'18 PA OLB Matthew "Bo" Bauer (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Domina Nostra]

I hope he's not really a 4.9 guy. I did notice his ratings outweigh his offer list though.

He should just make one up and everyone can be happy!

He's not even a junior in college and he's a LB; Manti ran a 4.82 after four years.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I just watched his film. Wow. Great speed, shoots gaps and blows up the backfield quickly with sure tackling. Thoroughly impressed. Similar to David Adams but taller and maybe a bit more athleticism and quick feet. Love then RB snaps he takes. HIGH MOTOR! Love it.
GO IRISH

 

[STLDomer]

He has 4.6 on his Hudl.

Truth is he probably plays at a speed somewhere in between.

 

[IrishLax]

Wait...was lax wrong?!?!? I didn't know that was possible. Sheesh.

Haha yeah I'm extremely happy they took him. I heard from someone earlier in the week that they were hesitant to take him because that would be their 3rd LB and effectively end '18 linebacker recruiting a full year and a half before NSD. I thought this was a big mistake, for the reasons I ranted about. You have to take players like Bauer, and then if there is someone who is super impressive as a late bloomer or at camp or some other guy you really like... well, then you cross that bridge and make tough decisions.

I think they certainly made the right decision in offering and securing the commitment, because passing on players like Bauer in the past has haunted ND. Bauer, IMO, is the type of LB that goes to a place like Michigan State or Boston College and just tears up college football for 3+ years. I understand concerns over straight line speed and how that might hamper him going sideline-to-sideline or in the NFL, but he checks a lot of boxes for what you want in a MIKE linebacker in college football.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

Haha yeah I'm extremely happy they took him. I heard from someone earlier in the week that they were hesitant to take him because that would be their 3rd LB and effectively end '18 linebacker recruiting a full year and a half before NSD. I thought this was a big mistake, for the reasons I ranted about. You have to take players like Bauer, and then if there is someone who is super impressive as a late bloomer or at camp or some other guy you really like... well, then you cross that bridge and make tough decisions.

I think they certainly made the right decision in offering and securing the commitment, because passing on players like Bauer in the past has haunted ND. Bauer, IMO, is the type of LB that goes to a place like Michigan State or Boston College and just tears up college football for 3+ years. I understand concerns over straight line speed and how that might hamper him going sideline-to-sideline or in the NFL, but he checks a lot of boxes for what you want in a MIKE linebacker in college football.

This!

 

[fightingirish26]

Haha yeah I'm extremely happy they took him. I heard from someone earlier in the week that they were hesitant to take him because that would be their 3rd LB and effectively end '18 linebacker recruiting a full year and a half before NSD. I thought this was a big mistake, for the reasons I ranted about. You have to take players like Bauer, and then if there is someone who is super impressive as a late bloomer or at camp or some other guy you really like... well, then you cross that bridge and make tough decisions.

I think they certainly made the right decision in offering and securing the commitment, because passing on players like Bauer in the past has haunted ND. Bauer, IMO, is the type of LB that goes to a place like Michigan State or Boston College and just tears up college football for 3+ years. I understand concerns over straight line speed and how that might hamper him going sideline-to-sideline or in the NFL, but he checks a lot of boxes for what you want in a MIKE linebacker in college football.

Justin Ademilola may grow into a DE (he still has 2 years of high school left and he's listed at 225), so we might effectively have only 2 LB commits

 

[IrishLax]

Justin Ademilola may grow into a DE (he still has 2 years of high school left and he's listed at 225), so we might effectively have only 2 LB commits

True, but I'm fairly certain they view him as a LB right now and aren't counting on that.

 

[Ricochet]

Justin Ademilola may grow into a DE (he still has 2 years of high school left and he's listed at 225), so we might effectively have only 2 LB commits

He may be listed at 225 but those numbers don'tget updated very often and I've heard he's already pushing 240.

IMO his brother is a DT and he's SDE.

 

[Irish Man3]

Recruiting pace has sped up so much that some of these concerns seem so funny considering this is the 2018 class we're talking about. We're dissecting sophomore film when looking at his highlights.

