Notre Dame Football Early Signing Period | Wide Receiver
It was no secret Notre Dame needed to land receivers in the 2023 recruiting class and Chansi Stuckey did just that as the Irish will bring in one of the most talented wideout groups in the country.
WR Rico Flores Jr.
Ranking
ISD: 90 (four-star)
Composite: 91.74 (four-star)
Vitals
6-1, 190
Folsom (Folsom, California)
Recruiter
Chansi Stuckey
Recruitment Rundown
Chansi Stuckey once again made his presence felt as Flores became a quick priority once he took the job at Notre Dame. The four-star prospect likely would have committed to Ohio State, but the Buckeyes filled up. Stuckey and Notre Dame stayed persistent, while also making Flores a priority. Following his official visit to Notre Dame in June, it was clear the Irish were the team to beat and Flores committed in early July.
ISD Expert Jamie Uyeyama
I see Flores’ ceiling as a high-end possession receiver who can thrive as a 3rd down option. His skill set can allow him to play inside or out, but I like him in the slot.
I always try to find a Notre Dame comp for a commit, but I didn’t have one for Flores that I feel matches his game very well. He reminds me of former Clemson wide receiver Cornell Powell, who was the number one option for them during the 2020 season and was All-ACC that year.
Favorite ISD Quote
“I'm very diverse, so they could set me up really anywhere on the field and just prepare me for mismatches; put me in the slot, kill the linebackers, kill the safeties that come down in the boundary, cook corners and stuff like that.
WR Jaden Greathouse
Ranking
ISD: 93 (four-star)
Composite: 94.31 (four-star)
Vitals
6-2, 215
Westlake (Austin, Texas)
Recruiter
Chansi Stuckey
Recruitment Rundown
There was a lack of drama with Greathouse’s recruitment as the four-star narrowed his recruitment to Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas and South Carolina in May. Greathouse took his official visit to Notre Dame and committed to the Irish on July 8th.
ISD Expert Jamie Uyeyama
I think he has the potential to be a number one receiver for Notre Dame either on the boundary or working as a big slot.
The production he has had against strong competition in Texas is undeniable and the physical tools set a high floor for him. It’s the ball skills and body control that can elevate him to be a go-to target.
He’s not quite as freakish as Chase Claypool with his size, but the ability to high point the football, win contested catches, willingness to block, and the strength after the catch are reminiscent of Claypool to me. The skill set is similar even though Greathouse is more polished than Claypool was.
Claypool got faster in college and we’ll see if the same happens with Greathouse.
Favorite ISD Quote
“Just trusting in Coach Stuck and Coach Rees. I believe they’ll develop me into the next great receiver for sure.”
Junior Highlights
WR Kaleb Smith
Ranking
ISD: 88 (three-star)
Composite: 88.26 (three-star)
Vitals
6-1, 180
Reedy (Frisco, Texas)
Recruiter
Chansi Stuckey
Recruitment Rundown
Smith’s recruitment had a touch of drama as he decommitted from Texas Tech in November. The three-star prospect only had one offer, but that quickly changed as Smith reported his offer from Notre Dame and made his way to campus for an official visit days later. Three weeks later, Smith gave his verbal pledge to the Irish.
ISD Expert Jamie Uyeyama
It’s difficult to project a ceiling for someone who has so much development to do at his position, but the speed with Smith is undeniable. He has the potential to be another explosive play threat in this class for the Irish and they’ve once again upgraded their team speed with this addition.
Smith is very much like the type of kid Baylor has had success with in recent years, which shouldn’t be surprising that he was previously committed to former Baylor assistant and current Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire and we know Notre Dame wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey was at Baylor as well.
Smith is going to have to take some time before he sees the field at Notre Dame, but it will be exciting to see where he takes his game in a couple of years.
Favorite ISD Quote
“Notre Dame being the powerhouse it is and knowing the exposure that comes with being a part of the Fighting Irish, it was just something that intrigued me and something I felt I had to explore
WR Braylon James
Ranking
ISD: 94 (four-star)
Composite: 94.45 (four-star)
Vitals
6-2, 185
Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas)
Recruiter
Chansi Stuckey
Recruitment Rundown
Coming into the process, other schools may have had fundamental edges, especially LSU because of family ties to the state. Stanford always had James and his family’s attention because of the academics while TCU was in the race because of relationships with the coaching staff in Fort Worth.
Notre Dame didn’t seem like a player heading into January, but enter Chansi Stuckey. The two had developed a relationship during Stuckey’s time at Baylor and James made his way to campus in March. The Texas native committed to Notre Dame a month later and held firm in his commitment during his process.
ISD Expert Jamie Uyeyama
James has the potential to be a big time deep threat for the Irish. A multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track, there is a lot of room to grow with his game and the athletic traits are already very exciting.
His speed could allow him to see the field early for Notre Dame. I see him projecting to the X for the Irish with the potential to play the boundary as well. I thought he looked terrific during his senior season and he’s an outstanding prospect.
Favorite ISD Quote
“This is probably the most unique, decorated, and elite staffs in the country and the recruits that we’re bringing in replicate those same traits. We all want to be a part of something special and special is the definition of Notre Dame.”
Senior Highlights
Under Armour Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish All Day Raglan Sweatshirt
