'16 CAN WR/LB Chase Claypool (Notre Dame Signed NLI)

[Grahambo]

Nice. Really like his potential on defense.

Would be a terrific defensive addition.

 

[arrowryan]

He told Anna that Notre Dame is at the top and he plans on announcing at The Opening. Michigan and Oregon are also in his top 3

 

[Crazy Balki]

Sean get off Lucky's account.

My optimism is spreading like a virus...it's beautiful...sniff.

 

[Chasey]

He told Anna that Notre Dame is at the top and he plans on announcing at The Opening. Michigan and Oregon are also in his top 3

When is the opening?

 

[CanadalovesND]

When is the opening?

July 5-10.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Doesn't look much like Les. Must get his looks and athleticism from his mom.

Any word on Ler or Herb's kids? Our LB corp could could just be the 2nd generation of Primus.

 

[ozzman]

Any word on Ler or Herb's kids? Our LB corp could could just be the 2nd generation of Primus.

Primus sucks!

 

[rtrn2glory]

it'll be interesting to see if he gets a rankings bump after the opening.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Does anybody know how many guys we will take at WR in this class we already have one wrapped up? With guys like Mitchell and Javon still possibilities and higher on the board would we take a committment right now? Also for DB isn't Hamlin pretty high on us as well?

 

[IrishLion]

Does anybody know how many guys we will take at WR in this class we already have one wrapped up? With guys like Mitchell and Javon still possibilities and higher on the board would we take a committment right now? Also for DB isn't Hamlin pretty high on us as well?

I don't think Claypool counts as a WR or a DB.

He has the potential to play WR, but it sounds like he'll be a DE or LB at ND.

Even if he ends up at WR, it shouldn't affect the recruitment/commitment of another top-level WR.

 

[arrowryan]

TJ on Claypool

This really is the important point here and key takeaway. Land an outstanding talent with a developing skill set and frame, as he's new to the game and still growing, and let the rest take care of itself over time. There's a lot to like in Claypool -- a whole lot -- and we'd love to land him, especially after his performance and presentation this weekend. Just mark him down as an ATHL who's playing WR right now.

And TJ's response to people comparing Claypool to Barr

It's possible, in time, but Chase is a very different kid and prospect from Barr. Barr was a RushOLB/DE needing to happen early on, much to our chagrin obviously, whereas Claypool is a Skill Athlete somewhat morphing into a Skill/Big Skill hybrid athlete as he grows and learns. He's better making plays, while Barr always was going to be better chasing plays.

Let's just get Claypool, and then let his development and the staff's mentorship take form.

I really like the idea of Claypool playing defense but having CRob, ESB, Alize, and Claypool is a dream for us and a nightmare for everyone else

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

TJ on Claypool



And TJ's response to people comparing Claypool to Barr



I really like the idea of Claypool playing defense but having CRob, ESB, Alize, and Claypool is a dream for us and a nightmare for everyone else

I just don't think Claypool is needed on offense with all of the weapons we have. Now an OLB or nickel safety/LB hybrid or DE (should he get that big) would be sorely needed. It feels like we routinely bring in really good offensive players or we have no problem finding them but we are usually missing difference makers on defense.

 

[arrowryan]

I just don't think Claypool is needed on offense with all of the weapons we have. Now an OLB or nickel safety/LB hybrid or DE (should he get that big) would be sorely needed. It feels like we routinely bring in really good offensive players or we have no problem finding them but we are usually missing difference makers on defense.

If Diaco was still here, there is no doubt he'd be either a DOG or CAT in the 3-4. But I'm not sure how good of a linebacker he would be in the 4-3 and I'm not sure he can get big enough to be a DE. If he can then that is great.

Per Anna, the staff sees a potential hybrid TE.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

If Diaco was still here, there is no doubt he'd be either a DOG or CAT in the 3-4. But I'm not sure how good of a linebacker he would be in the 4-3 and I'm not sure he can get big enough to be a DE. If he can then that is great.

Per Anna, the staff sees a potential hybrid TE.

Then that settles it, I won't argue with the staff

I just hope we get him.

 

[yankeeND]

Then that settles it, I won't argue with the staff

I just hope we get him.

Me too. I just hope we get him. Great performance at II and he would seem like a steal for us!

 

[Big23Head]

Scout: Claypool targets summer commitment

Fresh off visits to Michigan, Notre Dame and Oregon, athlete Chase Claypool has a commit date in mind. Claypool hit the Irish Invasion last weekend and Notre Dame impressed.

Notre Dame made a strong first impression on 6-foot-5, 215-pound Canadian athlete Chase Claypool last weekend.

“When I first drove up to Notre Dame, the facilities and campus were crazy,” Claypool said. “The buildings and the layout, it was amazing.”

The four-star athlete made the trip to Notre Dame from Abbottsville, B.C. to participate in the Irish Invasion. A couple trainers accompanied him on the trip.

“We got there Thursday, and I got to chill with some of the players and recruits,” Claypool said. “On Friday, I saw a lot more of campus and watched the team practice. It was nice to see them getting after it even though they couldn’t use the football. They were still putting in work.”

During the Irish Invasion, Claypool turned heads with his one-on-one work inside the red zone. Whether he opted to cut inside or take the corner route, the result was the same – he got the best of his opponent.

“I’m usually good at jump balls,” Claypool said. “But I’m good at turning my hips if I need to and taking the inside route if I don’t think I’ll have the right opportunity in the corner.

“Camp was pretty good. I wish it had been a little longer and I could have gotten more reps, but there were some good players out there.”

Notre Dame associate head coach and wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock allotted specific time during the weekend to spend one-on-one time with Claypool.