I think this is the first TRUE LB in the 2018 class. Ovie and Twin A both have flexibility as to where they end up. Bo is a LB prospect through and through. Great decision by the staff to take this kid and now big game hunt for some of the elite.

 

[CIrishWin]

So does Gant, Mustipher, Hawkins round out our front 7 class for next year

 

[Luckylucci]

So does Gant, Mustipher, Hawkins round out our front 7 class for next year

I'd love that to be the case, but I think that OSU will be a player for Gant. I think they would be for Hawkins as well, if they choose to be. We look to be in good shape with Mustipher.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

Hometown guy, might have to head home and catch a Prep game this year and see this dude in action.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

As long as he's not Joe Schmidt-athletic, I'll take instinct over raw athleticism in most MLBs. Understanding assignments and shooting gaps/stringing plays out allows the rest of the defense to play their role.

If the centerpiece goes off kilter, everything else is affected. Plus, Bauer must be at least marginally athletic since we're talking about a top100 player.

Love the addition.

 

[koonja]

Dallas Gant will be the kid that's a perfect fit for ND, that chooses OSU in the end. And that doesn't make him a bad kid.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Dallas Gant will be the kid that's a perfect fit for ND, that chooses OSU in the end. And that doesn't make him a bad kid.

Interesting you mention that. Want to put any money on it?

I actually peaked back in because I saw some film on this kid Bo, and, oh my! Are you all for real? This kid is supposed to be a sophomore in high school?

He is rated the number 2 inside linebacker, and 96th player in his class; he is 6'3" and 215; and he clearly has speed on a different level that those playing on the same field. Oh. Yeah. And he is always in the thick of things, letting his bad attitude out.

 

[Irish Man3]

Interesting you mention that. Want to put any money on it?

I actually peaked back in because I saw some film on this kid Bo, and, oh my! Are you all for real? This kid is supposed to be a sophomore in high school?

He is rated the number 2 inside linebacker, and 96th player in his class; he is 6'3" and 215; and he clearly has speed on a different level that those playing on the same field. Oh. Yeah. And he is always in the thick of things, letting his bad attitude out.

Money on him not choosing ND or specifically OSU?

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Money on him not choosing ND or specifically OSU?

What an idea, a parlay! Set your stakes!

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I know I get bashed for my over-optimistic views but I think Bo is the best LB in the country in the '18 class and I've watched the films of the others. His speed, tenacity, athleticism, burst...tackling ability.....the way he shoots gaps and blows up ball carriers in the backfield?? Bonkers. If he continues to develop and keeps working in the classroom he'll be a very big deal at ND. My fave '18 recruit for sure. There isn't a lot of film on him in pass pro but this kid could be special.

 

[Irish Man3]

I know I get bashed for my over-optimistic views but I think Bo is the best LB in the country in the '18 class and I've watched the films of the others. His speed, tenacity, athleticism, burst...tackling ability.....the way he shoots gaps and blows up ball carriers in the backfield?? Bonkers. If he continues to develop and keeps working in the classroom he'll be a very big deal at ND. My fave '18 recruit for sure. There isn't a lot of film on him in pass pro but this kid could be special.

I'm not going to bash you, I'm simply going to disagree vehemently.

 

[pkt77242]

I know I get bashed for my over-optimistic views but I think Bo is the best LB in the country in the '18 class and I've watched the films of the others. His speed, tenacity, athleticism, burst...tackling ability.....the way he shoots gaps and blows up ball carriers in the backfield?? Bonkers. If he continues to develop and keeps working in the classroom he'll be a very big deal at ND. My fave '18 recruit for sure. There isn't a lot of film on him in pass pro but this kid could be special.

I feel like there should be a

at the end of your post.

I think that Bauer is going to be a very good LB but I think that you might have drank too much kool-aid.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I feel like there should be a

at the end of your post.

I think that Bauer is going to be a very good LB but I think that you might have drank too much kool-aid.

Settle down. I think he's the best '18 LB. Sue me. Cute GIF's by the way.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Settle down. I think he's the best '18 LB. Sue me.

My attorney is drawing up the paperwork, what's your address? Your optimism is only tolerated because it's the offseason. Wait till the first loss or close win, you are going to be flayed in a few short weeks.

