Film Don't Lie | Ivan Taylor
Notre Dame has nine commits from their 2024 class who they evaluated in-person at a camp. The new Irish commit in the 2025 class, Ivan Taylor, makes it five out of the 10 in this 2025 recruiting cycle.
It’s pretty clear they put a lot of value on getting verified measurements, testing, and getting a chance to work out these players. Even before Taylor camped at Irish Invasion, he put up impressive testing numbers running a 4.57 40, a 4.25 short shuttle, and he posted a 31-inch vertical during the spring of his sophomore year. Then he worked out for the Irish staff in the summer and backed up that testing and more.
An elite defensive back prospect and the son of former Pittsburgh Steeler Ike Taylor, Ivan has big time talent and the mentality to become great at Notre Dame.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170
Projected Position: Safety
ISD Grade: 93 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 92.4 (4-star)
What he does best:
Taylor’s speed shows up all over the field. He has range and can cover a lot of ground in coverage.
He’s twitchy and fluid when changing directions. It’s one of the reasons he could play inside or out as a defensive back. He has terrific short area quickness.
There’s a clip online of Ike telling the story of his former teammate James Harrison telling Ivan to take the soul from a player when he hits him. It’s one of those funny clips when you watch it, but when you see Ivan play ball, it doesn’t take long to realize he took that advice to heart.
He has an edge to his game.
Taylor has the skill set to play multiple positions in the secondary. He could play free safety, nickel, or even line up and play in man coverage outside. Here he is one on one against 2024 Notre Dame commit Micah Gilbert at Invasion. Much like former Notre Dame corner Julian Love, size doesn’t limit him matching up against a bigger receiver on the boundary.
What he needs to improve:
The biggest thing with him is size. He certainly hits above his weight class, but he has to put on weight and gain strength. I’m not sure how big he’s going to be with his frame, but the physical development in the weight room is going to be very important for him going forward.
What’s his ceiling?
Position versatility is so valuable on defense and Taylor has it. I believe he has the potential to play multiple spots at a high level, which means he’s going to be someone who will have tremendous value in sub-packages in addition to early downs.
He’s a great athlete and a great football player who loves the game. If he comes in physically ready, he has the tools to play early in his career.
I believe he can develop into a high-level starter for multiple seasons and eventually have an NFL future. I absolutely loved his compete level in everything I watched him do at Invasion as well. This is a huge pickup for the Irish.
Who he could be:
Former Notre Dame corner Julian Love
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