2020 Recruiting | What's Next?
Notre Dame has certainly addressed its need for cornerbacks in the Class of 2020 in a hurry.
A month ago, the Irish did not have a single commit at the position, but after Caleb Offord’s announcement on The Fourth of July, they currently have three pledges at corner and can afford to be picky about bringing in anybody else there this cycle.
Offord’s commitment gives Notre Dame 16 total commits in the class, joining New Jersey’s Clarence Lewis, who kicked things off at corner on June 10th and Kentucky’s Landen Bartleson, who announced his commitment on June 24th.
As always with Notre Dame, the exact size of the class will be in flux until the end. Our current projected total for the group is 20 or 21, leaving room for up to five more targets to come on board.
So, what or who is next?
The first place to look is Nebraska wide receiver Xavier Watts, who will announce his decision today. Watts (pictured above) told Irish Sports Daily he almost committed to Notre Dame during an official visit last month. There was some optimism coming from the homestate Cornhuskers earlier this week, but we’re again of the opinion that Notre Dame lands Watts.
Watts would join a receiver corps that already includes Missouri’s Jordan Johnson and Jay Brunelle, from Massachusetts, who committed on June 26th. The Irish could be done at the position if they land Watts, but it’s one spot where they could elect to bring in an elite prospect if they can before the end.
They’re already done at quarterback – Drew Pyne – running back – Chris Tyree – tight end – Michael Mayer and Kevin Bauman – and offensive line – Tosh Baker and Michael Carmody.
The major focus will immediately be centered on the safety position.
Last month, Notre Dame hosted Lathan Ransom for an official visit, but he followed that up with officials to Texas and Ohio State. Earlier this week at The Opening, Ransom maintained that he has no leaders among the three, but most feel he is indeed headed to Columbus and so do we.
Virginia’s Malcolm Greene and Texas’ Jerrin Thompson remain on the board and the Irish still have chances to impress both if they can get them up for official visits, but neither is a sure thing. At one point, New Jersey’s RJ Moten seemed like a promising option, but he’s scheduled an announcement for July 27th and hasn’t visited South Bend yet, so that isn’t very promising.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the safety board begin to expand a bit.
Most schools are recruiting Texas’ Will Nixon as a receiver, but the Irish see him as a corner. They could stay engaged with Nixon, but after spending time in Dallas at The Opening this week, it’s clear the Irish are interested in reengaging with other defensive back prospects who were once on the Target List, but have since been removed.
Notre Dame is pretty much finished at defensive line now that Mitchell Melton has picked Ohio State. The Irish are fine with Alexander Ehrensberger, Rylie Mills, Aidan Keanaaina and Jordan Botelho committed at the position.
Notre Dame seems perfectly OK passing at linebacker this cycle and we don’t even have any on the Target List at this point.
If Notre Dame can land Watts, it’ll be down to four open spots with at least two reserved at safety.
Check out the full ISD Target List HERE