I hope your big boy undies are ready.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

My attorney is drawing up the paperwork, what's your address? Your optimism is only tolerated because it's the offseason. Wait till the first loss or close win, you are going to be flayed in a few short weeks.

I hope your big boy undies are ready.

Oh I have my worries too. Not sure we have star power at TE anymore. Haven't seen enough of Smythe to be comfortable. I'm sick and tired of our non-existent pass rush and am hoping one of the Hayes helps us but I'm not holding my breath. I have a feeling Tranquil will get injured again then we'll be starting a true freshman SS. I'm concerned that we won't be able to establish a true "go-to" WR....I have my worries but I think we are going to be a great football team this year. I'm willing to wager we get at least ten wins.

 

[ThePiombino]

Haha yeah I'm extremely happy they took him. I heard from someone earlier in the week that they were hesitant to take him because that would be their 3rd LB and effectively end '18 linebacker recruiting a full year and a half before NSD. I thought this was a big mistake, for the reasons I ranted about. You have to take players like Bauer, and then if there is someone who is super impressive as a late bloomer or at camp or some other guy you really like... well, then you cross that bridge and make tough decisions.

I think they certainly made the right decision in offering and securing the commitment, because passing on players like Bauer in the past has haunted ND. Bauer, IMO, is the type of LB that goes to a place like Michigan State or Boston College and just tears up college football for 3+ years. I understand concerns over straight line speed and how that might hamper him going sideline-to-sideline or in the NFL, but he checks a lot of boxes for what you want in a MIKE linebacker in college football.

Well said, agreed.

 

[Henges24]

He's got a battitude, I like that.

However, I hope he learns how to tackle a little better. We don't need another LB that is going to bounce off of guys because he thinks he can/will hit them hard enough.

 

[GBdomer]

From a random poster on II, mods take it down if I am not allowed to post this

I'll make this short, but keep in mind I am a huge ND fan so I am biased.
Had a tremendous interview with Matt Bauer today and I can honestly say, after doing talk radio for nearly 40 years, this is probably the best interview I have ever done -- and I had nothing to do with it. If you just walked by this young man on the street you would think he's something special.
Talk about the perfect rep for ND, Bauer is the man. The ND coaches should get a tape of the interview and play it for other recruits and their parents. He was amazing.
He gave a lot of credit to the coaches (Kelly, Elston) as well as everyone connected to the university during his visit. I thought ND was his dream school but that wasn't the case. He pointed out he gave his coach (the highly successful Mike Mischler) who also in the studio a list of five schools he was interested in and was ready to visit.
To keep it simple, Bauer said, "After my visit to Notre Dame, I told my father on the way home that this was a situation no one could ever pass up if they had the chance. It was incredible."
I'm thrilled for Bauer and what a great addition to the ND family for the university.
Sorry it went so long, but it probably should've been longer for all the great things the young man said. He gets it.

 

[m-araim]

link to inreview

 

[Henges24]

link to inreview

Try one more time. I'd love to view it.

 

[IrishBroker]

Haha yeah I'm extremely happy they took him. I heard from someone earlier in the week that they were hesitant to take him because that would be their 3rd LB and effectively end '18 linebacker recruiting a full year and a half before NSD. I thought this was a big mistake, for the reasons I ranted about. You have to take players like Bauer, and then if there is someone who is super impressive as a late bloomer or at camp or some other guy you really like... well, then you cross that bridge and make tough decisions.

I think they certainly made the right decision in offering and securing the commitment, because passing on players like Bauer in the past has haunted ND. Bauer, IMO, is the type of LB that goes to a place like Michigan State or Boston College and just tears up college football for 3+ years. I understand concerns over straight line speed and how that might hamper him going sideline-to-sideline or in the NFL, but he checks a lot of boxes for what you want in a MIKE linebacker in college football.

If this isn't the truest statement I've heard....He's 6'3 and will put on some muscle.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> commitment Matt Baeur <a href="https://twitter.com/BoBauer27">@bobauer27</a> <a href="https://t.co/xQiL5VzYtz">pic.twitter.com/xQiL5VzYtz</a></p>— Steve Hare (@share24) <a href="https://twitter.com/share24/status/765881800942116864">August 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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