Irish DNA: The Legacy Jerome Bettis Jr. Chooses Notre Dame!

Written by Mike Stacey ⏐ Writer ⏐ X: @MikeStaceyIT IG: @mikestaceyit

Photo via Jerome Bettis Jr. (Instagram)

Class of 2025 recruit and 3 Star Wide Receiver out of Woodward Academy in Atlanta Georgia, Jerome Bettis Jr., committed to the Irish on St. Patrick's Day, a very fitting commitment date. Does the name sound familiar? Well it should. Jerome is the son of the same Jerome Bettis who is an NFL Hall of Famer and Notre Dame legend. However, unlike the Bus, Jerome Bettis Jr. will be contributing primarily through the air as a wide receiver.

In a commitment video released on social media yesterday, Bettis laid his decision out in emphatic fashion, stating:

"Growing up as a Bettis, I've heard all about the ways Notre Dame can change your life academically and athletically." - Jerome Bettis Jr.

Bettis Jr. also detailed his desire to continue his father's legacy, while also blazing his own trail, stating that he wore number 36 in little league, and initially played running back. He would switch positions in seventh grade, however, and begin to lay the groundwork for his own budding legacy.

"I've always been inspired by my dad's career in college and the NFL. But it's time to start my own journey, and I'm excited for the next chapter." - Jerome Bettis Jr.

The commitment video also features a cameo from Jerome Bettis himself, who provides some insight into the wisdom bestowed upon his son. He put it so simply, yet so eloquently when stating:

"Now, all I ask is that you make your decision based on what school would change your life. Not for a season, but for a lifetime." - Jerome "The Bus" Bettis

You can watch the full video below:

Bettis Jr. had 30 receptions for 369 Yards and 4 touchdowns this season as a junior for Woodward Academy. After watching his film, there are two things that stood out to me. One was his ability to catch the ball effortlessly with his hands and not using his body. Second, was his size. Jerome is 6'3 190lbs. That is the kind of size that comes with great upside and potential. Right now, he may be only ranked as a 3-star recruit, but look for him to climb the rankings as he enters his senior year. If he can continue to build on his speed and athleticism, the ceiling will be very high. Right now, I look at him as a solid possession receiver who can be an asset at the goal line. However, if he can continue to develop, there is a real chance of him being a very dangerous boundary receiver. Time will tell.

Jerome is the third Wide Receiver in the current 2025 class. Bettis Jr. joins another teammate with a famous father, Elijah Burress, son of Super Bowl winning Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress, and Shaun Terry. All three recruits are current 3-star prospects that the Irish see a lot of potential in, and I would not be surprised to see their ratings increase as their senior seasons play out. Along with his fellow wideouts, Jerome joins a class headlined by Elite Quarterback Deuce Knight and an overall top class ranking in the country according to 247 Sports. The Irish are not done yet either, and that includes the ride receiver position. Currently, the Irish, Bettis, and his fellow commits are all calling on Bishop Gorman stand out Derek Meadows to be the next WR to turn Irish. By all accounts, Notre Dame is trending very well with his recruitment.

Coach Marcus Freeman and this staff continue to ride the momentum and build a culture that has to get every Irish fan excited. The pieces to be National Title contenders may finally be coming. As long as Freeman and company can put it all together on gameday, this program may be on the brink of bringing back the ever elusive title that has scorned them for far too long. It may feel as though it will never come again to many Irish fans, and understandably so, but I believe this is more than a pipe dream for delusional fans. What the Irish are building is for real. Enjoy the ride.

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