Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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42 AUGUST 2018 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY COREY BODDEN Notre Dame is still working to build its 2019 offensive class, but its 2020 group took a big step forward June 13 when tight end Kevin Bauman an- nounced his commitment to the Irish. The Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic stand- out picked Notre Dame a little more than two weeks after landing an of- fer (May 25) and 11 days after his first visit (June 2), spurning Michi- gan, Northwestern, North Carolina, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia, among others. "From the second we walked onto campus and throughout the whole day, my parents and I fell in love with the place," said Bauman, who Rivals ranks as the No. 104 player in the na- tion, the No. 2 tight end in the class and the No. 3 player from New Jersey. "It was just an awesome experi- ence being out there. What they are as a football program speaks for itself — with the tradition to go with the academic side and spiritual side. It all came together. It's a place I could see myself, and I fit in perfectly. "The school sets you up for life after football, and that was a huge part of it. Football was a huge part of it of course, but the spiritual aspect of it, the traditions and the faith all fit per- fectly together." Offensive coordinator Chip Long and Bauman had an immediate con- nection. "We spent pretty much the whole visit together and got along really well from the minute we met," Bau- man stated. "We talked football, but also about the school and more per- sonally. We really got along. "I love him as a coach with what he does with the offense and the tight ends. I feel that's a perfect fit as well." Long's presence as the tight ends coach along with the program's suc- cess at the position certainly didn't hurt Notre Dame's chances. "They have a great history with the tight ends going back a long time to even now," Bauman said. "That his- tory of usage, the great tight ends that have gone through the school and are there now, and the way they use them all over is great." Bauman is confident in calling South Bend his new home in a couple of years. "I took the week after the visit to talk with my parents, my coach and close friends to really think about it and pray about it," Bauman ex- plained. "I know it was the right decision. We took that week to explore that pos- sibility and ended up coming to the decision of knowing Notre Dame was 100 percent the right choice. "I know in my heart that it's the right decision. My focus is now 100 percent with my team. We're always getting better and working every day." Bauman became commitment No. 2 for the Irish in their 2020 class, joining New Canaan (Conn.) High quarter- back Drew Pyne, who ranks as the nation's No. 37 overall player in the 2020 class. The two hope to eventually connect on the field, but their off-field bond has already begun. "We've been talking a lot the past few days," Bauman said. "We really get along, and I'm excited to be on board with him. I've watched his film a bunch of times, and it speaks for itself. He's a baller. "He's great at what he does, and I can't wait to meet him and play with him. Off the field, I feel we con- nect really well just talking these past days about a lot." Bauman caught 19 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. He hails from the same high school as former Irish All-American offensive lineman Quenton Nelson. ✦ FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Kevin Bauman looks like an older player because of his advanced size and strength … At 6-5 and 225 pounds with a thick build, has the frame to add a lot of size and strength … Is a physical player that is already a quality blocker, and that part of his game is really going to stand out as he gets older … Has exceptional length and uses it as a weapon in the pass game … Boxes out defenders over the middle of the field; uses his length, body control and top-notch pass catching skills to make plays on the ball even when he's covered … Shows high-quality focus when the ball is in the air. Areas For Improvement Is not a high-level athlete, so maximizing his strength and being a better technician are musts for him … Needs to work on flexibility and trying to loosen up his hips a bit … Can be a bit choppy as a route runner. — Bryan Driskell COMMITMENT PROFILE KEVIN BAUMAN 2020 Tight End 'Fell In Love' With Notre Dame From The Start Rivals ranks Bauman as a four-star recruit, the No. 3 prospect in New Jersey, and the No. 2 tight end and No. 104 overall player nationally. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM