Film Don't Lie | Logan Saldate
Former Notre Dame commit Isiah Canion fit a certain athletic profile. That was the main reason why he was seen as a nice addition to the class on top of more polished prospects like Cam Williams and Micah Gilbert. Canion will need time to develop, but the upside with his explosive traits was undeniable.
When Canion de-committed, it made perfect sense for Chansi Stuckey to target a similar athlete and he found one in Logan Saldate. The Notre Dame staff had him on their radar and watched him during the May evaluation period and they worked quickly to flip him from Oregon State after Canion left the class.
Saldate has verified explosiveness (32.2 inch vertical jump and 113 inch broad jump) and that translates to the football field. He’s a fine replacement for Canion in the class and I’m a fan of the pickup for the Irish.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185
Projected Position: Wide receiver
ISD Grade: 89 (3-star)
National Average Grade: 86.3 (3-star)
What he does best:
He has the speed to be a vertical threat and can do plenty of damage if given a crease after the catch. He’s used in the run game on the perimeter and he can flat out run away from people.
He measured in at 5’11” at an Under Armour Camp earlier in the spring and while no one would consider him an ideal fit on the boundary, he shows well in contested catch situations. He has good ball skills and adjusts well to the football.
Saldate has some wiggle in the open field. He has a running back mentality and does a nice job of slipping tackles.
Yards after the catch don’t get valued enough in evaluating recruits in my opinion because there’s so much weight put into 7on7 where it’s not nearly as relevant. Saldate has the potential to be very good after the catch.
What he needs to improve:
He needs to get stronger and work on his releases against press coverage.
I think he has good short area quickness, but needs to become a more consistent route runner to gain separation against the better athletes he’ll face in college.
What’s his ceiling?
Canion and Saldate aren’t the exact same prospect. Canion is bigger and stronger. Saldate is a little bit more dynamic after the catch. Both players fit into the same category as very good athletes who could develop into explosive play threats.
Saldate’s skill set reminds me of former Tulane receiver Darnell Mooney. He’s currently a receiver for the Chicago Bears and was a 5th round pick after a very productive career in college. Mooney averaged 16.7 yards per reception in his college career and was great at adjusting to the football in contested catch situations and had the speed to make plays after the catch.
That’s the kind of receiver I think Saldate could be if he reaches his potential at Notre Dame. I see him as someone who can work inside as a slot or as an X receiver.
Who he could be:
Former Tulane receiver Darnell Mooney
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