(UHND) — Notre Dame received its second verbal commitment of the season this week when Barry Gallup (5-11,175) committed to the Irish. Gallup chose Notre Dame over in-state Boston College where his father, Barry Sr., works as the assistant athletic director.
First off, I love it that the son of Boston College ‘s assistant athletic director picked Notre Dame over BC. Like any Irish fan that bleeds blue and gold, I can’t stand Boston College so seeing Gallup pick Notre Dame brought a smile to my face. It doesn’t make up for the 4 straight losses to BC, but it’s a nice start as Charlie attempts to reverse that trend.
Secondly, this commitments comes at a need position. Notre Dame will be replacing Rhema McKnight, Maurice Stovall, and Matt Shelton after this year so getting some good wide receivers is vital.
Gallup seems to fit in the New England Patriots style of receiver. At 5-11 he isn’t too tall, but he has good speed and posses great athleticism. Weis and the Patriots relied on receivers with similar builds — Troy Brown, David Patten, and Deion Branch. Whether or not Weis brings in all receivers in that mold will be seen as recruiting progresses.
Weis’ offense relies on receivers to make plays after the catch and includes a lot of trick plays. This kind of offense is built more for smaller receivers who are quick and fast. Only 1 receiver on the Patriots this past season was 6 foot or taller (Notre Dame alum David Givens).
Gallup joins Munir Prince, a speed running back from St. Louis , as Notre Dame’s early commitments. Prince’s commitment also comes at a position of need with Notre Dame failing to sign a running back this past recruiting season.
