Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1210272
36 MARCH 2020 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2020 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY ANDREW MENTOCK It's not often that a Notre Dame coach can earn a prospect's commitment with a trip to Europe, but that was exactly what hap- pened when associate head coach Mike Elston flew to Dusseldorf, Germany, to see defensive lineman Al- exander Ehrensberger in January 2019. Ehrensberger announced his commitment a few days later. "That was awesome," Eh- rensberger said of Elston's trip to Germany. "For me, that closed the deal in the end. It felt special." While this may seem like a major trip to earn the commitment of a player with just a few offers from Buffalo, Florida Interna- tional and Old Dominion, the Notre Dame coaching staff didn't see it that way. "It was a long flight for such a short visit to evaluate some players, and I came home with what I think is the best player in Europe," Elston said during the early signing period in December. "With Alex and his family, he's just a remarkable young man, mature. We're excited to get him here." Ehrensberger is already on campus after enrolling early in January, along with the two other defensive ends in the class of 2020. He has a unique build for his position at 6-6½ and 239 pounds. Growing up in Germany, he doesn't have much expe- rience going against high- level football talent. But he does have an excellent work ethic and the measur- ables necessary to succeed, and turns 20 in March. Unlike the rest of the players in his class, Ehrens- berger finished his prep ca- reer more than a year ago. Since then, he's spent his time tirelessly training and participating in internships. Given his three-star re- cruiting ranking and the depth at the defensive end position, the popular as- sumption is that Ehrens- berger won't play much early on in his career, but that isn't the mindset he trained with. "Coach Elston told Alexander that he needs him to be ready freshman year," said Brandon Collier, founder of PPI Recruits and Ehrensberger 's trainer. "I believe enrolling mid-year will help big time. When he puts on the weight this spring I can see him being ready to play year one. "I have went and watched Coach Elston, so I try my best to help Alex be prepared." In addition to his on-the-field po- tential, Ehrensberger can help pro- vide the cultural diversity Notre Dame wants to see on campus and from its football team. "The great diversity throughout our student body is reflective in this class as well," Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said during the early signing period in December. "International representation with Alex Ehrensberger ... from Germany. This does not mean we are going to turn into an international juggernaut in the recruiting world, but it does mean that we won't have our blind- ers on when it comes to recruiting. "We will search and find the best fits for our football program, wher- ever they may be." ✦ Alexander Ehrensberger Adds Diversity From Deutschland Ehrensberger, a 6-6½, 239-pound defensive end from Dusseldorf, Germany, is expected to add weight and muscle to his frame this spring after enrolling at Notre Dame in January. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM ALEXANDER EHRENSBERGER DEFENSIVE END • 6-6½ · 239 THEODOR-FLIEDNER GYMNASIUM DUSSELDORF, GERMANY RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ — — — ✪ ✪ ✪ — 60 1* ✪ ✪ ✪ — 117# 6^ # Ranked as a strongside defensive end; * ranked in Europe; ^ ranked in Germany STATISTICS • Posted seven sacks, three forced fumbles, a safety, two blocked kicks and two fumble recov- eries in 2019. • Recorded 33 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, two blocked field goals and two blocked punts in 2018. NOTABLE • Born on March 20, 2000 • Member of 2017 and 2018 German National Team • Will be the ninth international Notre Dame player to appear in varsity action • Spent six months in the United States as a high school sophomore at Fryeburg Academy in Maine ALL-STAR GAMES • Defensive MVP of the PPI International All- Star Game RECRUITMENT • Committed to Notre Dame on Jan. 31, 2019 and enrolled in January 2020. • Visited Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State in November 2018. • Earned an offer from the Fighting Irish a week after his visit. • Recruited by Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston, who made a trip out to Germany in late January to recruit him. • Also held offers from Buffalo, Florida Interna- tional and Old Dominion. 2020 PROJECTION • Ehrensberger has the size and frame to be able to play in pass-rushing situations, but is likely to redshirt as he adjusts to college football in America. THEY SAID IT Ehrensberger on choosing Notre Dame: "There were multiple things that led to my decision. Football was always a dream of mine, and Notre Dame has always been a dream school of mine. The high level of football with the high academics was exactly what I'm looking for."