There’s been so much evidence that has shown how much Notre Dame’s recruiting has changed for the better under Marcus Freeman and a commitment from Ellis McGaskin is just the most recent example. It’s been very rare for Notre Dame to go into the state of Alabama to land an elite prospect and that’s exactly what they have just done.
It’s not hard to see why McGaskin has a national offer list from programs like Ohio State, LSU, Michigan, Miami, and Notre Dame. He’s been a dominant player as a freshman and sophomore with 272 tackles and 34 tackles for loss the last two seasons. Adding him is a heck of a start to their 2027 recruiting class on the defensive side of the ball.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 211
Projected Position: Linebacker
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 90.8 (4-star)
What he does best:
McGaskin is the type of hitter who will knock the fillings out of a running back’s teeth on contact. He’ll hit through an opponent.
He’s an outstanding player versus the inside run because of his recognition and instincts. He’s very comfortable taking on blocks to get to the football.
He triggers quickly and it’s one of the things that allows him to make so many plays in the backfield.
He also shows great timing and explosiveness as a blitzer.
What he needs to improve:
He makes some plays in coverage and has good recognition, but clearly looks more comfortable playing the run. I think he is capable of developing into a three down linebacker, but that’s the part of the game he needs to work on the most over the next two years in high school.
He’s never going to be the biggest inside linebacker and he’s going to be someone who has to strike first to defeat blocks when taking on lineman much like former Notre Dame linebacker JD Bertrand had to.
What’s his ceiling?
McGaskin is not someone who is likely going to have the ideal size to play the position. He will add weight, but we’ll see how much he’ll grow. His height and wingspan have been verified right around 6-0 and 76 inches earlier this spring. There have been a number of linebackers with nearly identical measurements to those who were studs in college football and I think McGaskin shares a lot of similarities to all of those who were extremely successful.
The player he reminds me of is former Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in terms of size, instincts, and the violence they play with. Trotter Jr. was an All-ACC player and an outstanding blitzer who led the Tigers in tackles in back to back season while compiling 28.5 tackles for loss in his final two years at Clemson.
I’m a big fan of McGaskin’s game and he’s a great addition to Notre Dame’s already talented linebacker room. He has the talent to develop into a highly productive multi-year starter for the Irish.
Who he could be:
Former Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
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