definitely be in it along with Clemson and Ohio State, but after that, Texas seems to be fading a little bit and there’s a strong pull to stay home as well. 

A four-star safety with five-star potential who has been on campus and has an Ivy offer...Notre Dame needs to finish here. 

Timetable 
As mentioned, Nwankpa doesn’t seem to be in a rush and rightfully so as the mid-April is when the dead period could end. For him, I do put more emphasis on getting to campus for an actual visit over an independent visit as Notre Dame (and every other school) need to be able to give him all the information possible, but also to build stronger relationships.

Southeast Polk head coach Brad Zelenovich
”He’s really taken on a good leadership role for our football team. He separates himself not only with his physical play, but with how he goes about his business. He’s extremely mature for his age. He practices and prepares and leads like a college kid, like somebody who is really focused in on their craft and trying to improve every day.”

Junior Highlights