Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME Demetris Robertson By Andrew Ivins Notre Dame has already welcomed hundreds of prospects to campus for unofficial visits this recruit- ing cycle and is scheduled to host dozens more, but one could argue that no visitor will be more important this season than Savannah (Ga.) Christian School five-star athlete Demetris Robertson, who plans to be in town for the season opener against Texas. Robertson is the type of prospect that can change the outlook for a program, and the Irish coaches are well aware that the No. 1-ranked wide receiver on the BGI Big Board and No. 1 athlete in country ac- cording to Rivals could be the crown jewel of the recruiting class. "They are throwing the kitchen sink at him," Rob- ertson's brother, Carlos, told Blue & Gold Illustrated. "They want him, bad." As cliché as that sounds, there's a reason why Notre Dame has gone all-in on Robertson — his versatility. The 6-0, 180-pound Robertson ran an electric- timed 4.34-second 40-yard dash and dominated as both a wide receiver and defensive back at The Opening in July at Beaverton, Ore. It was a perfor- mance against elite completion that not only verified what many had already thought about Robertson, but one that has also created even more of an arms race to lock up the elite talent. Georgia, Alabama and Stanford have all put the press on Robertson, but it's the Irish that will be the first to get him on campus for an official visit. That makes his stay even more important. Donte' Vaughn By Bryan Driskell There is no question that Demetris Robertson is the most talented recruit visiting for the Texas game, or any game for that matter. He would cer- tainly add dynamic athleticism to the Irish offense, and that is why he's the top player on the BGI Big Board. When it comes to most important though, Mem- phis (Tenn.) White- haven defensive back Donte Vaughn gets the nod. Notre Dame is in desperate need of more length and talent in the secondary. The Irish lose five safeties and possibly corner- back KeiVarae Russell after this season. A year later they will lose three more defensive backs, which means the Irish are looking for play- ers who can come in and immediately compete. Vaughn is the most versatile defensive back on the board, possessing the potential to play cor- nerback, safety and nickel. His combination of size and athleticism is impressive, and Vaughn is not afraid to mix it up. His ability to make plays is some- thing the Irish secondary desperately needs. He has the size to play right away, and the technique and instincts to help out early on. The versatility he brings to the game means the Irish staff could move him to whatever position gets him on the field the quickest. Thought was given to listing Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin safety Lamar Jackson. He received a higher grade on the BGI Big Board, but at this time Vaughn seems to be the more likely player to commit to Notre Dame, making him a priority. Point ✦ Counterpoint: WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VISITOR FOR THE TEXAS GAME? ROBERTSON VAUGHN