Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/651219
natural power, which he combines with quality athleticism to thrive as a dual-threat left tackle. 2. JAVON MCKINLEY, WR Corona (Calif.) Centennial McKinley was one of the most pro- ductive wide receivers in the nation the last two years, racking up 153 re- ceptions for 3,235 yards and 35 touch- downs. He is a physical pass catcher with outstanding ball skills that should push for immediate playing time. 3. TOMMY KRAEMER, OL Cincinnati Elder Rivals rated Kraemer as the No. 1 player in Ohio, and he gives the Irish a second elite tackle in the class. He is a powerful player with a massive build that dominates in the run game. Improving his footwork will help him become a more effective pass blocker. 4. DAELIN HAYES, LB Ann Arbor (Mich.) Skyline Few players possess the combina- tion of elite size and high quality ath- leticism that make Hayes a dynamic prospect. He is a strong run defender and shows impressive instincts as an edge rusher. He has five-star talent, but a pair of season-ending shoulder injuries do raise concerns about his ability to stay healthy. 5. CHASE CLAYPOOL, WR Abbotsford (British Columbia) Secondary Claypool went from an unknown re- cruit as a junior to one of the top play- ers in the 2016 class as a senior. The Canadian is a dominant pass catcher with great height, outstanding ath- leticism and top-level ball skills. His potential is as high as any player in the class. 6. DEVIN STUDSTILL, S Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) High Notre Dame desperately needed im- pact players in the secondary, which is exactly what it got when Studstill jumped on board. He is a versatile player that is just as impactful com- ing down into the box as he is mak- ing plays on the ball in coverage. He should push for playing time as a freshman. 7. JULIAN OKWARA, DE Charlotte (N.C.) Ardrey Kell Notre Dame has struggled landing strong pass rushers in recent seasons, which made getting Okwara a huge deal. He has an excellent burst off the edge, good closing speed and impres- sive pass-rushing instincts. He is a bet- ter prospect than older brother Romeo, who led the Irish in sacks (eight) in 2015. 8. JALEN ELLIOTT, S Chesterfield (Va.) L.C. Bird Studstill and Elliott give Notre Dame a pair of talented safeties, providing the secondary with a much-needed boost in talent. Elliott is an exciting athlete that covers like a corner, but is built like a safety. He is rangy and in- stinctive, which should help him push for early playing time. 9. JONATHAN JONES, LB Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge Jones is one of the most under- rated players in the class. He is of-