SOUTH BEND — By 10:02 a.m. Wednesday, the University of Notre Dame football recruiting machine had successfully converted all but two of the 26 non-binding commitments into signed consent forms.
Two stragglers as early signing period begins: 5-star safety Peyton Bowen of Denton, Texasand a four-star running back Jaden Rimmer of Lake Stevens, Washington.
Just after noon Eastern time, Bowen ended the suspenseful portion by announcing a new commitment to the University of Oregon. Four hours later, Rimmer joined Bowen in the recruiting class for the ducks and shot up to No. 7 in the national rankings, two ahead of Notre Dame.
more:National Signing Day: Meet Notre Dame Football 2023 Recruitment Class
Inversion:How Notre Dame Refined Hiring Classes With Fripp’s Quartet
Bowen, who made his public dedication to Notre Dame on New Year’s Day, continued to visit powerful suitors in places such as Alabama and neighboring Oklahoma in the process. , 247Sports rated him the second safest in the country and the third best prospect in the talented state of Texas.
Bowen’s defection was the second five-star Notre Dame commit since August. Tampa’s Keone Keeley, who signed with Alabama on Wednesday, was his first five-star player away from Ireland.
Keeley was ranked 10th overall by recruitment services. Rock, Illinois He’s from Island He’s 6 feet 6 inches 308 pounds offensive His tackle Charles Jagtha has become the highest rated Notre Dame recruit contracted in the class.
Jagusah is ranked 49th in the nation according to 247Sports.
Losing Rimmer was another blow to Ireland’s recruiting class for 2023, which includes St. Louis four-star running back Jeremiah Love, but it wasn’t a devastating blow.
Missouri state champion in track and field, Love (6 feet, 190 pounds) was rated the 5th best running back and 68th best recruit in the nation by 247Sports. He adds his talents to an already deep group of Irish running backs.
In addition to the colorful trio of Audric Estime, Logan Diggs and Chris Tyree, Notre Dame is back with freshmen Gi’Bran Payne and Jadarian Price.
Rimmer was ranked 276th nationally and 17th among running backs.
Governor Drake Bowen
Midday drama in North Texas prevented Notre Dame from landing a double Bowen attempt, but coach Marcus Freeman thanked Bowen for still remaining loyal: four Star linebacker Drake Bowen (no relation).
The two sports stars from Merrillville Andrian High School can unofficially add another feature to their recent Butkus Award and IndyStar Mr. Football honors.
“He’s probably our best recruiter,” Freeman said. “He comes to every home game. He loves this place. He talks to every single one of those recruits and they all look up to him. This is the kid from Notre Dame. He will be great.”
Drake Bowen, who is due to enroll in January and has been cleared to play infielder in the corner for newly hired baseball coach Sean Stifler, has made his commitment to keep Peyton Bowen and the rest of Ireland committed. played a role.
“He’s done a great job of keeping this class interconnected,” Freeman said. “He says he’s a great ‘Madden’ player. They all play “Madden” with each other in video games. They use Xbox, PlayStation, Snapchat, etc. Drake was integral to holding that group, this group together. ”
I don’t care about Kenny Minchy’s shoulders
Kenny Minchey’s recurring throwing shoulder injury caused the Notre Dame quarterback signer to miss more than half of his senior season at Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
However, offensive coordinator Tommy Reese downplayed the issue when it was raised on signing day.
“I know he was throwing (on Tuesday),” Reese said. “It was pretty petty. You don’t expect any holdup to move forward here.”
Minchey, who is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 207 pounds, worked in Pittsburgh for six and a half months before recruiting resumed on November 14. She won Boston University.
“You don’t want a man to get hurt or injured, but with the medical advances that have been made here in the last decade or so, many of these injuries that used to be a big deal are no longer the case. “Players can come back from things, rebound and be great players. Injuries shouldn’t disrupt the recruitment process too much.”
Having climbed over 90 places in the 247Sports Composite rankings since joining Ireland, Minchey finished his preparation career with a 16-9 record as a starter. At his All-American Bowl in San Antonio on January 7, Minchey, who was named the nation’s top high school contender, recorded passing for 5,451 yards and he had 57 touchdowns, giving him a prep record of his career. He only recorded 13 interceptions.
new young corner combo
After seeing 2022 signers Ben Morrison and Jaden Micky gain early playing time, cornerback coach Mike Mickens has two new additions: Christian Gray (St. Louis) and Houston’s Micah Bell. I have a new student.
Both are ranked among the top 18 cornerbacks in the country.
“Christian Gray would fit right in the room,” Freeman said. “The length, athleticism and competitiveness he brings to the position will be reflected right here.”
As for Bell, a sprinter in under 10.5 seconds over the 100m, the return game could be his fastest way onto the field.
“Some of his track times are crazy,” said Freeman. “He makes big plays on both sides of the ball.”
Follow Notre Dame football writer Mike Berardino on Twitter @MikeBerardino.