The Rise of Notre Dame Wide Receiver Coaching Chancy Stucky It was a tempting one to keep tabs on. When he first heard that Stucky was a candidate for Notre Dame, he suddenly said, “Wait, that Chansi is Stucky? I didn’t know he coached!”
I honestly can’t blame anyone for that reaction. After a previous suspension as a graduate system and an offensive player development position that was a non-coaching position in the Clemson program, Stuckey landed as wide receiver coach at Baylor during the 2021 season.
The former Clemson star and NFL wideout spent just one season with the Bears and didn’t get a chance to finish his first recruiting class when Notre Dame called. did.when you do Marcus Freeman When Stucky was made a new member of staff, his experience was a major point of contention between Notre Dame fans and those who follow the program closely.
Does that mean you weren’t hired? No, of course not, but there was also no reason to believe he could. The 2023 recruiting class, his first in the Irish program, was a litmus test of sorts for what exactly Stucky was like as a recruiter.
With a proven staff of recruiters who have historically done it to a very high standard, Stucky had a lot to prove.
lone star impact
Stucky used the Texas relationship to his advantage early on while attending the Baylor Program. He had previous relationships with the state’s highly talented pass catchers and soon rekindled those relationships.
The biggest early target was Stoney Point in Round Rock, Texas. Braylon JamesHe attended Del Valle High School before returning to Stony Point for his senior year. James had a high interest in Notre Dame even when the previous staff were in place, but he failed to return the call after several attempts.
James didn’t have to wait to hear from Stucky and this new staff member. At 6-3 pounds and 185 pounds he has a Verified Speed of 4.47 James is the type of freak pass his catcher Notre Dame needs to keep loading. If developed properly, he should be an absolute nightmare to counter next level defenses.
Possibly one of the nation’s best pass catchers in the 2023 class, the Austin, Texas Westlake star jayden greathouse Stuckey was on the Notre Dame board of directors when he arrived. But before he came to South Bend, it was a pipe dream for the Irish. Zero traction until then.
That quickly changed with Stucky, who Greathouse consistently cited as one of the biggest factors in his hiring.
At 6-2 pounds and 210 pounds, the Greathouse is almost as physical as the pass catchers found nationwide. He plays big boy football and unequivocally believes that every football in the air comes down only to him.The Texas native is also a very sensitive pass catcher and the cleanest route he has ever made. of running.
Balance is an underrated part of this wide receiver group at Notre Dame. His one of the more needed position types in recent years is a true slot type that can impact the game after the catch.
Stuckey and Notre Dame staff found the player at a Reedy wide receiver in Frisco, Texas. Caleb Smith, previously committed to Texas Tech. The Irishman made that flip and was able to secure him as arguably one of the most underrated pass catchers in the class.
Whether wide receiver or return man, Smith is an impressive player in space, with short-area quickness and explosiveness that makes things happen after catches. He is another testament to the staff’s appreciation and identification of compatible talent.
All three Texas pass catchers are very different and that’s what makes the fit so interesting.
Another dynamic weapon from the historical program
Folsom (California) High School star, final member of potentially dynamic class of four Rico Flores Jr. When Stucky came to Notre Dame, he was a player who had previously been on the board. I have been completely transparent about what I did not do.
It’s safe to say the California star wouldn’t be part of the class he is now if the coaching changes hadn’t happened.
Flores is an interesting pass catcher and one of the most polished wide receivers in the 2023 recruiting class. He has an outside and an in profile and can snap out or slot in in a pinch.
The Folsom Star is an impressive ball tracker that hits the ball well vertically. He’s a mature route he’s also a runner and short on the field he can make an instant difference at level to intermediate level. Flores could offer a nice overall compliment to other receivers in the class.
In a world ruled by NIL, Stucky was able to identify a good fit for the class and close it quickly.
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The class should have an opportunity to compete for playing time soon, as the position has opportunities for next season.
“Other” Caleb Smith
In a world where transfer portals are so prevalent in roster building, hiring goes beyond just high school students. The addition of a transfer portal to was also on the market.
Quietly, the staff also brought in a really nice addition Wednesday amidst the signing day madness. Former Virginia Tech pass catcher Caleb Smith He has announced that he has committed to finish his university career as part of an Irish programme.
In 11 games in 2022 for the Hokies, Smith led the team in struggling passing offense for 674 yards on 37 receptions and three touchdowns.
At 6-2 and 222 pounds, Smith brings an obvious big body to the table and uses every bit of that frame to win over the rim and extend for football. He has the best body control, contorting his body in different ways and finishing on contact.
Smith also has some sneaky vertical speed, evidenced by his 18.2 yards per receive last season. If Smith makes a clean move from Blacksburg, we can expect him to play an active role as an outside receiver.
What’s even nicer about the fit is that Notre Dame hasn’t hurt wide-receiver talent — there’s no need for Smith to come on board and be “The Guy.”
If so, that’s great. If he gets just the right depth, that’s great too. His size, experience and special team abilities make him an outstanding addition to Notre Dame’s roster.
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Ireland Breakdown Content
Notre Dame 2022 roster
Notre Dame 2022 schedule
Notre Dame 2023 Class Big Board
Notre Dame 2023 Commit Commission – Offense
Notre Dame 2023 Commit Committee – Defense
Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers
2022 Signatories Ranking – Offense
2022 Signatories Ranking – Defense
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