Brian Kelly addressed the media on Wednesday to review the banner recruiting class that he and his staff signed this year. Here are some choice excerpts from what he had to say about each of the members of the class the Irish brought in on defense.
Devin Butler
Devin obviously at the cornerback position is a need that we have within our program. With injuries last year and graduation the year before, we were thin obviously this year, and we were able to find a way to get it done back there. Now we can add some depth to the cornerback position. He’s an exciting player that’s going to come in and compete immediately.
Michael Deeb
He brings an energy to everything he does. When he walks in that locker room, it’s time to play football, and if you’re not locked in, he’s going to make sure he says something to you. We love his energy, we love the way he plays the game, and obviously from our standpoint feel like he’s a guy that can come in and obviously compete for us.
Rashad Kinlaw
We think it’s an untapped resource for us in that we’re only going to get him better and better physically, and he has the speed, he has the ability to play the ball. We think he’s going to fit well at the cornerback position for us. He was somebody that we identified early in this process and felt like he would be a great addition to this class. We love the fact that he’s really embraced coming to Notre Dame.
Cole Luke
When we talk about the depth across the board here, we’ve talked about Butler and Kinlaw, and now Cole Luke, another cornerback. You know, again, a state title. This guy plays on a championship football team. When you go around the high school and you go around the program, you can sense it and feel it. We’ve got a great relationship with Coach Belles, a former Notre Dame player here, and just a great fit.
Jacob Matuska
Our target is to play him on the defensive side of the ball. He’s going to physically get bigger and stronger. We just like his work ethic. We’re really excited about him as a person. He’s going to fit in well here at Notre Dame, and another young man that really adds to the depth that we’re looking for in our program.
Doug Randolph
Dual athlete, excellent lacrosse player, played basketball, can do a number of different things. He’s somebody that’s long at 6’3″, very versatile, can stand up or put his hand down, he gives us that kind of flexibility at that position. Great student, great family.
Max Redfield
Bob Johnson is his coach, and Bob has done an incredible job over the years of turning out elite players, and we think Max is an elite player. He’s a young man that has a specific skill set that could see him play offense, he could play defense, he’s going to play in that safety position for us, and we think he’s a young man that can come in and compete. He’s got all the athletic ability, and he’s a very smart young man.
Isaac Rochell
I think Isaac is a guy that didn’t play in lot of the postseason games and didn’t get a ton of exposure. He’s a fine football player. I mean, we’re really excited as a staff to have Isaac Rochell. He’s going to play on the defensive line, and he’s going to impact this program. I think he’s got a huge upside, and we’re really excited about getting a player of this caliber here to Notre Dame.
Jaylon Smith
We could list all of these things, but the thing that’s most impressive is the character of this young man and his energy. He just has it. When he walks into a room, the room kind of lightens up, and that’s the kind of personality that he is, and he is one tough football player, as well. He’s got all the things that you’re looking for, that quickness, that ability to strike. He can play any position really. Great running back, as well. He’ll play on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s somebody that has great versatility. But he’s also going to be a great leader here, and I see great things for Jaylon Smith.
Eddie Vanderdoes
He is the kind of player that can play a number of different spots on the defensive line for us. He’s played linebacker in high school. Strong, physical at the point of attack. He’s rated as a 5-star player. We don’t put a lot of stock into the stars, but we can tell you this, by our evaluation he is one of the finest defensive players in the country.
I believe this recruiting class by far is the best class done by a coach. BK has this team believing in winning, playing for championships every year. It’s been along time since I’ve seen these type of football players choosing Notre Dame over other big time schools. But nonetheless, we are once again a University setting a tone, making a statement. For the next four years with these players along with future recruits coming, these teams playing for us, will again be trying to get back to the National Championship game each year. I hope and pray for the best each year, and hope that Coach Kelly and staff hit that mark and win one for all of us. To the Coach and Staff, congratulations on an excellent class given to start something special, and now that we’re back, keep it rolling with every recruiting class coming each year. Let’s win a National title once again!!!
Go Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here’s hoping Coach Elliot, a key addition last year , will have a speedy recovery.
What he did to build that inexperienced defensive backfield, especially with the development of those young safeties,
should not be overlooked. He’s a class act and a great coach. May he be blessed with a complete and speedy recovery.
I STAYED UP REALLY LATE TO SEE WHAT TEAM EDDIE VANDERDOES SIGNED UP WITH. WHEN I READ IT WAS NOTRE DAME, IT MADE MY WHOLE YEAR.ALONG WITH THE OTHER OUTSTANDING PLAYERS THAT ARE GOING TO PLAY AT NOTRE DAME, THE IRISH ARE GOING TO BE TOUGH TO BEAT. A SUPER GREAT JOB IN RECRUITING THESE GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS. B.K. AND STAFF DESERVE OUR THANKS FOR PUTTING THE IRISH IN A GOOD POSITION TO WIN.GOOOO IIIRISH
Our recruiting class is outstanding! I like what BK is doing esp on the D side. Can’t wait for the official UHND Tailgater!