By: Nick Kremer⏐Editor⏐Twitter: @NickKremerIT⏐Profile: @NickKremer
Notre Dame recruiting has been on a roll over the past couple of weeks, and with a lot of the nation's top high school players making their way to Notre Dame this month for official visits, the Irish will try to keep that momentum going. This week alone, Notre Dame has landed commitments from running back Kedren Young and defensive tackle Sean Sevillano. With limited spots remaining in the '24 class, here are some of the key defensive targets left on the board for the Irish.
Justin Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Defensive Tackle
6-4 310
Chicago, Illinois
Justin Scott is undoubtedly one of the most important recruits left on the board for Notre Dame. The talented defensive tackle has narrowed his list down to Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, and Miami; however, this seems to be a Notre Dame, Miami, and Georgia battle.
Scott recently visited both Miami and Georgia, and commented on where some schools stand in his recruitment. Scott had this to say to Chad Simmons after his visit, "I like the dawgs a lot. They're up there tied with Miami and Notre Dame in that number 1 spot following the visit." This, to me, seems like an all around positive for the Irish in this recruitment. Scott is fresh off visits to both Miami and Georgia, and were only able to pull even with Notre Dame. Scott is set to officially visit during the season, but don't be surprised if he makes it back to campus some time this summer. The fact that Notre Dame will get him on campus during the season, and are currently tied for first in his recruitment bodes well for the Irish eventually gaining his commitment.
Prediction - Notre Dame
Elijah Rushing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edge
6-6 235
Tucson, Arizona
Notre Dame has some specific areas that had to be addressed in this class, and getting players that can get after the QB is up there as one of the most critical. Elijah Rushing is at the top of their board to address this need. Rushing is rated as a 5 star edge rusher, and for good reason. Rushing has a long frame that will allow him to add good weight, along with impressive explosiveness off the edge. He undoubtedly has the frame and ability to potentially be a high draft pick one day.
Rushing has locked in official visits to Arizona, Oregon, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. Rushing will be taking his visit to Notre Dame on June 9th, which will be a great opportunity for the Irish to make a big impression on the number 1 edge prospect in the country. This will be a tough battle for the Irish to win, as he is a top priority for many schools. His official visit will tell us a lot about where Notre Dame stands in this recruitment.
Prediction - Arizona
Mylachi Williams ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edge
6-3 215
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Mylachi Williams is another top edge target for Notre Dame. Williams is a prospect with very high upside and has received offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Penn State, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, and many others. This recruitment now seems to be a two team battle between Notre Dame and the home state Nittany Lions.
Mylachi visited Notre Dame for the Blue-Gold game and he raved about his visit to campus. However, things recently seem to be trending toward Williams landing with Penn State. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out, but Notre Dame seems to be losing some steam in this one, possibly from both sides.
Prediction - Penn State
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Linebacker
6-3 230
Bellflower, California
Kyngstonn is the top linebacker target left on the board for Al Golden and Notre Dame. KVA showcases some impressive skills on the football field. He shows the ability to defend against the run, blitz off the edge, and drop back in coverage. He is a target that can stay on the field for all three downs.
Kyngstonn has received offers from all of the elite college football programs, but has narrowed his recruitment down to USC, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. KVA is scheduled to take an official visit to Notre Dame on June 16, so the Irish will have their chance to set themselves apart from the other two programs.
Prediction - Notre Dame / Ohio State
Kaleb Beasley ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cornerback
6-0 180
Nashville, Tennessee
Kaleb Beasley impressed last year at Irish Invasion, and has been a top target for the staff ever since. Beasley verbally committed to Tennessee this past October while the Volunteers had a lot of buzz
about their program. However, the Notre Dame staff continues to heavily pursue Kaleb. While Beasley is committed to Tennessee, I believe that Beasley is very interested in Notre Dame.
Beasley made it to Notre Dame this past April, and has scheduled an official visit for September 22 when the Irish take on the Buckeyes, which is already setting up to be a huge recruiting weekend for Notre Dame. This one will come down to the wire, but I think that Beasley is a true Notre Dame kid, and the Irish can get him to flip in the end. Beasley would be a huge get for an already ascending cornerback room under coach Mickens.
Prediction - Notre Dame
Brauntae Johnson⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety
6-3 170
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Less than a month ago, Brauntae Johnson was not even on the board for the Irish anymore, but after some things were squared away, Brauntae is back on the board. The talented prospect out of Fort Wayne has been high on Notre Dame's board for a while now. Johnson has made the biggest impact as a WR in high school, but the Irish think his long frame and athleticism will translate very well to the safety position at the next level.
Brauntae is fresh off his official visit to Notre Dame and he has another official visit scheduled for Purdue, who is recruiting him as a wide receiver. This one looks like it will come down to the Irish and the Boilermakers. Will Johnson want to play wide receiver or safety in college? Either way, this recruitment is looking like it will be wrapped up in the near future.
Prediction - Notre Dame
Overall, this month is going to be crucial for the Irish to finish off their 2024 class in strong fashion. If they are able to land a few of these critical targets, the future of Notre Dame football will be in great shape.
Photo Credits - Cover photo - @b.kahoun9 Justin Scott - Photo Credit - @juustinscott. Elijah Rushing - @elijah_rushing_. Mylachi Williams - Photo Credit - @100.kh1. Kyngstonn Villiamu-Asa - Photo Credit - Maxpreps. Kaleb Beasley- @kalebbeasley. Brauntae Johnson - 247 Sports
Comments