'15 IN LB Josh Barajas (Notre Dame Signed NLI)

[Irish#1]

Is that a personal opinion? Because Barajas (137) to Kirkland Jr.'s (163) was actually ranked higher by the 247 composite. Bilal was (184), so he was pretty close. I don't think saying clear cut, he was a much better prospect would be accurate. You might think he was better, but there are a lot of data points to say it was pretty close.

I have no real opinion either way, but to me there's not much difference in a player ranked 137 or 163. We're only talking 26 places and while they do get tested, so much of this is subjective and the one thing that can't be measured is the mental attitude, demeanor and commitment to maxing yourself. It's only after they get on campus that you get your real answer where they should be ranked.

 

[Wingman Ray]

I dont know guys but seems like a pretty common theme for ND to get well ranked players out of HS and they completely fizzle. Amazing how teams like MSU, Wisconsin, South Carolina (Spurrier years) recruit like crap most the years and still get a ton of results out of a lot lower players.

Bivens is a great example. This guy at Wisconsin would have been a roadgrinder. At ND, a career benchwarmer. I know you guys are thinking that is subjective and negative but seriously, there is a TON of talent wasted every year by this coaching staff. I bet the new DC hasnt had one LB rated as high as Barajas in his coaching career and he made things happen.

I dont know what is in the water up in SB but it isnt great football or great development.

 

[BobbyMac]

I dont know guys but seems like a pretty common theme for ND to get well ranked players out of HS and they completely fizzle. Amazing how teams like MSU, Wisconsin, South Carolina (Spurrier years) recruit like crap most the years and still get a ton of results out of a lot lower players.

Bivens is a great example. This guy at Wisconsin would have been a roadgrinder. At ND, a career benchwarmer. I know you guys are thinking that is subjective and negative but seriously, there is a TON of talent wasted every year by this coaching staff. I bet the new DC hasnt had one LB rated as high as Barajas in his coaching career and he made things happen.

I dont know what is in the water up in SB but it isnt great football or great development.

No offense but that is possibly the worst comparative example you could bring up.

Bivin has been behind 3 1st round caliber OT's during his tenure ('13-'17). Next year's draft will see ND in the running for the title of OLine U in that same time period.

Bivins not producing and Barajas not producing up to this point are completely different animals.

 

[irishfan]

Bilal plays soft IMO. Athlete, not physical.

We'll see. It would be a stretch to say he's had even average coaching so far. You can look soft/tentative when you don't fully know what you're doing out there.

 

[#1rish]

Transferring to Illinois State.

 

[Meatloaf]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[DONTH8]

I won't lose sleep over this. I would wonder what went wrong here, but I really never thought of him much so why start now?

Best of luck to him

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I won't lose sleep over this. I would wonder what went wrong here, but I really never thought of him much so why start now?

Best of luck to him

Really? Over Weight, out of shape, lack of effort...Still wondering what went wrong here?

 

[BobbyMac]

1 down, __ to go.

 

[IrishLion]

1 down, __ to go.

Well, we are now at the limit of 85 (!), so naturally we need to lose 2 or 3 more, and then a other 2 or 3 to season-altering injury.

Self-handcuffed at about 78 seems right.

 

[irishff1014]

Unfortunately this is what happens when you get some guys that want it a little more and are just better players.

 

[IrishLax]

I remember when "Coach D" said he was a 5 linebacker. Instead, he was a guy who flat out couldn't play and never even put in the work to get in shape.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I remember when "Coach D" said he was a 5 linebacker. Instead, he was a guy who flat out couldn't play and never even put in the work to get in shape.

We don't know if he could play at this level. What we do know is that he came in over weight and out of shape. And it took him a long time to get into shape. Thus we know the poor work ethic in the weight room, on the practice field and undisciplined eating.


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[DONTH8]

Really? Over Weight, out of shape, lack of effort...Still wondering what went wrong here?

Like I said, I never really paid attention to the guy. After Bilal committed, I stopped paying attention to this guy honestly. including his time on campus. Thanks for the info though. Definitely explains a few things. Unfortunate that a guy doesn't take full advantage of the opportunity given him and work his butt off. Still not losing sleep.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Unsubstantiated, but from a good source:

He heard there was some drug related issues.

 

[dublinirish]

We don't know if he could play at this level. What we do know is that he came in over weight and out of shape. And it took him a long time to get into shape. Thus we know the poor work ethic in the weight room, on the practice field and undisciplined eating.


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he never got into shape period.

 

[Irish#1]

Next man up!

 

[IrishLion]

he never got into shape period.

Hey now, some of us would like you to know that "round" IS a shape.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Shame to see him pass up the ND degree, but the on-the-field product just wasn't there. Best of luck, Josh.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I wish Josh well but this is in the best interest of both parties. He'll likely be a day one starter at Illini state and we gain a scholarship back that'll be very useful after we win 9+ games.

 

[dublinirish]

Illinois State Athletics - Josh Barajas - 2017

2 tackles in 3 games Illinois State