The Notre Dame 2024 recruiting class has certainly garnered significant attention and praise, particularly for its offensive recruits. Here’s a recap of the individual player breakdowns, grades, and rankings:
### Player Rankings – Analysis:
1. **Cam Williams, Wide Receiver**
– **IB Grade:** 5.0
– **Upside Grade:** 5.0
– **Analysis:** Williams is a dynamic receiver with exceptional speed, route running ability, and hands. His versatility, including contributions in the return game and even on defense, adds to his value. He’s expected to make an immediate impact.
2. **CJ Carr, Quarterback**
– **IB Grade:** 5.0
– **Upside Grade:** 5.0
– **Analysis:** Carr possesses intelligence, arm talent, and the ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. His decision-making and mobility fit well with Notre Dame’s offensive scheme.
3. **Guerby Lambert, Offensive Line**
– **IB Grade:** 5.0
– **Upside Grade:** 5.0
– **Analysis:** Lambert, a highly-rated tackle, brings exceptional size, power, and athleticism. While he needs refinement in pass protection, his potential as a dominant lineman is evident.
4. **Kedren Young, Running Back**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 5.0
– **Analysis:** Young is praised for his physicality, balance, and agility as a running back. He’s versatile and capable of excelling in various aspects of the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield.
5. **Micah Gilbert, Wide Receiver**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.5
– **Analysis:** Gilbert brings size, strength, and impressive catch radius to the receiver position. His ability to make plays downfield and after the catch adds depth to Notre Dame’s receiving corps.
6. **Aneyas Williams, Running Back**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.5
– **Analysis:** Williams is noted for his all-around abilities as a running back, including vision, agility, and receiving skills. His versatility and production make him a valuable addition to the Irish backfield.
7. **Styles Prescod, Offensive Line**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.5
– **Analysis:** Prescod possesses impressive length and athleticism, though he requires further development. His potential as a tackle adds depth to Notre Dame’s offensive line.
8. **Peter Jones, Offensive Line**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.0
– **Analysis:** Jones is praised for his physicality and effectiveness in the trenches, particularly as a run blocker. He projects well as an interior lineman in Notre Dame’s system.
9. **Jack Larsen, Tight End**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.0
– **Analysis:** Despite not having elite measurables, Larsen’s football IQ, route running, and hands make him a valuable addition to the tight end room. He offers a different skill set compared to other tight ends in the class.
10. **Logan Saldate, Wide Receiver**
– **IB Grade:** 4.0
– **Upside Grade:** 4.0
– **Analysis:** Saldate impresses with his route running, hands, and ability to create separation. His versatility as both an outside and slot receiver adds depth to Notre Dame’s receiving corps.
11. **Anthonie Knapp, Offensive Line**
– **IB Grade:** 3.5
– **Upside Grade:** 4.5
– **Analysis:** Knapp’s athleticism and physicality make him an intriguing prospect despite being undersized. With development, he could become a valuable contributor to Notre Dame’s offensive line rotation.
### Upside Grade Ranking:
1. Guerby Lambert
2. Cam Williams
3. CJ Carr
4. Kedren Young
5. Styles Prescod
6. Aneyas Williams
7. Micah Gilbert
8. Anthonie Knapp
9. Logan Saldate
10. Peter Jones
11. Jack Larsen
Overall, Notre Dame’s 2024 offensive recruiting class appears to be well-rounded, featuring top-tier talent at key positions and players with significant upside potential.
