2020 Football Recruiting: NSD Non-Review, Offense Grades

We thought it would be worthwhile to recap an eventful 2020 National Signing Day for your Fighting Irish.

Well, now that we’ve covered all of that… The Irish signed what was expected to be their entire class during the early signing period in December, and those expectations did in fact prove correct today. Back in December, 17 high school seniors and one grad transfer officially signed; the Irish picked up one more grad transfer recently, Northwestern WR Ben Skowronek, but didn’t have any serious momentum with any other prospects. That’s a story that was repeated over and over around the country, as the vast majority of rated prospects signed in December this year. It’s a new world, folks.

With that behind us, let’s dive right into our class grades. We typically publish a signing day review post and follow it with position group breakdowns; this year, with a quiet signing day and a small class, we’re going to start with the class grades and do them by unit rather than position group. We’ll start with offense today (plus the long snapper).

P.S. Hat tip to Tyler for the blank space idea. Brilliant!

Overall Class Grades

As a reminder, here’s our standard grading scale for this exercise:

95-100: Truly elite prospect with All-American potential
90-94: Multi-year starter with All-conference level potential
85-89: Eventual starter with chance to play as underclassman
80-84: Raw prospect with decent potential but a couple years away from impact
75-79: Likely a backup
70-74: Reach by the coaching staff

For the [psst… how long have we been doing this? six years?] sixth year in a row, Eric checks in with the lowest overall grade. Such a sunshine pumper, that dude… You can see that we were all remarkably consistent and positive on the offense, while our defense grades varied a bit more and were lower across the board. No question the stars of this class are on offense; we’ll see what the staff can do with the developmental guys on defense. Fingers crossed.

Offense Signees

Note that Skowronek flew under the radar a bit as a transfer candidate and was not in our initial grading sheet, so we don’t have him in our grade sheet. His 247C rating is as a prospect in the 2016 cycle. I think the 18S group probably would’ve rated him around an 85; he’s certainly good enough to be in the rotation right away, as he was productive in Evanston for some lousy offenses.

TE Michael Mayer

18S Average: 95.8

Brendan: 94

Mayer looks like what an AI would design as an elite tight end. He practically has an NFL physique already, and accordingly, he’s been an absolute terror at the prep level whether it’s in games or at elite camps; just ask the Nike folks, who gave him the Opening 7-on-7 MVP after he torched everybody they threw at him. He’ll make an impact early and has star potential down the road.

Eric: 96

Mayer looks like he was cloned from someone in the 1950’s destined for All-American status at Notre Dame. He’s so well put together his height makes him appear shorter as he runs by all these smaller defenders in high school. He doesn’t look like this lanky receiver in the open field like Kmet but I actually think his ceiling might be a little higher in college.

Jaden: 96

I love me a good tight end, and this is a good one! My highest ranked recruit in the class. Even with a loaded TE room returning next year, I think it’s going to be extremely difficult to keep Mayer off the field in some capacity. He’s already built like an upperclassmen and has terrific athleticism. I expect Cole Kmet to be an early round pick in 2021 and for Mayer to follow right in his footsteps.

Tyler: 97

Mayer feels like the most sure thing in this class. This is the highest I’ve been on any tight end prospect since I’ve been with the 18S crew. As physically put together as just about anyone I’ve seen coming out of high school. Great athlete and an absolutely dominant receiving threat.

WR Jordan Johnson

18S Average: 95.8

Brendan: 95

Man, Johnson is just so good at everything. He doesn’t have 4.3 speed, he’s not 6’4″, he’s not a ripped 230, and he’s not going to jump out of the gym. But damned if he isn’t close to elite on every single physical thing you want in a receiver, and he combines all of that with excellent physicality and toughness. The other thing that jumps out with him is how smooth he is – everything he does looks so effortless. He’s the Carlos Beltran of ND’s 2020 class. He’s also the most polished and game-ready receiver the Irish have signed since Michael Floyd, and like Floyd, I expect he’ll get on the field early.

