Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com FEBRUARY 2023 37 FOOTBALL RECRUITING at the high school level, playing highly competitive ball in the Buckeye State. He might not have the highest upside in the world, but he should be a solid piece for Notre Dame's secondary for years to come. He has more than a respectable rank- ing, too, as the No. 23 safety and No. 297 overall recruit in the nation. 18. ADON SHULER S • 5-11, 197 IRVINGTON, N.J. • IRVINGTON H.S. Shuler might just be Notre Dame's most underrated recruit in the 2023 class. I'm a sucker for versatility and production, and Shuler totaled 103 tackles and 3 interceptions, while also catching 43 passes for 567 yards and 4 touchdowns during his se- nior season. He can do it all from his safety posi- tion. He can cover and come up and lay a big hit in run support. His speed is good, but his natural athleticism is where he shines the most. This is a really nice pickup for the Irish, and his offer list — which included Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State — tells you just how wanted he was by powerhouse schools. Shuler is the No. 27 safety and No. 314 overall prospect nationally. 19. JOE OTTING OL • 6-5, 271 TOPEKA, KAN. • HAYDEN H.S. Otting 's recruitment with the Fighting Irish c a m e to ge t h e r p re t ty q u i c k l y a n d w i t h o u t drama. He grew up lov- ing Notre Dame, received an offer from the Irish in May, camped for the staff the first weekend of June at the Lineman's Chal- lenge and announced his pledge a few days later. As far as Otting on the field, he proj- ects as a guard or center all the way. We could see him as a multi-year starter at center for the Irish. He is the No. 24 interior lineman and No. 371 overall recruit in the country. 20. SAM PENDLETON OL • 6-4, 305 LAWSONVILLE, N.C. • REAGAN H.S. Notre Dame was a bit late to the party com- pared to other schools that were already after Pendleton, but the offer from the Fighting Irish was a game-changer for him. He committed to Notre Dame in the spring and didn't look back. Pend- leton is a massive human being at 6-4, 295 pounds and projects as an interior lineman for the Irish. He is the No. 31 interior lineman and No. 405 overall recruit in America. 21. PRESTON ZINTER LB • 6-2, 215 NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. • CENTRAL CATHOLIC H.S. Zinter is not the most highly rated prospect, but I think the world of him. His instincts at linebacker are outstanding. He could also play tight end and/or H-back at the next level. He is a good athlete and looks great as a pass catcher. Don't be surprised if this young man makes a big impact at Notre Dame. He is ranked as the No. 42 linebacker and No. 417 overall prospect nationally. 22. CHRIS TEREK OL • 6-4, 295 GLEN ELLYN, ILL. • GLENBARD WEST H.S. While the Irish got an assist from Wisconsin — which changed its coach- ing staff — it was a great job by Harry Hiestand and Co. to land Terek late in the cycle. He is a big-bodied offensive lineman who projects to play on the inside but could play tackle in a pinch if need be. He's a good athlete for his size and is nasty at that point of attack. Terek, who is the No. 43 interior offen- sive lineman and No. 500 overall recruit in the country, is a strong signing for the future. 23. KALEB SMITH WR • 5-11, 170 FRISCO, TEXAS • REEDY H.S. Smith committed to Texas Tech in February of his junior year, and the Red Raiders were the only school he had an- nounced an offer from un- til Notre Dame extended good news to him in late October. The Irish were able to pull off the flip a few weeks ago, and Chansi Stuckey is adding a speedy weapon to his room. Smith, who we proj- ect to play slot receiver for the Irish, can also be an asset on special teams with his explosion. He is the nation's No. 75 wide receiver and No. 513 overall prospect. 24. ARMEL MUKAM DL • 6-4, 250 LA PRAIRIE, QUEBEC • WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL (VA.) Mukam is another big, strong and versatile defen- sive lineman — the Irish's 2023 class is loaded with them. What he may lack in polish he makes up for with raw talent. He shouldn't be a player who Notre Dame asks to play as a freshman, but with some time to develop, he could become a force for the Irish de- fensive line for years to come. He's an impressive prospect despite be- ing the lowest-ranked recruit in the class. Mukam is the No. 73 defensive lineman and No. 693 overall player in America. ✦ Adon Shuler made 103 tackles and 3 intercep- tions for Irvington (N.J.) High this past season. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM