State of the Recruiting Class - 2024

[IrishSpartan]

I really hate how IB is stoking this Al Washington flame right now bc of Justin’s Scott. Yes the guy has been up and down but it hasn’t been terrible and for Justin I don’t put any of it on him really. I think Justin hasn’t been reciprocating any of the interest and all of this might be the result of staff changes in the recruiting office and sideline messing things up before hand. For them to go and stoke this flame is extremely in-professional and I’m very happy that Tom Loy came out and criticized them for it.

 

[Irishdrunk]

I really hate how IB is stoking this Al Washington flame right now bc of Justin’s Scott. Yes the guy has been up and down but it hasn’t been terrible and for Justin I don’t put any of it on him really. I think Justin hasn’t been reciprocating any of the interest and all of this might be the result of staff changes in the recruiting office and sideline messing things up before hand. For them to go and stoke this flame is extremely in-professional and I’m very happy that Tom Loy came out and criticized them for it.

I can’t imagine recruits put weight on bloggers. I think their decision is about the school the program and the staff.

Not landing Justin Scott is a real problem though. I think it’s easier to blame Al Washington than the program or Marcus Freeman.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

I really hate how IB is stoking this Al Washington flame right now bc of Justin’s Scott. Yes the guy has been up and down but it hasn’t been terrible and for Justin I don’t put any of it on him really. I think Justin hasn’t been reciprocating any of the interest and all of this might be the result of staff changes in the recruiting office and sideline messing things up before hand. For them to go and stoke this flame is extremely in-professional and I’m very happy that Tom Loy came out and criticized them for it.

I have to wonder what the origin for all of this is. There has to be a reason they go after him and begin this kind of narrative, knowing the tendencies of this fanbase and the reach they have within that audience. I don't know what good really comes from it.

 

[GoIrish41]

I have to wonder what the origin for all of this is. There has to be a reason they go after him and begin this kind of narrative, knowing the tendencies of this fanbase and the reach they have within that audience. I don't know what good really comes from it.

It’s all about clicks and money. When there is no penalty for being wrong, uninformed hot takes collect eyeballs.

 

[NDdomer2]

I’m going to bring up something that Roberts & Driskell mentioned & ask people their thoughts…

They said that if ND gets Lambert, it’s the best offensive class at ND since the Weis years. And since it met all the needs, might even be better than those.

What is the last offensive class as good as;

QB Carr
RB Young
RB Williams
WR Williams
WR Gilbert
WR Canion
TE Larsen
OT Lambert
OT Prescod
OG Jones
OG Knapp

Just for fun, I’m going to put each recruits highest site ranking next.

21
82
134
33
218
95
139
32
189
91
206

That means all are ranked top 220 by at least one site.
Over half (6) are top 100 by at least one site.

It definitely is on pace to be an all timer. High level QBs do wonders for your skill recruiting. We obviously have the benefit of hind sight for a lot of those old classes but this class is going to be really key in future success of the program so I hope aren't looking back saying "i wish we had a good defense with those teams" how we have kind of been wishing we had that high level offense with our recent defenses.

 

[benneboy]

I can’t imagine recruits put weight on bloggers. I think their decision is about the school the program and the staff.

Not landing Justin Scott is a real problem though. I think it’s easier to blame Al Washington than the program or Marcus Freeman.

The problem with not landing Scott goes beyond just Justin Scott. Washington was billed as a really high level recruiter and, statistically speaking, it's potentially a step down from who was also perceived as just an ok recruiter in Elston.
Elston was a really good developer of talent. Now it's hard to see an avenue where the d line isn't a weakness going forward without the potential of high quality high school talent coming in. The criticism is warranted.

 

[stlnd01]

It is hard to dispute that losing Scott to Michigan and Elston would be a bad look for our DL recruiting. (Not to mention Elston's much-deserved rep as a developer). Very different - IMO - than losing him to places like Miami or Georgia.

But until it actually happens I see zero point in raking Washington over the coals for it. We really don't know how this one's going to go down.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

For us, anyway - probably because we tend to target good fits and lock down our classes relatively early - regular season performance seems to have very little impact on recruiting for the class that signs in December. Maybe it matters next cycle.

