Jasper, IN (UHND) — Fullback Luke Schmidt (6-3, 230 lbs) from Jasper, Indiana committed to the Irish on Friday giving Notre Dame 7 verbal commitments this early recruiting season. Schmidt, the 4th commitment in the Irish backfield gives Notre Dame a loaded backfield with this recruiting class.
Schmidt joins James Aldridge, Munir Prince, and Zach Frazier to give Notre Dame a backfield class like they haven’t seen in years. Schmidt ran for over 2500 yards and 41 touchdowns last season as a junior. He plays half back now, but is projected to be a fullback at the college level.
This commitment was big for the Irish for a couple reasons. First off, Schmidt is regarded as a 5 star recruit by Tom Lemming and you can never have too many 5 star recruits. Secondly, it gives the Irish a bruising fullback to go along with the speedy Munir Prince and James Aldridge.
The commitment from Schmidt also continues the momentum that was started at the end of April/beginning of May with commitments from Kallen Wade, Paddy Mullen, and Aldridge.
Schmidt’s fellow backfield mates bring similar accolades with them which is what makes this backfield something to get very excited for. The talent that Weis is collecting in this class on the offensive side of the ball, especially in the backfield is reminiscent to the backfield of Jerome Bettis, Reggie Brooks, and Rick Mirer in the early 90’s. That backfield didn’t all come in the same class however.
With this commitment, the Irish backfield in this class should be about done. There is definitely room for a prospect like Demetrius Jones left, but the backfield recruited thus far is loaded with talent.
Of the 7 commitments Notre Dame has received so far, 6 are now on the offensive side of the ball. Weis’ focus seems to clearly be on the offensive side of the ball with his offensive background. Weis is getting guys for his system and he is getting some very talented ones in the process.
