Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538217
BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM PRESEASON 2025 67 BY MIKE SINGER Who had a long snapper as Notre Dame's first commitment in the 2027 class on their bingo card? Probably no one, besides maybe Sean Kraft himself. On June 24, the Swan- nanoa (N.C.) Asheville Christian Acad- emy talent announced his pledge to the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame started expressing in- terest in Kraft a few months ago, and special teams assistant Jesse Schmitt invited the 6-4, 215-pounder to camp in June. Their relationship grew quickly, and they spoke regularly about Notre Dame. Kraft worked out for Notre Dame June 16, leading to his scholarship offer. "After my workout, we went every- where around campus," Kraft told Blue & Gold Illustrated. "I met everyone and had long meetings with Coach [Marcus] Freeman and Coach [Marty] Biagi. They explained the situation — why they were offering me and why I should commit. I was just shocked; I didn't know what to do. Notre Dame just offered — it doesn't get any better than that." It didn't take long for Kraft to say "yes" to Notre Dame, but he already had a camp at Ohio State lined up for the next day. He took part in that and then was scheduled to work out for Lib- erty and Virginia Tech in June as well. But before those trips took place, Kraft called up the Irish staff and committed. "Notre Dame is second to none in ev- ery way possible," he said. "They put specialists in the NFL, and the connec- tions and academics are insane. They played in the national championship game last year, the business school is in- credible, and Coach Freeman and Coach Biagi are amazing men." Notre Dame hasn't taken a high school long snapper on scholarship since the 2020 class (Alex Peitsch). Ros- ter and scholarship increases are a big reason why that trend has ended, but also, Kraft is an outstanding snapper. "The new 105 roster rule definitely helps," he said. "It's so awesome that I've received a full ride to Notre Dame." Notre Dame, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Liberty and Arkansas State all offered him scholarships, and the likes of Alabama and Clemson were showing very strong interest. Kraft ranks as the No. 1 long snap- per in the 2027 class according to Rubio Long Snapping. His grade-point aver- age is a reported 4.34. ✦ COMMITMENT PROFILE SEAN KRAFT Kraft is ranked as the No. 1 long snapper in the 2027 class by Rubio Long Snapping. PHOTO COURTESY RUBIO LONG SNAPPING Notre Dame's First 2027 Commitment Comes From A Long Snapper FILM ANALYSIS "Sean Kraft crushed it at the last couple of Rubio Long Snapping camps. Kraft is a mas- sive human being who could pass for a college athlete right now on looks alone. His form is gorgeous, and Kraft absolutely rips the ball back to the punter. "He has zero wasted movement and easily snaps a college-level ball. The tighter Kraft's spiral gets, the easier the ball will be to catch for the punter. He's the type of long snapper who can snap for a long time. He's a tremen- dous long snapper with simply massive up- side. He's dominant on and off the field." — Kraft's player review on Rubio Long Snapping "Notre Dame is second to none in every way possible. They put specialists in the NFL, and the connections and academics are insane." KRAFT Follow Notre Dame Sports Year-Round With Blue & Gold Illustrated! Blue & Gold Illustrated! TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER: CALL: 800-421-7751 10:00-4:00 ET, Mon.-Fri. Or call 919-688-0218 if outside the U.S. ONLINE: www.BlueGoldOnline.com Order 24 hours a day from our online store! Makes a terrific gift for your Notre Dame Fan! 18 Issues of Blue & Gold Illustrated The best analysis, features and more on Notre Dame football, recruiting and sports! The digital issues post the same day that each print edition goes to press! Online Access at BlueGoldOnline.com Complete game previews emailed pre-game Wednesdays during football season. Blue & Gold Report Digital Newsletter A one-year subscription includes: