'25 CA LB Madden Faraimo (Notre Dame Signee)

[Ophiocordyceps]

I don’t understand all the complaints re how we are spending money when nobody on the outside knows how we are spending our money

In honor of their recently announced North American tour.



ND landed only one of their top targets (Blair) since official visits in June.

 

[Blazers46]

Nah, there’s a reason USC always lingered even before they were serious about him. They literally skipped on him twice in this cycle and he was trending there prior to the uptick in the bag drop.

He had plenty of opportunities to commit to ND and didn’t do so.

So you’re saying they have always been his favorite but it took a bigger bag than what ND was offering to get him to go the school he was wanting to go to anyway. I don’t buy it.

 

[OhioIrish]

There's gotta be a happy medium somewhere between the doom and gloom "we can't recruit for shit" guys and the "man up you beta pussies, everything is awesome and MF can do no wrong" guys. Yes, we're in the playoffs and MF did a great job for the majority of the season and yes, our recruiting is not where it needs to be to sustain success for years to come. Both can be true.

Agree and well said. It’s just mystifying that Freeman and Co don’t recruit better, and they have not recruited well at key positions— WR, OL and DL. But, the fact that this coach and this DC have just one LB in this class is truly absurd, and he’s not a blue chip prospect. To me, it’s why you have to wait to extend MF — need to see more production off the field and more consistency on the field. I think we will know a lot more by January 1st.

 

[Irishdwarte]

Agree and well said. It’s just mystifying that Freeman and Co don’t recruit better, and they have not recruited well at key positions— WR, OL and DL. But, the fact that this coach and this DC have just one LB in this class is truly absurd, and he’s not a blue chip prospect. To me, it’s why you have to wait to extend MF — need to see more production off the field and more consistency on the field. I think we will know a lot more by January 1st.

Offensive line? They have three four star recruits and On3 ranks Will Black as a five star. They have two linebackers in Sacca and Kia.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Agree and well said. It’s just mystifying that Freeman and Co don’t recruit better, and they have not recruited well at key positions— WR, OL and DL. But, the fact that this coach and this DC have just one LB in this class is truly absurd, and he’s not a blue chip prospect. To me, it’s why you have to wait to extend MF — need to see more production off the field and more consistency on the field. I think we will know a lot more by January 1st.

OL is pretty good. There is going to be consensus five-star, two other good tackles with some really good athletic upside - especially Augustine. And a long arm, athletic bully at center.

There are two LBs in the class btw.

 

[Irish Man3]

So you’re saying they have always been his favorite but it took a bigger bag than what ND was offering to get him to go the school he was wanting to go to anyway. I don’t buy it.

You don’t have to buy anything. You’re assuming on your own that it took a bigger bag to get him to make his decision and that’s not the case. Does USC have the bigger NIL offer on the table? Yep. Was he already leaning in that direction because of his desire to stay home? Yep.

 

[OhioIrish]

OL is pretty good. There is going to be consensus five-star, two other good tackles with some really good athletic upside - especially Augustine. And a long arm, athletic bully at center.

There are two LBs in the class btw.

True, I forgot Sacca is listed as a safety. Also agree the OL is doing ok, just think it should be lights out considering the tradition and recent NFL success. I believe we have potentially 3 NFL HoFs playing OL in the league right now.

 

[Blazers46]

You don’t have to buy anything. You’re assuming on your own that it took a bigger bag to get him to make his decision and that’s not the case. Does USC have the bigger NIL offer on the table? Yep. Was he already leaning in that direction because of his desire to stay home? Yep.

Either way, whatev’s

 

[Sea Turtle]

I've never seen a class completely stall out mid summer the way this one has. It just fell off a cliff.

 

[NDMatt91]

I've never seen a class completely stall out mid summer the way this one has. It just fell off a cliff.

The ISD gang talked about this today. Mike Frank said the staff did a terrible job since the summer with respect to who they zeroed in on and how they failed to close. He said this staff has had an issue with closing in multiple cycles. They talked about how ND only got a commitment from 1 player (Blair) who OV'd in June and how the WR and DL (specifically DT) positions aren't in great shape going forward.

 

[jprue24]

The ISD gang talked about this today. Mike Frank said the staff did a terrible job since the summer with respect to who they zeroed in on and how they failed to close. He said this staff has had an issue with closing in multiple cycles. They talked about how ND only got a commitment from 1 player (Blair) who OV'd in June and how the WR and DL (specifically DT) positions aren't in great shape going forward.

We already know why. They went on vacation at the beginning of the summer.

 

[Henges24]

In honor of their recently announced North American tour.

I heard that today. I’m almost tempted to go see them but at the same time, I don’t understand how these guys can go on a tour without a wheel chair by now.

Its gotta be just Angus and Brian Johnson by now right?

I‘ll share my favorite:

 

[NDPhilly]

The ISD gang talked about this today. Mike Frank said the staff did a terrible job since the summer with respect to who they zeroed in on and how they failed to close. He said this staff has had an issue with closing in multiple cycles. They talked about how ND only got a commitment from 1 player (Blair) who OV'd in June and how the WR and DL (specifically DT) positions aren't in great shape going forward.

An elite recruit today should be in no hurry to commit, if they hold out for the highest (most desperate) bidder, than they'll make out very very well. Worked out for Madden.

Not excusing the staff totally, but this is a totally different world.

 

[Rizzophil]

The ISD gang talked about this today. Mike Frank said the staff did a terrible job since the summer with respect to who they zeroed in on and how they failed to close. He said this staff has had an issue with closing in multiple cycles. They talked about how ND only got a commitment from 1 player (Blair) who OV'd in June and how the WR and DL (specifically DT) positions aren't in great shape going forward.

