Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/638727
2016 RECRUITING ISSUE serve a year for all three recruits. DEFENSIVE LINE SIGNED: Khalid Kareem, Adetokunbo Ogundeji and Julian Okwara MEETING NEEDS: After losing Bo Wal‑ lace (Arizona State) last summer, Notre Dame finished the 2015 class with no defensive ends. The loss of Wallace — and the transfer of 2014 signees Jhonny Williams and Kolin Hill — left Notre Dame desperately thin at a vital position. Landing at least three defensive ends and an impact defensive tackle was the goal for this class. SUMMARY: Notre Dame struggled early with defensive end recruit‑ ing, failing to land top recruits like Auston Robertson (Michigan State), Xavier Kelly (Clemson) and even Ka‑ reem (who originally committed to Alabama). Notre Dame was able to land Ok‑ wara — the younger brother of former Irish end Romeo Okwara (2012‑15) — who jumped on board in April. Gilm‑ ore stayed on Kareem, and after he decommitted from Alabama, Notre Dame swooped in and picked him up. Adding Ogundeji over the summer helped with the depth at the position. ON PAPER GRADE: B‑ Notre Dame needed potential im‑ pact players at end and accomplished that with Kareem and Okwara. Ka‑ reem is a power player with natural pass rushing instincts, making him a fit for the strongside end position. Okwara on the other hand is all about speed and quickness. He has an impressive burst off the edge and good closing speed. Despite his lack of size he plays physical. Okwara brings a pass rushing element to the roster Notre Dame desperately needs. Ogundeji is a project that will likely need time to develop, but the Irish coaching staff is high on his potential and feels they were able to land him Defensive end Khalid Kareem — who was named the MVP of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl — adds some vital depth at a position of need. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM