Blue and Gold Illustrated

FOOTBALL RECRUITING He reads routes well and does a good job driving on the football. His range and instincts also help him as a zone defender, but he will need to improve in man cov‑ erage. He is a strong tackler with solid technique. Additional strength will help improve his speed and agility. He stays light on his feet, but his lack of top‑ level athleticism is what keeps him from grading out higher. IKENNA OKEKE Smyrna, Tenn. (Smyrna High School) Measurables: Listed at 6‑2 and 195 pounds by Rivals. Rankings: A consensus three‑star recruit … Ranked as the No. 15 player in Tennessee and the No. 32 safety nationally by Rivals … ESPN lists him as the No. 10 player in the Volunteer State and the No. 30 athlete in the country … Tabbed as the No. 15 pros‑ pect in his home state by 247Sports. Statistics/Honors: As a junior, recorded 62 tack‑ les, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries … Earned a spot on the Daily News Journal second‑ team all‑area unit. Recruitment: Traveled to Notre Dame in June for the Irish Invasion … Academics are important to him, which is why Notre Dame and Stanford are high on his list … Plans to officially visit Notre Dame for the USC game the weekend of Oct. 17 … Also plans to visit Penn State and would like to set up a trip to Stanford. BGI's Take: Okeke possesses outstanding length, which allows him to play with very good range. His broad shoulders and big frame could ultimately al‑ low him to grow into more of a box defender. He is a willing tackler, but he must continue to work on driv‑ ing his hips through contact and creating more force. Athletically, he has solid tools that will continue to improve. He has above‑average speed that flashes best as a wide receiver and when he runs downhill. He shows loose hips and the ability to change direc‑ tion with relative ease. He is instinctive, reading the quarterback well and showing good route recognition, traits that allow him to drive well on the football and get his hands on a good number of passes. He is a versatile prospect that could project at both safety positions. DEVIN STUDSTILL Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Palm Beach Gardens HS) Measurables: Checked in at 6‑0½ and 183 pounds at The Opening regional in Miami. Rankings: A consensus three‑star recruit … Listed as the No. 67 player in Florida and the No. 34 safety in the country by 247Sports … Rivals rates him as the No. 62 prospect in Florida. Statistics/Honors: Earned first‑team All‑Palm Beach County 8A‑7A‑6A honors after making 54 tackles and five interceptions as a junior … Heading into his senior season, he was named to The Palm Beach Post Super 11 team. Recruitment: The Fighting Irish have been heav‑ ily involved for over a year now … Made a trip to Notre Dame this summer for the Irish Invasion and performed exceptionally well at the camp … Notre Dame and Miami seem to be the two schools to beat … West Virginia, where his father played quar‑ terback, is on the outside looking in … Expected to head to Notre Dame for an official visit, with the USC game Oct. 17 being the target date. BGI's Take: Studstill is without question one of the most underrated players in the country. He is a physi‑ cal player with the game to play strong safety and the nickel. He loves to fly downhill and attack, with the ability to explode through contact and quickly drive through the legs of ball carriers. He plays much faster than he times, showing outstanding range and the ability to quickly accelerate off the hash. He has impressive agility and loose hips, traits that allow him to transition well in coverage. His football IQ is high, and he shows the ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes. He shined in man coverage at the Irish Invasion camp. His combination of size, athleticism, instincts and toughness make him a truly gifted all‑around player that could work himself onto the field at all five defensive back positions in the Notre Dame de‑ fense. ✦

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