Eric: 97

Johnson isn’t quite the same size and physical freak that Michael Floyd was but I see a very similar ceiling for him in college. When I think of the perfect modern receiver it’s like watching Johnson. He’s explosive, twitchy, plays really physical and carries so many traits should allow him to be an impact freshman. I’m not prone to hyperbole but if there’s a steady rotation of 6 receivers next year it wouldn’t shock me if Johnson led the team in receptions.

Jaden: 95

Johnson is one of the more polished WR’s to come into ND in a long time. Probably not elite at anything, but very solid at everything. He’s going to need to put some weight on, but I think his ceiling is a Juju Smith-Schuster type — a strong, alpha WR who plays with a big edge. He may not be all that dissimilar to Kevin Austin in skillset, and it’ll be interesting to see how playing time shakes out next year. I think it’s fair to have high expections for both in 2020.

Tyler: 96

You watch Johnson’s highlights and it’s almost easy to forget how spectacular he is considering everything looks so easy for him. Excellent blend of size, speed, athleticism, and physicality. There’s no weakness in his game. If we weren’t so desperate for a homerun threat at running back, I might have picked JJ as the quickest contributor from this class.

RB Chris Tyree

18S Average: 96.3

Brendan: 98

I only gave Kyle Hamilton a 98 last year, so, sorry kid, no 99. On the other hand, congrats kid, you got a Kyle Hamilton grade! No doubt at all that Tyree will play immediately; the only question is how many touches per game he’ll be ready for. He has elite-plus speed, acceleration, and quickness and, with Braden Lenzy, allows the Irish to put two grand slam threats on the field at the same time. He also has excellent hands and is a much tougher runner inside than a guy his size has any right to be. Future star – maybe very near future, even.

Eric: 96

I love Tyree’s lean and burst through the hole which should come highly sought after in the Irish backfield immediately. His speed is well documented so that’s great news. I’d like to see a little more wiggle and agility in small spaces for a smaller back. I think he’s an elite recruit but maybe not a generational type of back, I hope his hype is a little more grounded. I’m not too concerned about his size. He’s well built already especially in his upper body if not very tall. It would be shocking if he played only sparingly as a freshman and Tyree should be involved heavily in the offense from August moving forward.

Jaden: 95

His sprint speed is obvious, but I am most impressed with Tyree’s stop-and-go ability. The lateral agility ia something special and should lead to immediate playing time. Luckily, he is exactly the type of back that has been missing in the Irish backfield for years, most glaringly this season. As a smaller RB, a general concern is his continued health, but he does show a knack for stepping out of bounds and avoiding unnecessary hits throughout his film. It’s been clear that ND needs more twitchy athletes at the skill positions, and the coaching staff couldn’t have landed a better one in Tyree.

Tyler: 96

Tyree absolutely needs to get carries next year. He’s too dynamic of an athlete to not put the ball in his hands. He’s the fastest recruit we’ve landed in recent memory. Excellent burst, very agile. I could see him carrying the ball next year like early Dex where he only gets something like 5-10 carries a game at first but seems to bust one open at every opportunity. He’s got solid hands, too. Will be a nice safety blanket on checkdown passes and screens.

OT Tosh Baker

18S Average: 94.5

Brendan: 95

Baker has some technique stuff to work on – mainly that he tends to “catch” guys rather than punch his hands out – but that’s not surprising for a guy who spends a lot of time on the hardwood too. His footwork is fantastic though and he has exceptional agility for his size to go with a substantial mean streak. It’s a lot to project, but I think he has the tools to be a future first rounder.

Eric: 93

Well polished for a high school lineman with very good technique. His footwork stands out immediately. He’s so tall that he appears to struggle getting low and really crushing smaller defenders in high school. For a tackle prospect though, I’m assuming he will get a lot better at that once he’s in college and improves his technique and power. As a pass blocker, he’s really impressive.

Jaden: 95

Baker has superb length and moves so lightly on his feet. He looks really natural as a pass blocker and seems destined to play LT. If he can add the proper strength and weight to his frame, I think he’ll be an elite tackle for multiple years.

Tyler: 95

While I think Mayer is the most sure thing in this class, I think Baker has the highest upside of anybody. A 6’8″, athletic former basketball star at left tackle just screams first round potential. We’ve done very well with these kinds of OL prospects in the past.