I don't think it is different for most programs. The process starts earlier and earlier now, so the relationship building is taking place very early with some prospects. Freshman and sophomore year of HS. So they're invested in time and attention over the course of time prior to the season of their senior year of HS.

I suppose there are specific examples we could cite with ND and other programs, but it ultimately doesn't really make a big impact in the end.

 

[Irishdrunk]

The problem with not landing Scott goes beyond just Justin Scott. Washington was billed as a really high level recruiter and, statistically speaking, it's potentially a step down from who was also perceived as just an ok recruiter in Elston.
Elston was a really good developer of talent. Now it's hard to see an avenue where the d line isn't a weakness going forward without the potential of high quality high school talent coming in. The criticism is warranted.

I agree the critique might be warranted but I think the recruits hopefully don't put lots of weight into bloggers. Hell Michigan has some crazy bloggers as well.

It will be an interesting season if the Defense doesn't step up under Freeman in his second year. He has to take control of the situation if not.

 

[Luckylucci]

With or without Scott, this is a very good DL class. So, I don’t think we should question Washington in the slightest.

But…you can’t lose him to Michigan. And, I don’t even know what that means. Just that my brain can’t grasp the possibility, lol.

 

[notredomer23]

With it without Scott, this is a very good DL class. So, I don’t think we should question Washington in the slightest.

But…you can’t lose him to Michigan. And, I don’t even know what that means. Just that my brain can’t grasp the possibility, lol.

Some for some reason blame him for Keeley going to Bama and Jason Moore choosing OSU, when in reality Moore had the family ties to OSU and Mama Keeley literally said on Twitter "here is our price". I don't get the Washington hate yet. If the line underperforms this year, maybe it's validated, but his recruiting shouldn't be part of it.

 

[Luckylucci]

Development and production being a separate conversation. He needs to develop his own Foskey. I think he's recruited some guys that can be. Now it's time for them to produce as such.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

"Losing" Scott to Michigan comes with the perception that ND had him to lose in the first place.

They seem to have done everything they can within the rules and above board to try to get him. It comes down to him making the choice.

 

[PutuporShutup]

"Losing" Scott to Michigan comes with the perception that ND had him to lose in the first place.

They seem to have done everything they can within the rules and above board to try to get him. It comes down to him making the choice.

You don't think who the person coaching him and the head coach is part of the decision making?

I could do everything I can to recruit him but if i'm the dline coach i doubt any good players are going to come play for me even if they love ND.

I'm not saying washington is the reason we may lose out on him, but he's not giving off much confidence. OSU wanted him gone, and we took him.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I'm not saying washington is the reason we may lose out on him, but he's not giving off much confidence. OSU wanted him gone, and we took him.

He was coaching LBs at OSU and the product on the field was bad. His recruiting was borderline great. He was on the hot seat for a completely different reason.

 

[Terry Jillery]

If PSU finishes higher than ND, how many opposing fans will say HCMF is the 4th best recruiter in the entire…

Midwest?

 

[Luckylucci]

"Losing" Scott to Michigan comes with the perception that ND had him to lose in the first place.

They seem to have done everything they can within the rules and above board to try to get him. It comes down to him making the choice.

I'm in a 100% agreement that it’s irrational. However, this is part of the crootin world.

The perception that a 5 star from Chicago chose UM over ND, is a big deal on the beat. At least, it would undoubtedly get made out to be one.

Is it really? Will it be on the field? I have my doubts.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Again, it's been one year. I want to give Washington time. I understand people can't keep their powder or their pants dry when it comes to sample size, but the most important thing is whether MF thinks a change needs to be made. It's his ass in the jackpot, after all.

You want a DL coach that gives you the absolute best of both worlds? There is one that immediately comes to my mind and you'd be taking him from Pat Narduzzi if you did it. Has been an HC and DC. He'd be worth every dime in my opinion. No idea if he's even interested in leaving Pitt.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Again, it's been one year. I want to give Washington time. I understand people can't keep their powder or their pants dry when it comes to sample size, but the most important thing is whether MF thinks a change needs to be made. It's his ass in the jackpot, after all.