ISD is so negative

Just look at the freshman contributing the last two years …that are three star players. We have so many defensive players getting snaps it’s ridiculous. And they are great too

So for ISD to say it’s just terrible at closing…terrible and identifying …blah blah… it’s just weak and small minded

 

[irishff1014]

ISD is so negative

Just look at the freshman contributing the last two years …that are three star players. We have so many defensive players getting snaps it’s ridiculous. And they are great too

So for ISD to say it’s just terrible at closing…terrible and identifying …blah blah… it’s just weak and small minded

You are not going to keep getting lucky with the 3 star recruits.

Yes I am aware not every player can go to camps.

 

[CanadalovesND]

ISD is so negative

Just look at the freshman contributing the last two years …that are three star players. We have so many defensive players getting snaps it’s ridiculous. And they are great too

So for ISD to say it’s just terrible at closing…terrible and identifying …blah blah… it’s just weak and small minded

To their point, they wanted about 10 or so guys since the summer but only closed on a few. Even readjusted their board after the summer and couldn’t close on any.

There is merit to your point but you are making it about development, and not the caliber of the targets that they just couldn’t close on.

 

[JadedDomer]

ISD is so negative

Just look at the freshman contributing the last two years …that are three star players. We have so many defensive players getting snaps it’s ridiculous. And they are great too

So for ISD to say it’s just terrible at closing…terrible and identifying …blah blah… it’s just weak and small minded

List out the 2024 class 4 and 5 stars they hosted over the summer vs the one they landed and tell us how that's not negative.

This is not a great ND class. It's not even that good, it'll end outside top 15. Maybe they're all 3 star hits but let's not pretend the staff came close to getting who they wanted.

 

[CanadalovesND]

List out the 2024 class 4 and 5 stars they hosted over the summer vs the one they landed and tell us how that's not negative.

This is not a great ND class. It's not even that good, it'll end outside top 15. Maybe they're all 3 star hits but let's not pretend the staff came close to getting who they wanted.

It may not be at the same par as ‘23 & ‘24, but it’s still a good class.

We are not signing the 60th ranked class on Wednesday.

 

[Irishdwarte]

It may not be at the same par as ‘23 & ‘24, but it’s still a good class.

We are not signing the 60th ranked class on Wednesday.

Agreed. Freeman and the staff will address what they need to do better. If they need more NIL money, they will figure it out. The program is in great shape and the 26 class is off to a solid start.

 

[JadedDomer]

It may not be at the same par as ‘23 & ‘24, but it’s still a good class.

We are not signing the 60th ranked class on Wednesday.

We're signing a class closer to Duke's than Georgia's. It's not one that closes the gap, that's for sure.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Problem is that it’ll be much tougher to field a CFP team next year

Other than your constant negativity, why?

 

[Rocket 94]

We're signing a class closer to Duke's than Georgia's. It's not one that closes the gap, that's for sure.

Duke has 2 four stars in the composite and ND has 13 four stars. Not sure how ND's class is closer to Duke than Georgia. This makes no sense.

 

[CanadalovesND]

We're signing a class closer to Duke's than Georgia's. It's not one that closes the gap, that's for sure.

That’s funny.

 

[PANDFAN]

I have no issue if Madden makes more money than KVA...if he were to get on campus and prove it. But right now, it simply can't be done. Sets a bad precedent this year and next. Agents talk

He's not the same prospect.. next

 

[notredomer23]

ND is literally 1 top 100 recruit from being at 270 which has been the line that marks a really good class for ND. It is no doubt a frustrating close to this cycle, and these can’t be the norm but the negative hyperbole has gotten out of control.

 

[NDPhilly]

Yeah I mean this class is still above average for Kelly. Being really hyperbolic in here. 2026 is the real test now that momentum has returned after 2 mediocre years.

Davion Dixon and Anthony Sacca were also borderline top 100 recruits with a bunch of big time offers who slowly dropped throughout the cycle pretty inexplicably to 3 star status. Ethan Long also was a 4 star.

 

[NDLS_USMC]

You are not going to keep getting lucky with the 3 star recruits.

So the question is: Is it luck that so many are producing for this staff? Cinci also seemed “lucky” with much the same group of coaches.

Maybe they can identify and develop at a level above the competition.

We will know in a few years if the staff stays largely intact.

 

[domer13]

Spreadsheet I've kept up the last couple of years which compares the 247Composite Scores of the Kelly and Freeman years (I took off the Weis years for this screenshot).

If the current class (row 21) stays as it is, then it is definitely the worst of the Freeman era, but basically an above-average Kelly class.

One of the major takeaways I've had from this is that Freman has taken ZERO players who are under an 87.00 composite score (compared to 3.72/year for Kelly), and has taken FAR fewer players under 88.00 (under 1.75/year, compared 6.5/year under Kelly). I think this, combined with crucial transfer portal upgrades, has resulted in a much greater total team talent and an environment where more freshmen are able to contribute more quickly.

Still lacking the top end talent overall, but the bottoms of the classes are much stronger.

 

[Rocketman84]

Will see what shakes out between now and signing day, but I can't recall a more different finish between on field performance and closing on recruits.

Usually there is some correlation between record and recruiting, but sheesh, the bag seems undefeated here..

Still a good class, but a few more holes that will need patched by the portal down the road.

Yea and .500 teams are closing like Mariano Rivera with 4*/5* guys of course.

 

[Rocketman84]

I'm not sure Downs is the best example for the point you are making. Yes, he was a five star talent, but safety was not a position that ND had a huge need for a starter. They got what they needed there and that was depth.

The positions that ND needed to pay money in the portal, they went out and got some of the better options at those positions - including the QB that many thought was the top guy.

It was a position of need alongside Watts, but instead of getting a future 1st Rd talent like Downs we got a safe/solid guy in Heard.