Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/462058
2015 RECRUITING ISSUE BY MATT CARTER Josh Barajas is the first to admit he is not the type that likes to wait. "I just have a drive in me," Barajas said. That might be part of the reason why the four-star linebacker from Andrean High in Merrillville, Ind., was not that keen on the recruiting process. In fact, he said that he "hated it." "You have grown men hitting you up every day, telling you to call them and talk with them," Barajas noted. "It's a little much. It's a good problem to have, and I'm blessed, but I just didn't enjoy it." Not surprisingly, National Signing Day was a bit of a relief for Barajas, but it also was an emotional day for him, his family and his community. Barajas is a local celebrity in Merrill- ville, especially at Andrean, which he said is a "Notre Dame-type high school." Josh BaraJas DetermineD to make an impact BGI FILM ANALYSIS: JOSH BARAJAS Strengths One of the nation's top linebackers … He plays smart, stays under control and is a technician … Shows great explosion when making contact with the opposition … Very aggressive and physi- cal with his opponents … A sound tackler who reacts very well … Can slide over to the edge and rush the passer and can drop into coverage with ease … His overall athleticism is hard to match … Sheds blockers well and attacks the line of scrimmage … A plus is that he can play inside or outside linebacker and cross train comfortably. Areas For Improvement Needs to continue adding mass and strength … He's 210 pounds and looks lean … Has the frame to pack on the weight … His footwork when covering in space needs to improve … Has the plus speed to hang with the receivers and tight ends, but his overall technique is what he needs to continue developing. Barajas, who is rated as the No. 13 outside line- backer and No. 180 overall player nationally by Rivals.com, was listed as one of 10 players whose stock was on the rise after his showing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM