BREAKING | 2022 TE Eli Raridon Commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame landing top-ranked tight ends has become a new normal and 2022 Valley (Iowa) tight end Eli Raridon is the latest to choose to play for the Fighting Irish.
The four-star prospect is a Notre Dame legacy, but the 6-foot-6, 220-pounder gave much thought to Iowa and other programs, so this was a big win for Tommy Rees and John McNulty.
“After last weekend's visit, I just fell in love with the place,” Raridon said when asked what put Notre Dame over the top. “I got to see a player’s perspective on the place. I got to hang with John Mahoney. The tight end success is better than anyone else. Ever since ‘05, every tight end has been drafted. The degree at Notre Dame is just as good as Ivy League, so I really can’t go wrong with that decision. It’s also been a dream school of mine ever since I can remember, so I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.”
Raridon immediately improves the Irish tight end from an athleticism standpoint as he also stars on the hardwood. The athleticism and length have drawn comparisons to former tight end Tyler Eifert, but Raridon might have an even higher ceiling.
“He's a legit 6-6 and I'm not sure he's done growing,” said Valley head coach Gary Swenson. “I think anybody that sees any of the footage of him playing basketball is impressed because he's very athletic.
“I'm sure he could have a future in collegiate basketball if he wanted it. I'm not sure what level, but he could play.”
Off the field, Notre Dame will get a kid willing to work and someone who is a leader, which fits perfectly in South Bend.
“He has a lot of respect on our team,” Swenson stated. “They respect his ability. He's pretty easy-going. No huge ego. When all these offers started coming, you'd never know it. I have to go ask him half the time.
“He doesn't walk around like it should change his day. He's a good kid, no character issues, good worker in the weight room…He's a really good worker. I was really pleased with his season this year and I expect him to have a better one next year.”
Offers: Arizona State, Auburn, Buffalo, Cal, Duke, Florida State, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Purdue, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia
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