Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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48 MARCH 2020 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2020 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY TODD D. BURLAGE From the television exposure, to legitimate playoff possibilities, to joining a proud program that has de- fined college football for decades, early enrollee freshman Caleb Of- ford loves every opportunity playing football at Notre Dame provides. But ultimately, athletics was only one part of what drew this three-star cornerback all the way from Missis- sippi to Northern Indiana to write his life's next chapter. Wanting to someday pursue a career in civil engineering, Offord refreshingly explained that football was only a secondary reason for choosing Notre Dame. "I take academics as seriously as I take football," Offord said. "I work hard in the classroom to do the best that I can. School comes first, so I focus on my grades, and then football." A standout defensive back at Southaven High School, Offord be- came the first recruit from the state of Mississippi under head coach Brian Kelly, and unofficially only the sev- enth Irish player all time to be signed from the Magnolia State. The most famous Fighting Irish player to come from the state is 1974 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Marchy Schwartz, an All- American running back for Knute Rockne's 1929 and 1930 national champs. Quarterback Jarious Jackson from Tupelo also had a prominent career from 1995-99. Notre Dame offered the 6-1, 170-pound Offord on May 23, 2019. That's when a strong mutual interest brought an abbreviated courtship. Offord and his family made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame two weeks after the offer, then made an official visit two weeks later. "After the first visit, I knew I was going to commit there," Offord said. "By going there a second time, I got all of my questions answered." Offord offered his verbal pledge to Notre Dame July 4, 2019 and never looked back, despite a later offer from Oklahoma — a perennial Col- lege Football Playoff participant. Shon Offord, Caleb's father, said the visits "blew us away" and made Notre Dame an easy choice. "Just the family atmosphere and pride they have in their school re- ally set them apart," the elder Offord said. "We talked to the academic ad- visors and coaches, and everyone has the kids' best interest up there." Eddie Stevenson, Offord's high school coach, said that a blend of work ethic, smarts, raw talent and a high ceiling, provide this top-50 prep cornerback prospect everything the Notre Dame coaches could want in a college recruit. A lanky but still lean Offord — checking in at only about 170 to 175 pounds — could add 25 pounds and still keep his nimbleness to become an NFL-caliber cornerback, sooner rather than later, per Stevenson. For the entire Offord family, be- coming a member of the Notre Dame family is equal parts blessing and opportunity. "[Caleb] puts the work in and lets his play speak for itself, it's the same thing in the classroom," Shon Offord offered. "He wants to be the best. I'm proud to be his father." ✦ Academics And Football Are Equally Important To Caleb Offord Offord, a 6-1, 170-pound cornerback, became the first recruit from Mississippi to sign with Notre Dame in the Brian Kelly era. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM CALEB OFFORD CORNERBACK 6-1 · 170 SOUTHAVEN SOUTHAVEN, MISS. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ — 44 12 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 43 14 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 46 20 STATISTICS • In 2019, posted 22 tackles, four passes broken up, one interception, one fumble recovery (re- turned for a touchdown) and one forced fumble. • Tallied 35 tackles, four interceptions, seven passes broken up, one forced fumble and one fum- ble recovery (returned for a touchdown) as a junior. NOTABLE • Born on Dec. 10, 2001 • First recruit from Mississippi to sign with Notre Dame during Brian Kelly's tenure • Member of The Commercial Appeal's inaugural 2019 Dandy Dozen • 2018 MaxPreps Preseason Mississippi All-State Football Team • Runs track for Southaven High • Youngest of four siblings • Defensive MVP at the Tennessee Gridiron Scout Camp in May 2018 ALL-STAR GAMES • Competed in the 33rd annual Alabama-Mis- sissippi Football Classic and helped his team to a 17-16 win RECRUITMENT • Committed to Notre Dame on July 4, 2019 and enrolled in January 2020. • Visited twice in June 2019, including an of- ficial visit. • Added an offer from Oklahoma three weeks after his pledge to the Fighting Irish, but never wavered in his commitment. • Recruited by Notre Dame safeties coach Terry Joseph. • Also held offers from Arkansas, Dartmouth, Duke, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Mem- phis, Purdue and Vanderbilt. 2020 PROJECTION • Will likely redshirt, but could break into the rotation because he is enrolling early. Has the versatility to move to safety. THEY SAID IT Southaven head coach Eddie Stevenson: "He brings the intangibles that you're looking for in modern day corners — long, rangy and, in his case, very cerebral, which is definitely a high point. He understands the value being able to play multiple techniques — mixing his game up. We don't run a lot of coverages, so it's very important for him to be methodical in his techniques against high- caliber guys." National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming: "Tough and aggressive with very good instincts, he reads of- fenses well, reacts quickly and closes fast on passes in front of him. Caleb also shows the burst and speed to cut in front of the receiver to make the tough inter- ception. A terrific all-around DB, he no doubt could play cornerback or free safety at the next level."