'13 MN WR James Onwualu (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Emcee77]

My understanding was that he would be a DOG OLB if he were to flip to defense. I think it's more likely that Fuller moves to defense first.

It will just depend what our needs turn out to be once we get people into camp and see how they really look. I really like Fuller as an outside WR based on his tape; he really looked to me like a guy who can work the sidelines. Onwualu is great with the ball in his hands and I love him on offense as a guy who can line up outside, in the slot or even in the backfield. But he absolutely has the toughness and athleticism to play defense if it turns out we need someone there, whether its DOG or S. Since he committed so early I sometimes take him for granted, but he's really one of my favorite recruits.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

It will just depend what our needs turn out to be once we get people into camp and see how they really look. I really like Fuller as an outside WR based on his tape; he really looked to me like a guy who can work the sidelines. Onwualu is great with the ball in his hands and I love him on offense as a guy who can line up outside, in the slot or even in the backfield. But he absolutely has the toughness and athleticism to play defense if it turns out we need someone there, whether its DOG or S. Since he committed so early I sometimes take him for granted, but he's really one of my favorite recruits.

Can't disagree with any of that.

I think it would be cool/neat to see James in a Theo Riddick role. The hybrid slot/rb spot.

 

[Emcee77]

Can't disagree with any of that.

I think it would be cool/neat to see James in a Theo Riddick role. The hybrid slot/rb spot.

Absolutely. I know the staff has been telling Hunter that he'll play that role but with Onwualu's physicality I like him in that role as well.

 

[Ironman8]

Can't disagree with any of that.

I think it would be cool/neat to see James in a Theo Riddick role. The hybrid slot/rb spot.

I think that is exactly how he is going to be used, and I am as excited as you to see him in it. I think the defense quote speaks more to his disposition as a great team player willing to do whatever is asked of him, rather than a concrete idea or plan of him moving to defense.

 

[Ironman8]

Picked up his fourth star on Rivals today. The Rivals staff cited his huge senior season for the impetus for the additional star.

Congrats James!

 

[irishff1014]

Hard work pays off James!! Great Job!!

 

[CanadalovesND]

Picked up his fourth star on Rivals today. The Rivals staff cited his huge senior season for the impetus for the additional star.

Congrats James!

Bout time! The kid oozes out athleticism just like my pizza pockets oozes out all that cheesey goodness

 

[PANDFAN]

Picked up his fourth star on Rivals today. The Rivals staff cited his huge senior season for the impetus for the additional star.

Congrats James!

seems like such a bright, down to earth kid..and great work ethic...congrats young man

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Consensus 4 now. Doesn't look like 247 has updated his Composite score yet though.

 

[Riddickulous]

YEAH BUDDY

 

[irishknight35]

Picked up his fourth star on Rivals today. The Rivals staff cited his huge senior season for the impetus for the additional star.

Congrats James!

Well earned and overdue. Very excited to see James in blue and gold. Intense hardworking player with exceptional athleticism.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Does anyone know what his stats were this past season? Sounds like he must have had a great year.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Some of his highlights from his senior season

Notre Dame Commit James Onwualu Senior Highlights - YouTube

 

[Domina Nostra]

He sure always looked likes a 4-star on film and in his measurables, but you assume that the rating services are cautious with guys from less-dense areas because the competition is not quite as good, especially if they don't hit the summer circuit hard. Prosise comes to mind.

I think that is perfectly fair, they have seen it all.

 

[Emcee77]

I always thought of him as a four-star caliber guy, but if anyone doubted it, that senior tape has to convince you he deserves that fourth star. James is a hell of a football player. I can't wait till Kelly and the staff get ahold of him.

 

[General Colon Bowel]

I love the idea of this kid being a wide receiver converted from a running back, especially in this offense. We'll find ways to get this kid the ball in space and run over smaller cornerbacks and safeties. Man, what I would have given to see Golden Tate in Brian Kelly's offense for just one year.

 

[TheChosen1]

I know they used the same trainer but the kid runs just like Floyd.

 

[CanadalovesND]

I know they used the same trainer but the kid runs just like Floyd.

Although Floyd was never that elusive though

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I know they used the same trainer but the kid runs just like Floyd.

That's one of the reasons I'm high on Onwualu. His unorthodox training methods-- jumping out of pools, etc.-- focus on building explosiveness instead of more traditional strength-building exercises. Wave of the future.

 

[Domina Nostra]

That's one of the reasons I'm high on Onwualu. His unorthodox training methods-- jumping out of pools, etc.-- focus on building explosiveness instead of more traditional strength-building exercises. Wave of the future.

For WRs, its perfect.

 

[PraetorianND]

That's one of the reasons I'm high on Onwualu. His unorthodox training methods-- jumping out of pools, etc.-- focus on building explosiveness instead of more traditional strength-building exercises. Wave of the future.

Can you link the vid to this? I don't want to go back through the thread to find it. Thanks!

 

[Riddickulous]

We have a very underrated group of receivers.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

We have a very underrated group of receivers.

I'm starting to get that feeling as well. Obviously our linebackers and offensive line are great, but these wide receivers have boatloads of potential. I am really looking forward to seeing the 2012 and 2013 wide receiver classes out there.

 

[TheChosen1]

James Onwualu. RT @J_Walls: Wanna welcome my dude @gb4heritage to the fam!! Definitely gonna be one of my boys down the road #IM13

 

[Ironman8]

Will be the special guest on ISD's power hour tonight, starting in 10 minutes.

 

[RDU Irish]

So talk is of him taking a short pass the distance and not as much stretching the field. I didn't see any of the clips showing him necessarily snatching the ball out of the air and exhibiting premium sticky fingers like Tate and Floyd. Great athlete, excited for his potential to contribute early and often, just wondering if he has this extra piece to the puzzle or not.

To me, great hands are the thing that can separate great athletes and great receivers. Any thoughts from the "board experts" on which of our receivers have the best hands and how do they compare on an average, premium or elite level?

 

[Ironman8]

So talk is of him taking a short pass the distance and not as much stretching the field. I didn't see any of the clips showing him necessarily snatching the ball out of the air and exhibiting premium sticky fingers like Tate and Floyd. Great athlete, excited for his potential to contribute early and often, just wondering if he has this extra piece to the puzzle or not.

To me, great hands are the thing that can separate great athletes and great receivers. Any thoughts from the "board experts" on which of our receivers have the best hands and how do they compare on an average, premium or elite level?

I think Will Fuller and Torii Hunter have elite ball skills when it comes to deep balls. Corey Robinson's senior film shows rare hand eye coordination for a buy of his size, so I will place him as a high "premium" type guy. You are right in that their is not a lot of film on Jame's downfield catching ability, but he will probably be utilized in a Theo Riddick type role, I don't know how much it even matters.

 

[clashmore_mike]

Will be the special guest on ISD's power hour tonight, starting in 10 minutes.

Irish Sports Daily Power Hour | A weekly podcast covering Notre Dame sports

he is the first guest on.


Pretty well spoken kid. He will be hitting the recruiting hard, and he did say he thought ND would finish with the #1 class. Says he has been "chatting up" a couple guys that have to stay secret right now, also mentioned he will be talking to Max again soon.

 

[Ironman8]

Senior Highlights per TP:

<iframe width="435" height="244" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FMTbb9rGGTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[IrishLax]

Wow.... underrated much? I hate to be one of those guys who goes "ZOMG OUR GUY IS AWESOME AND SO UNDERRATED!!" But holy hell are those highlights impressive because he clearly has the build & speed to play about 4 different positions at a very high level.