Notre Dame’s continued efforts to close out the Class of 2017 strong just received another nice boost as kicker Jonathan Doerer from Charlotte, North Carolina has announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish.

Jonathan was a surprise visitor this weekend for Notre Dame. Heading into the visit, the 6-3/190 pounder was committed to Maryland. This visit to Notre Dame changed everything, though, and it didn’t take long for Jonathan to flip.

Recruiting Service Rankings

247 — 2 star (75 rating), #2880 overall, #14 K, #76 in NC

Rivals — 2 star (5.3 rating)

Scout — 3 star, NR overall, #6 K, #9 in NC

ESPN — 3 star (75 rating) NR overall, #20 K, #29 in NC

247 Composite — 2 star (.7902), #2272 overall, #17 K, #58 in NC

Chris Sailer Kicking — 5 star, #3 K

Cohort

Jonathan chose the Irish over other offers from Maryland and Army.

Highlights

As you can see from his highlights, which consist of touchback after touchback, Jonathan has a rocket for a leg. He received a glowing review from Chris Sailer (which is linked above in the Recruiting Service Rankings section), who says Jonathan has “perhaps the strongest leg in the nation in this class.” He also thinks Jonathan could be a very good punter at the next level with continued hard work.

Sounds like the Irish are getting a good one.

Impact

This pick-up may end up having a bigger immediate impact than most of you are probably assuming. There is some uncertainty surrounding the health of Justin Yoon right now. The rumors are that Yoon was suffering from knee tendinitis for much of this past season and he recently had surgery. This offer makes sense, considering the Irish are no longer sure if Yoon will be ready to go by the start of the season.

Hopefully Yoon will be okay, though. And even if that does turn out to be the case, I’m still totally fine with this offer. First, Notre Dame certainly has the room to give another scholarship to a specialist. And second, both Yoon and Tyler Newsome have two seasons of eligibility remaining. If Doerer isn’t needed for the 2017 season, he can simply redshirt and be ready to go in 2018 as a possible kick-off specialist. Then he can take over the field goal and/or possibly punting duties in 2019 as a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining.

In any case, welcome to the Irish family, Jonathan!