Photo by Rick Kimball/ISD
Notre Dame Football Recruiting
Dream Class 2018: Linebacker
January 3, 2017
5,001
2017 recruiting isn’t done just yet, as National Signing Day is less than a month away, but it’s never too early to take a quick look at the 2018 class, which is deep with talent at multiple positions.
It’s always a fun time of the year to think of what a dream class scenario would be in each class. Today, we will take a look at three linebackers that Notre Dame would love to have end up with in February of 2018.
The good news for Notre Dame is they already have two linebackers committed in 2018 in Ovie Oghoufo and Matthew ‘Bo’ Bauer, so they can be selective in rounding the class out.
Dallas Gant – St. John’s – Ohio
If Notre Dame wants to get more athletic on the outside, Gant is your guy. The four-star prospect has the length that would definitely help on the perimeter, but Gant is also a physical player. He’s not Jaylon Smith, but Gant can play in space and won’t hesitate to fill in the run.
Notre Dame hosted Gant multiple times in the last six months, which included Irish Invasion and two games. It’s very evident Notre Dame thinks wants the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder and the Toledo native is more than interested.
As normal, Markese Stepp has made Gant a personal priority and the two have interacted at Notre Dame. Gant does have a personality that does fits exactly what Notre Dame looks for off the field, so making sure he is exposed to the 2018 commitments will be huge down the road.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Gant’s recruitment, as he understands the class is filling up at linebacker, but he’s also not hurting for options. Michigan State, Ohio State, and UCLA are the big names that have offered him and it’s hard to turn down the home-state team in the Buckeyes.
Christopher Oats – Winton Woods – Ohio
Much like Gant, Oats makes Notre Dame better on the perimeter. Mike Elko loves the hybrid guy that can rush the quarterback and the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Oats could very well fit that well.
On film, the Ohio native plays the edge well in the run game, but also the pass game. He has the length to cause problems and needs to continue to get stronger. It’s very easy to see the tools are there to be a pretty scary player in about three years once he gets into a college strength and conditioning program.
Oats currently doesn’t hold an offer from Notre Dame, but is probably on the short list to get one if everything checks out off the field. Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh have offered, so the Irish need to get on the train sooner than later.
The four-star prospect comes from the same program as Notre Dame defensive tackle Daniel Cage.
JJ Peterson – Colquitt County – Georgia
Since this is a dream list, I am going to toss the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder’s name on here. It’s very unlikely that Notre Dame gets into this race, but man, Peterson’s skill set is exactly what is needed in South Bend.
The four-star prospect has the acceleration that few have, but he also posses the ability to track the football and then knock someone’s head off. I am not sure how he projects in the run game at the Power Five level, but he is likely going to help a program on third down as soon as he steps on campus.
Peterson can play in space and cover a whole lot of space very quickly. Rushing off the edge in Elko’s defense would likely be something awesome to watch for Notre Dame fans.
Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina are a few of the teams that have already offered the Georgia native, but that list is likely to grow very quickly.
I am not sure how Notre Dame can insert themselves into his top group, but if they get a chance to stop by Colquitt County, an offer would certainly be step one.
On Wednesday, we will take a look at some defensive ends.
It’s always a fun time of the year to think of what a dream class scenario would be in each class. Today, we will take a look at three linebackers that Notre Dame would love to have end up with in February of 2018.
The good news for Notre Dame is they already have two linebackers committed in 2018 in Ovie Oghoufo and Matthew ‘Bo’ Bauer, so they can be selective in rounding the class out.
Dallas Gant – St. John’s – Ohio
If Notre Dame wants to get more athletic on the outside, Gant is your guy. The four-star prospect has the length that would definitely help on the perimeter, but Gant is also a physical player. He’s not Jaylon Smith, but Gant can play in space and won’t hesitate to fill in the run.
Notre Dame hosted Gant multiple times in the last six months, which included Irish Invasion and two games. It’s very evident Notre Dame thinks wants the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder and the Toledo native is more than interested.
As normal, Markese Stepp has made Gant a personal priority and the two have interacted at Notre Dame. Gant does have a personality that does fits exactly what Notre Dame looks for off the field, so making sure he is exposed to the 2018 commitments will be huge down the road.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Gant’s recruitment, as he understands the class is filling up at linebacker, but he’s also not hurting for options. Michigan State, Ohio State, and UCLA are the big names that have offered him and it’s hard to turn down the home-state team in the Buckeyes.
Christopher Oats – Winton Woods – Ohio
Much like Gant, Oats makes Notre Dame better on the perimeter. Mike Elko loves the hybrid guy that can rush the quarterback and the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Oats could very well fit that well.
On film, the Ohio native plays the edge well in the run game, but also the pass game. He has the length to cause problems and needs to continue to get stronger. It’s very easy to see the tools are there to be a pretty scary player in about three years once he gets into a college strength and conditioning program.
Oats currently doesn’t hold an offer from Notre Dame, but is probably on the short list to get one if everything checks out off the field. Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh have offered, so the Irish need to get on the train sooner than later.
The four-star prospect comes from the same program as Notre Dame defensive tackle Daniel Cage.
JJ Peterson – Colquitt County – Georgia
Since this is a dream list, I am going to toss the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder’s name on here. It’s very unlikely that Notre Dame gets into this race, but man, Peterson’s skill set is exactly what is needed in South Bend.
The four-star prospect has the acceleration that few have, but he also posses the ability to track the football and then knock someone’s head off. I am not sure how he projects in the run game at the Power Five level, but he is likely going to help a program on third down as soon as he steps on campus.
Peterson can play in space and cover a whole lot of space very quickly. Rushing off the edge in Elko’s defense would likely be something awesome to watch for Notre Dame fans.
Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina are a few of the teams that have already offered the Georgia native, but that list is likely to grow very quickly.
I am not sure how Notre Dame can insert themselves into his top group, but if they get a chance to stop by Colquitt County, an offer would certainly be step one.
On Wednesday, we will take a look at some defensive ends.
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