5 Favorite Prospects in Notre Dame's 2022 Class
There may be some disappointment at a certain position group, but Notre Dame is still ready to sign their highest percentage of blue-chip prospects in a class since 2013. The group has outstanding prospects on both sides of the ball and that made my decision on my favorite prospects in the class even more difficult than it typically is.
I decided to keep it to only one choice per position, but then that made it more difficult to narrow it down specifically at linebacker and offensive line. Let’s call it a good problem to have for Notre Dame fans because this class has several who I believe have star potential.
LB Joshua Burnham
Burnham has been a favorite of mine for a long time. A big time athlete who starred as a running quarterback on offense as well as standing out as playmaker on defense, it will be exciting to see his development once he’s able to fully concentrate on playing linebacker. He’s a great athlete as you can see on the basketball court as well.
Even with his dual-role in high school, he displayed natural instincts against the inside run and exciting pass rush potential whether that’s as a blitzer or off the edge. He may grow into a Vyper for Notre Dame, but wherever he ends up, I think the Irish landed someone who can be a difference-maker.
CB Jaden Mickey
No, I didn’t include him because of his response to CJ Williams decommitting (but it didn’t hurt his cause). Mickey is one of those players who combines polish for his age with great instincts. He might not have the perfect measurables, but he plays much bigger than he’s listed in the program.
I think he can develop into a dynamite player in the nickel and wouldn’t be surprised to see him get on the field early at Notre Dame.
TE Eli Raridon
How many tight ends have you seen take the ball on jet sweeps?
Raridon isn’t getting enough love as a top prospect in this class. Perhaps that’s because he’s from Iowa. Perhaps it’s because of the position he plays. Whatever the reason for it, his skills can’t be overlooked.
He has the ability to make a significant impact after the catch and it will be fun to watch him as he adds weight to that long frame.
OT Aamil Wagner
The biggest surprise commitment from this class has a ceiling as high as anyone Notre Dame will sign. Who wouldn’t want another Ronnie Stanley at left tackle and Wagner could be that, but more violent.
He’ll need some time to physically develop, but he’ll have that with players like Joe Alt and Blake Fisher in the class ahead of him. And don’t forget that Alt was supposed to need plenty of time to get bigger and stronger and it happened much quicker than anyone anticipated.
We’ll see if it’s the same with Wagner. Either way, he has a bright future if he puts all of his impressive tools together.
RB JD Price
Explosive plays are like gold in college football and Notre Dame is about to sign a back who will make them a rich offense.
Price is a home run hitter. He hits the turbo button and he’s gone.
He has the speed. That’s obvious. It’s his vision and balance that help produce those big plays, though. With the players he’s going to have up front blocking for him during his career, he’s going to have some holes to work with and he understands the assignment when he gets a crease.