OT Michael Carmody

18S Average: 87.0

Brendan: 87

Another basketball-playing tackle. Almost like it’s by design… Michael is of course the younger brother of Irish cager Robby, and like Robby, he’s a big man who can move. He doesn’t have quite the upside on the edge that Baker does, but I could see him developing into a solid right tackle or perhaps an athletic guard. He has a solid mean streak too.

Eric: 88

Is he wearing shoulder pads from the 1970’s because he looks absolutely enormous at the high school level? If I’m feeling bad for the kids he’s playing against that’s a very good sign. Carmody certainly enjoys his pancakes. He plays really physical and nasty. There isn’t a ton of pass blocking so his demeanor and skills could ultimately land him inside as a talented guard.

Jaden: 87

Carmody isn’t quite as polished as others like Tosh Baker as he hasn’t played a ton of OL yet in his life. He has a basketball background, which is evident in his athleticism. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll play tackle or guard at the college level, but he’s a great prospect with a really nice ceiling. He’s clearly physical and wants to finish every block he makes.

Tyler: 86

More mobile than you would expect for a kid of his size. He’s a pretty good athlete, he’s physical, and he plays with a mean streak. His mobility should give him some positional flexibility at right tackle or on the interior.

QB Drew Pyne

18S Average: 80.8

Brendan: 82

The consummate recruiter and program ambassador. I get the feeling that Pyne, who wears #10 in honor of Brady Quinn, will end up being The Guy Between The Guys, but then we all thought that about Ian Book once upon a time too. Pyne has plus mobility and good accuracy, but he’s undersized and I think that’s going to limit him. Still, a great kid and he certainly looks good enough to hold up well in spot duty if needed.

Eric: 79

Every time I see film on Pyne I can’t help but see Chase Daniel. If Pyne can throw for 101 touchdowns and over 12,500 yards I’ll take it! Size is obviously a massive concern. He’s listed at 6’0″ and doesn’t really move around in the pocket a whole lot. He also looks to have a smaller frame like Everett Golson. I can’t see Pyne really challenging for starting reps for quite a while. He’ll have to become a very efficient precision passer and really develop physically in a way I’m not sure is possible right now.

Jaden: 81

My first impression of Pyne is that he has a super clean and quick release. He really does throw a great ball and it’s a joy to watch. Honestly, a lot of the short and intermediate throws shown remind me of how the ND offense looked this season. In a quick pass gameplan, I think Pyne could thrive and ideally live off of YAC. Unfortunately, Pyne’s size is a pretty big concern. He’s fairly short but also isn’t as thick as an Ian Book. Nor does he seem quite as nimble. I’m really intrigued to hear how things go once he’s on campus as I think he’s a super capable back-up at the very least. Admittedly. I’d probably rank him higher if Tyler Buchner wasn’t lurking. As of now, I think Buchner is the better prospect and would likely start over Pyne.

Tyler: 81

His frame will be the first thing that sticks out to everyone who evaluates him. It’s probable there will always be questions concerning his size and ability to handle the physicality of the game at the college level. And to say that his arm isn’t the strongest is probably puting it kindly. However, Pyne has some very nice qualities to him that suggest he will have some success at the next level. Not the least of which being how advanced he is technically. He has a clean, quick release and is extremely accurate in the short to intermediate passing game.

TE Kevin Bauman

18S Average: 85.8

Brendan: 86

Doesn’t have the star power of Mayer, but is a solid player in his own right. Bauman profiles as more of a flex tight end; I don’t know that he’ll ever be a plus inline player, but detached he’s big and athletic enough to cause problems. He also has really soft hands for a big guy and is adept at elevating for the ball. I think he’ll be a solid contributor the the Tight End U tradition.

Eric: 87

A very enticing athlete who has flown under the radar after committing a long time ago and being overshadowed this past year by classmate Mayer. He looks like someone who has the tools to be really good at Notre Dame. Bauman may have to stay patient, more so due to the depth chart ahead of him.

Jaden: 86

Bauman committed less than a month before Mayer, but both remained extremely strong in their pledge throughout. It should be reassuring for both to see ND’s willingness to play multiple TE’s. Bauman has been the forgotten one for the most part, but he’s a real player. Great frame, strong hands, and above average athleticism. When BK and Co. can bring in two TE’s in one class and Bauman is hardly talked about, you know they’re doing something right.