“I hung out with him quite a bit,” Claypool said. “He said he was quite impressed with me at camp. We clicked well. He told me that I was a great fit at Notre Dame because of my character. On the field, he said I was a great player that could run regardless of what position I play. They decided to keep me on offense, but they’re just not sure what position I’ll play. They could move me to hybrid tight end.”

Claypool concluded his first visit to Notre Dame with a private conversation with a Brian Kelly inside the head coach’s office.

“Before I left I went to the coaches’ offices and talked to Brian Kelly,” Callaway said. “He basically told me what was going on with the school and how the mix of academics and football they offer is so unique. He touched on everything that Notre Dame could offer me.”

Claypool could finish his recruitment next month at The Opening in Oregon.

“Notre Dame is definitely at the top,” Claypool said. “They’re in my top three for sure. Michigan and Oregon are the other two. I will probably announce a commitment at The Opening. If I don’t announce a commitment, I’ll announce my top schools.”

Claypool visited other finalists Michigan and Oregon in June. The lone visit scheduled for the future is one to Rutgers at the end of this month.

Claypool is a four-star prospect and is ranked as the No. 15 tight end in the Class of 2016.

 

[BobbyMac]

I'm seeing Jason Pierre-Paul as a high school sophomore.

.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Quite a lot of Rutgers CBs coming in..

 

[Chasey]

Quite a lot of Rutgers CBs coming in..

All from Rutgers people their crystal balls mean nothing it's like when Loy throws one down for Notre Dame I never get hyped.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Video: 3-star WR Chase Claypool talks Notre Dame visit and timeline w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman">@RivalsFriedman</a> .. ($) <a href="http://t.co/BBMej0PGb5">http://t.co/BBMej0PGb5</a> <a href="http://t.co/KiuScKwpVS">pic.twitter.com/KiuScKwpVS</a></p>— BlueandGold.com (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/status/615150259463852033">June 28, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NDWorld247]

Quite a lot of Rutgers CBs coming in..

I had heard a few weeks ago, from a source pretty close to the situation, that he was really high on Rutgers. I believe they were his first offer and he had a great relationship with the coaches. I'd be surprised if he ended up there for several reasons, but the interest in them is legit.

 

[PANDFAN]

His Rutgers visit went well and surprised him...seems to love every visit...one time says he may commit at opening but then others reported he will likely take his ov
Rivals

 

[GBdomer]

If we are taking him at WR I'm curious to why? We seem to have a lot of Chase Claypools already on roster IMO. Now if he's playing defense, I'm all for taking him

 

[TheChosen1]

If we are taking him at WR I'm curious to why? We seem to have a lot of Chase Claypools already on roster IMO. Now if he's playing defense, I'm all for taking him

They are telling him whatever he wants to hear. Read a stat the other day that about 30-40% of ND's current players are playing at a different position than projected.

 

[jspags10pg]

If we are taking him at WR I'm curious to why? We seem to have a lot of Chase Claypools already on roster IMO. Now if he's playing defense, I'm all for taking him

I think I read somewhere that the staff wanted him as a flex TE/WR. He could be our TE for this class and I'd be all for it. He has the frame to fill out and the speed to be a nightmare at TE. And if that doesn't work out...there's always the ability to switch him to defense like you said.

And if we start running the ball more (fingers crossed) we could always use some big WR's and more TE's to help block. Plus with Claypool he could probably be a good deep threat and a good blocker with his size and speed...opposing defenses would never know if they should crash down to stop the run or play it safe so Chase or ESB don't take the top off the D with a deep route. I don't know...I just really like the kid's game and hope he ends up at ND.

I get your concern if he is just a WR tho...we seem to be in good with a few top WR's (McKinley, Alloway, Callaway maybe?) and already have one committed but we are currently loaded at WR on the depth chart and probaly should only take one or two more this class at the most. We'll have to see how it plays out but Chase is a versatile athlete so I'm all for signing him up.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I think I read somewhere that the staff wanted him as a flex TE/WR. He could be our TE for this class and I'd be all for it. He has the frame to fill out and the speed to be a nightmare at TE. And if that doesn't work out...there's always the ability to switch him to defense like you said.

And if we start running the ball more (fingers crossed) we could always use some big WR's and more TE's to help block. Plus with Claypool he could probably be a good deep threat and a good blocker with his size and speed...opposing defenses would never know if they should crash down to stop the run or play it safe so Chase or ESB don't take the top off the D with a deep route. I don't know...I just really like the kid's game and hope he ends up at ND.

I get your concern if he is just a WR tho...we seem to be in good with a few top WR's (McKinley, Alloway, Callaway maybe?) and already have one committed but we are currently loaded at WR on the depth chart and probaly should only take one or two more this class at the most. We'll have to see how it plays out but Chase is a versatile athlete so I'm all for signing him up.

Another great post! Anyone who wants to understand, his recruitment, what coaches are telling him, and what will happen to him if he choses ND, had to look no further than his II tape. Against significant defensive talent he was an unstoppable force.

 

[PANDFAN]

From articles regarding invasion, the staff is conflicted as to what position he is being recruited whether def or off

 

[GBdomer]

Don't think we should take him as a WR. Still would like to see ND bring in a difference maker at that position and we have a couple two, tree Claypools on the roster. I really want Callaway, think he could be a game changer

 

[GoIrish41]

Don't think we should take him as a WR. Still would like to see ND bring in a difference maker at that position and we have a couple two, tree Claypools on the roster. I really want Callaway, think he could be a game changer

I like him on D. He could be the next Jaylon. Great athlete, fast and likes to hit.

 

[GBdomer]

I like him on D. He could be the next Jaylon. Great athlete, fast and likes to hit.

Not at all like Jaylon, maybe size comparison but Claypool is much bigger out of high school and wasn't a consensus top 3 player.