Blue and Gold Illustrated

August 2019

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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6 AUGUST 2019 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY LOU SOMOGYI N otre Dame's 2020 recruiting efforts on offense were all but completed July 5 when standout Omaha (Neb.) Burke wide receiver Xavier Watts rounded out the unit that now has: • A three-man wideout corps head- lined by St. Louis De Smet's Jordan Johnson, a five-star talent and the na- tion's No. 19 overall recruit per Rivals. • Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale ball carrier Chris Tyree, Rivals' No. 1 all- purpose back and No. 64 overall re- cruit in the land. • Tight ends Michael Mayer (No. 71 overall) of Alexandria (Ky.) Cov- ington Catholic and Kevin Bauman (No. 121) of Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic, with Mayer being named the seven- on-seven offensive MVP at this sum- mer's prestigious The Opening Finals June 30-July 3 in Frisco, Texas. • New Canaan (Conn.) High quar- terback Drew Pyne, the No. 5 pro- style passer and No. 82 overall player in the country according to Rivals. This is not even including the already well-stocked line that is highlighted by Phoenix Pinnacle tackle Tosh Baker, who is ranked No. 51 overall by Rivals. It is an exceptional start on that side of the ball for the 2020-29 decade — and could well be the standard for those 10 years. After last year's run to the College Football Playoff, head coach Brian Kelly is far more convinced that the Irish can match up along the lines, but what separated the Clemsons and Alabamas was the explosiveness at the skill positions that allowed them to average 44.3 and 45.6 points per game, respectively, compared to Notre Dame's more modest 31.4. "We've got to step up and make some plays on the perimeter, our running back position has got to con- tinue to grow — and I think we're getting there," Kelly said. As we will see in this feature, it is rare for a recruiting class to assemble such well-rounded balance and high- ranked talent at every position group on offense in one year, especially the skill spots. In fact, this is the first time in Kelly's 10 seasons Notre Dame has had more than three Rivals top-100 players (five) committed on offense. At least once per decade, though, Notre Dame signs that type of group on offense that provides a champi- onship feel on that side of the ball. Whether or not it pans out is to be de- termined, but here are those "once in a decade" classes on offense by which the 2020 class can be measured: 2010-19: The 2015 Class For now, this is an incomplete grade because the classes from 2016-19 still have to be evaluated. In terms of quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, though, it will be difficult to pass this group. Quarterback: Brandon Wimbush — Started in numerous quality wins against five ranked teams in 2017-18, finishing his Irish career with 2,606 passing yards, 1,156 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns. Running Backs: Josh Adams and Dexter Williams — Combined for 4,837 rushing yards, an amazing 6.5 yards per carry and 40 touchdowns, plus 63 catches with four scores. Wide Receivers: Equanimeous St. Brown, Miles Boykin, Chris Finke and C.J. Sanders — Former walk-on Finke is back for a fifth year, while St. Brown and Boykin are in the NFL. The quartet so far has totaled 260 catches for 3,778 yards and 30 touch- downs, and it was instrumental in the 22-4 record the past two seasons. Tight End: Alizé Mack — Although it was a roller-coaster ride, Mack still was drafted by the NFL after grab- bing 68 passes for 716 yards and four scores during his Notre Dame career. The hole in this class was the offen- sive line with only two signed and one who stayed beyond his sopho- more year (Trevor Ruhland). 2000-09: The 2003 Class This was an extremely tough call between 2008 and 2003. The 2008 haul featured five-star prospects in quarterback Dayne Crist, wide receiver Michael Floyd and tight end Kyle Rudolph — but they never had a season with less than five losses. Same with 2007 class that included a plethora of skill position talent with five-star quarterback Jimmy Clausen, running backs Armando Allen and Robert Hughes, and wide receivers Golden Tate and Duval Kamara. Ultimately we felt the 2003 group had greater impact with back-to-back BCS bids and top-20 finishes in 2005-06. Quarterback: Brady Quinn — Shattered the school career records in passing, while twice placing in UNDER THE DOME ONCE IN A DECADE OFFENSE? Notre Dame's 2020 recruiting class boasts star power and speed at the skill positions Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale standout Chris Tyree (No. 64) is one of five Rivals top-100 players on offense the Fighting Irish have received 2020 pledges from as of mid-July — the first time dur- ing head coach Brian Kelly's tenure they have had more than three on that side of the ball in one class. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM

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