Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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was poised to explode on the national recruiting scene given his skill set and ability to make plays, but the offers from traditional in-state powers like Florida State and Florida never came. "I just think it was a numbers thing," Freeman said when asked what hap- pened with the Gators and Seminoles. But just because the local schools didn't get involved with Studstill, didn't mean that others weren't making the call. He took official visits to both West Virginia and Texas, and was of- fered by Miami, Michigan State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin. For a while it looked like he was go- ing to pick West Virginia — the school where his father starred as a quarter- back — but Notre Dame separated it- self from the pack. Studstill visited South Bend for the Irish Invasion in June. He returned in October for the USC game, and while FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Devin Studstill is one of the nation's most underrated players … Versatility is one of his greatest assets … Is a quality athlete with good speed and quickness, but his toughness and physicality are his best physical traits … Projects well in coverage thanks to his physical traits and high football IQ … Makes excellent reads and is disruptive … Can play either deep safety position and has the ability to be an impact player in the slot … His combination of athleticism and intel- ligence could help him work into the rotation as a freshman. Areas For Improvement At 183 pounds, he needs to fill out his frame and add strength … He is physical, but he lacks the strength to be an every down player right now … Being an early enrollee will serve him well, giving him extra time to add much needed size and strength. — Bryan Driskell