Tyler: 84

Bauman is probably better than the grade that I am giving him but I’m trying to consider the way that he will be used in the Irish offense. He’s very well rounded. Good at just about everything, not great at anything. Lately it feels like those types of tight ends tend to play their careers in the shadow of elite receiving threats (think Kmet and Brock Wright). Bauman should be a good player, but I wonder with the way ND recruits at the tight end position if his path to significant playing time might be slower than expected.

WR Xavier Watts

18S Average: 91.3

Brendan: 92

The most underrated guy in this class on either side of the ball. His acceleration, agility, top speed, and competitiveness are all off the charts. He also shows excellent physicality and ball skills as a defender, which is something to keep in mind – the fight between the offensive and defensive coaches over who gets this guy is going to be fierce. Future star no matter where he ends up on the field.

Eric: 90

If your name is Xavier Watts you have to be good at football. Great name. This is a really impressive athlete. Watts runs beautifully and his stride is effortless. We tend to overrate a bunch of the 3-stars but this is one who is clearly several steps above that level. He should settle in as the top backup receiver on the team if classmate Jordan Johnson lives up to the hype.

Jaden: 92

Out of Omaha, NE, Watts is the guy in the class who is almost unanimously thought to be underrated from his 3-star ranking. If you watch the senior film, you’ll understand why. He’s one of the smoothest, savviest athletes you’ll see and looks so natural catching the football. He high points the ball exceptionally well, and has surprising shiftiness. As a WR, I think he develops into a TJ Jones. As a CB, I think he develops into a Julian Love.

Tyler: 91

Xavier’s score in the 247 Composite remains a travesty. He’s such a smooth athlete with speed, quickness, agility. Good size, great hands. A natural ability to high-point the football. He possesses the potential to play either wide receiver or defensive back at an extremely high level in college.

WR Jay Brunelle

18S Average: 84.8

Brendan: 84

Brunelle is the kind of receiver who has terrorized the Irish at Stanford over the last decade. Kinda comes out of nowhere, more physical than he looks, not going to blow you away with straight line speed but a competitor and a football player (Jon Gruden voice) who will find a way to beat you. To be clear, I don’t want to sell him short – he’s much more than a “gym rat” or a “field general” or a “coach’s son,” if you catch my drift. He has a college-ready physique and will enroll early, so we’ll find out soon what his potential is. My guess is that it won’t be in line with his ranking.

Eric: 85

I’m so conflicted. Everything about his profile screams linebacker in the mold of Drue Tranquill. He’s only listed at 6’2″ but has the frame and build that looks like he’s going to arrive for fall camp at 230 pounds. Yet, his receiver film is damn impressive! Brunelle has very good acceleration and has the ability to pull away from defenders in the open field. If he’s really as fast as he looks he’ll stay on offense. I do wonder if he gets a year and a half on offense and ultimately switches to defense but there’s plenty to be excited about as a wideout.

Jaden: 86

Brunelle is really filled out already, but he shows surprisingly good speed as a WR. He seems like a guy that’ll skip a redshirt and be a special teams contributor right away. I know he’s one of the lower ranked guys in the class and doesn’t have a huge offer list, but he just has a hardworking underdog vibe. I’d be shocked if Brunelle doesn’t force his way into a big role by the time he’s done at ND.

Tyler: 84

Everyone around Jay raves about his personality and work ethic. He’s a really good all around athlete, and he seems like the kind of kid who will push himself to make the most of every ounce of athleticism he possesses. He’s not a burner, but he possesses pretty good speed even at the college level and he does all of the little things well.

LS Alex Peitsch

18S Average: 88.0

Brendan: 88

He, uh, snaps a football a long way, and, uh, I hear he’s good at it – Kohl’s ranks him as the #1 guy in the country. I’ll take their word for it. He’ll need to step in right away after John Shannon rode off into the sunset.

Eric: 88

Tight spirals to the holder, nice.

Jaden: 88

Looks good to me.

Tyler: 88

88 is the generic grade for, “Yeah he should be a really solid multi-year starter,” right?