You want a DL coach that gives you the absolute best of both worlds? There is one that immediately comes to my mind and you'd be taking him from Pat Narduzzi if you did it. Has been an HC and DC. He'd be worth every dime in my opinion. No idea if he's even interested in leaving Pitt.

"is that a call sheet in your pants, or are you just happy to be here?"

 

[Reaper97]

What I find interesting is that every chance EJ Holland gets to troll ND, even when made up, he does.
Yet, he hasn’t said anything about Michigan leading ND for Scott?
I would imagine if what is being discussed by ND sites were true, EJ would be all over it?

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

I'm in a 100% agreement that it’s irrational. However, this is part of the crootin world.

The perception that a 5 star from Chicago chose UM over ND, is a big deal on the beat. At least, it would undoubtedly get made out to be one.

Is it really? Will it be on the field? I have my doubts.

Michigan signed Tyler Morris and Jimmy Rolder in their 2022 class. Life ended up going on. Kaleb Brown already transferred from Ohio State to Iowa.

Perception and optics are not only fluid, but they typically matter most within the fanbases of the programs in question.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

"is that a call sheet in your pants, or are you just happy to be here?"

Glad you noticed and I didn't.

 

[ab2cmiller]

What I find interesting is that every chance EJ Holland gets to troll ND, even when made up, he does.
Yet, he hasn’t said anything about Michigan leading ND for Scott?
I would imagine if what is being discussed by ND sites were true, EJ would be all over it?

Excellent point

 

[irishandy]

I didn't know where to post this video & apologies if it has already been posted. Nice talk by Tom Mendoza to the football team and I am sure he would be a great resource to talk to recruits:

 

[IrishMoore1]

Honestly, if this happens, I think it resonates more with the 2025 class and gets the attention of 2026 more. 5-0 puts us into October. The 2024 guys are going to be pretty close to knowing if they already don't know by then.

Frankly, I'm hesitant to trust a prospect that's jumping into the mix based on ND being 5-0 to begin with. There are 20+ dudes who have committed off of a 9-4 season from a first year HC.

I don't think the younger classes really pay much attention to the records 2 years removed from their matriculation.

It's not that the 5-0 convinces anyone to jump in. It validates everything Coach Freeman has been pitching to them throughout the recruitment. Guys can also flip later in the cycle.

 

[Irish8248]

I'm in a 100% agreement that it’s irrational. However, this is part of the crootin world.

The perception that a 5 star from Chicago chose UM over ND, is a big deal on the beat. At least, it would undoubtedly get made out to be one.

Is it really? Will it be on the field? I have my doubts.

Same can be said for stealing a very high, skilled, uber known legacy from Michigan

It's just how recruiting works

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

I don't think the younger classes really pay much attention to the records 2 years removed from their matriculation.

It's not that the 5-0 convinces anyone to jump in. It validates everything Coach Freeman has been pitching to them throughout the recruitment. Guys can also flip later in the cycle.

What do they pay attention to then? ND has already offered over 130 prospects in the 2025 class. I'd hope they're at least checking out the results every now and again.

 

[Luckylucci]

Same can be said for stealing a very high, skilled, uber known legacy from Michigan

It's just how recruiting works

Full agreement. Pretty incredible we got Carr. Not just the recruiting victory but prospect. He’s actually the real deal. Scott, we’ll see.

This isn’t me saying it’s justified. I’m just saying that it will happen. If Scott goes to Michigan II, IB, etc will meltdown hard. Michigan will blow that up in their respective sites. That’s just what it will be.

 

[mango4]

Same can be said for stealing a very high, skilled, uber known legacy from Michigan

It's just how recruiting works

Don’t you know, Michigan really didn’t want him…

 

[Chicago Domer]

We talk a lot about how it would be crazy for a Chicago Catholic league kid (Scott) to choose Scum over ND. Yes that’s true, but when you walk around Chicago, there is a ton of Scum apparel being warn. Scum is very popular in the Chicago area. Why I don’t know!!! I give people shit all the time for wearing maize and blue though.