Notre Dame's 2023 WR Haul Already Something Special
Make no mistake about it, Notre Dame wants to add Ronan Hanafin to its 2023 recruiting class and continues to do what it can to make that happen.
That being said, the Irish have already landed three top targets at the position and their impact on Notre Dame’s current recruiting class and eventual roster shouldn’t be overlooked or disregarded simply because there’s no drama left to their recruitments.
Timing can place outsized attention on certain targets, but it doesn’t change their relative importance when it comes to on-field production.
In Braylon James, Jaden Greathouse and Rico Flores Jr., the Irish have reeled in a trio of targets who can come in immediately and help put Notre Dame’s receiving corps “on another level.”
James was the first to pull the trigger for the Irish, when the Texas receiver announced his commitment in April.
James is described as “a kid with raw, untapped talent.”
At 6-2, 185 pounds, James possesses great length and the compete level to excel in 50/50 ball opportunities. For his size, he has an exceptional ability to sink his hip and accelerate. He’s a smooth route-runner.
Flores is another gifted route-runner who can run every route on the tree. He’s also a guy who has been described as “ultra competitive.” At 6-1, 190, the California native adds good size and has loose hips that allow him to change speeds almost effortlessly.
Greathouse has already proven he can be an extremely productive receiver, pulling in 182 passes for over 3,100 yards and 43 touchdowns. He’s shown he’s not afraid to be “The Guy” even at a storied high school program like Austin Westlake.
He possesses “elite” body control, strong hands and the speed to run after the catch. A basketball player, Greathouse also has great hand-eye coordination and at 6-2, 215 pounds, is another great body.
In addition to their physical traits, all three will be welcomed additions to the Chansi Stuckey and Tommy Rees’ meeting rooms.
James is an extremely bright and mature young man who is “naturally gifted” at bringing people together via an infectious personality.
Flores will bring “an edge” to the room with his personality, which will help raise the levels of others to match his standard.
Meanwhile, Greathouse and the other two revel on competition while possessing a funny personality that helps him get along with everybody.
“This is a great mix of guys who were targeted,” one source said. “No guy is the same and they all need to be defended differently.”
There’s no doubt the Irish came up short at receiver last cycle with the CJ Williams and Amorion Walker bolting the class at the last minute. But Notre Dame did still land an elite target in Washington’s Tobias Merriweather.
As for the current pledges, one source simply said, “Think about these guys with Tobias.”
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