With additional room in its 2017 recruiting class, Notre Dame has decided to welcome another kicker to its roster with North Carolina’s Jonathan Doerer.
And according to kicking guru Chris Sailer of Chris Sailer Kicking, the Irish are getting a good one.
“I’ve known Jonathan since he was a freshman in high school, so I’ve seen him develop over the last four years,” Sailer told Irish Sports Daily. “We currently have him ranked number three in the nation and really, he’s as talented as anyone, so he could easily be ranked number one.
“He’s a big kid. I think he’s about 6-3, strong, lanky, athletic. There really is a ton of upside to him.”
Doerer had been committed to Maryland, but switched his pledge to the Irish following a visit to South Bend this weekend.
“As far as his field goals are concerned, it’s a great ball off the ground,” Sailer continued. “It’s an NFL-type ball when he hits his best ball. He’s really come a long way improving his consistency. He’s a guy who is 100 percent ready for that level.
“He’s got 55, 60 yard-range. There’s no kick in a game that is out of his range. That’s one of his strengths, he’s got tremendous power and strength.”
But it’s another area of Doerer’s game where he truly separates himself.
“Kickoff-wise, he’s dominant,” Sailer said. “That would be his strength. He crushes kickoffs. He’d be the type of kid who could come in as a freshman and give you at least 70, 80 percent touchbacks without blinking. Kickoff-wise, he’s really strong.”
Like any high school player at any position, consistency is an area where the South Mecklenburg High School specialist can continue to grow.
“When you’re tall like he is, a small thing goes wrong and the ball can move on you at times,” Sailer explained. “Like I said, he’s come a long way in that area, but coming from the high school level to the college level, it’s getting used to the speed of the game and improving his consistency. It’s not that he’s inconsistent…He’s extremely talented, you can always get better at being more consistent.”
As we’ve reported, current Irish kicker Justin Yoon is dealing with an injury. He’s expected back for the season, but if for some reason he isn’t, Sailer would expect Doerer to be up to the task as much as any true freshman could be.
“You’re always going to go through ups and downs with having to play a young player who is getting used to the speed of the game. If needed, he could definitely step in and play. Really, if he’s not needed, he’s going to challenge for that spot because he’s that talented.
“I have no concerns over his abilities. It’s just a matter of being able to step in and handle the pressure more than anything else.”
Check out Doerer’s profile on Sailer’s site HERE.
robertleland13 said:
Question: How can he be #3 in the country and be rated between 2 and 3 stars.
Question: How can he be #3 in the country and have only 3 offers?
This all seems very odd.
What OC saidoc10spray said:robertleland13 said:
Question: How can he be #3 in the country and be rated between 2 and 3 stars.
Question: How can he be #3 in the country and have only 3 offers?
This all seems very odd.
Par for the course when it comes to kickers, punters and long snappers. They're not considered all that valuable until you don't have one... then you're screwed.
