By: Nick Kremer⏐Editor⏐Twitter: @NickKremerIT⏐Profile: @NickKremer
Photo - The Irish Tribune
Let me start by saying that Marcus Freeman and the rest of the Notre Dame staff/support team deserve a TON of credit. The amount of work they put towards securing and keeping an elite recruiting class together is something that needs celebrating, especially in today's crazy world of college football. The recruiting and retainment operation of Notre Dame football is a well-oiled machine, and it shows on days like today.
Twenty-three young men have signed their National Letter of Intent to put on the gold helmet and play for the Irish in the house that Rockne built. Eleven of those young men will play on the offensive side of the ball, ready to light up the scoreboard.
Marcus Freeman and staff did a great job of landing future multi-year starters at each of the 5 different position groups on offense. Big-time quarterback? Check. Explosive wide-receivers? Check. Elite running back tandem? Double check. TE U keeps going strong? Check. More dominant offensive linemen? Check. Let's take a look at this impressive offensive class.
Overall grade for the offense: A-
Quarterback
CJ Carr - Quarterback (6'3", 180 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
From Saline, MI, Carr is a highly-rated quarterback with the poise and arm talent to lead the Notre Dame offense. Carr has been one of the biggest leaders of this class ever since he committed. My favorite thing about CJ is his knowledge of the game; he understands how to read defenses and make good decisions with the football. He shows good mechanics, accuracy, and enough arm strength to make all the necessary throws. Carr is currently at Notre Dame and practicing with the team for the bowl game. He can not participate in the bowl game, but these extra practices will be huge in his development going forward.
Wide Receiver
Cam Williams - Wide Receiver (6'2", 194 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
From Glen Ellyn, IL, Williams is a skilled and polished wide receiver with precise route-running and hands. Williams is one of the best wide-receiver prospects that the Irish have landed in years. Cam is a true number one wide receiver who will undoubtedly make his way onto the field early and often.
Micah Gilbert - Wide Receiver (6'3", 190 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A native of Charlotte, NC, Gilbert is a tall and athletic receiver known for his ball-tracking skills and contested-catch ability. Gilbert, teammate of fellow Irish signee Bryce Young, will likely get on the field early in his Notre Dame career.
Logan Saldate - Wide Receiver (5'10", 171 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
From Salinas, CA, Saldate is a wide receiver with electrifying speed and agility. Saldate possesses the ability to turn short passes into long gains. He had a very impressive Senior season that he capped off with a championship. Saldate brings a speed that will be huge for the Irish offense going forward.
Running Back
Kedren Young - Running Back (5'11", 210 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coming from Lufkin, TX, Young is a dynamic running back with good balance, speed, and tackle-breaking ability. Young shows great patience and vision while blocks are established, and an impressive burst after he makes a cut. Notre Dame is getting one of the best high school running backs in the country in Kedren Young.
Aneyas Williams - Running Back (5'10", 195 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hailing from Hannibal, MO, Williams is a shifty and explosive running back capable of big plays in open space. Williams is the lightning to Young’s thunder. Williams has exceptional speed and does a great job as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Irish fans should be extremely excited about the tandem of Williams and Young in the running back room.
TIght End
Jack Larsen - Tight End (6'3", 225 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coming from Charlotte, NC, Larsen is a versatile tight end that can create mismatches in the passing game. Larsen shows exceptional hands, great route-running, and the ability to make contested catches. Larsen will have to add some strength and size in the weight room, but shows the potential to continue the line of excellence for Tight End U.
Offensive Line
Peter Jones - Offensive Lineman (6'5", 290 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐
A powerhouse from Malvern, PA, Jones is a massive offensive lineman with the size and strength to dominate in the trenches. Projects as an interior offensive lineman who plays with good pad level and fires off the ball quickly. Jones is a great addition to this offensive line room.
Anthonie Knapp - Offensive Lineman (6'4", 270 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐
Hailing from Roswell, GA, Knapp is an underrated prospect who shows a lot of potential for the next level. Knapp plays with aggression and tenacity, which is always a huge plus for an offensive lineman. Knapp's size would suggest that he will play somewhere on the interior of the offensive line, but he does have the athleticism to potentially end up at tackle at the next level.
Styles Prescod - Offensive Lineman (6'6", 280 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐
Coming from Fishers, IN, Prescod has a great frame that, with some added strength, could translate into a very talented lineman for the Irish. Prescod has the size, length, and athleticism to play one of the two tackle positions for the Irish. Prescod will have to improve on his technique, but he flashes great skill in both run and pass blocking.
Guerby Lambert - Offensive Lineman (6'7", 300 lbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
From West Roxbury, MA, Lambert is a towering presence coming into the offensive line room. At 6'7" and 300 pounds, his imposing frame and agility make him an ideal candidate to eventually step into the left tackle spot. Lambert, who is the best lineman prospect in my opinion, has all the tools to be a star up front for the Irish.
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Great article 👏.