Notre Dame added a big, athletic tight end to its 2022 class on Sunday when Eli Raridon announced for the Irish. The 6’6″/230-pounder out of West Des Moines, IA is the 12th commit in Notre Dame’s 2022 recruiting class — which now ranks 4th in the country behind Georgia, LSU, and Ohio State.

Eli’s last name may sound familiar to some of you who followed the team closely in the early-mid 2000s. He’s actually a legacy recruit. His father, Scott, played offensive line for the Irish in the Willingham-Weis years from 2002-2006. Eli had originally planned to take official visits in June before making a commitment, but after a self-guided tour in April he knew Notre Dame was the best place for him.

Recruiting Service Rankings

Rivals — 3 star (5.7 rating), NR overall, #22 TE, #5 in IA

ESPN — 3 star (79 rating), NR overall, #13 TE-Y, #4 in IA

247Sports — 3 star (89 rating), NR overall, #16 TE, #4 in IA

247Sports Composite — 3 star (.8830), #437 overall, #18 TE, #4 in IA

Irish Sports Daily — 4 star (90 rating)

Cohort

Eli chose the Irish over other offers from Iowa, Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn, Arizona State, Duke, and others. Including Notre Dame, his offer list currently totals 21 schools.

Highlights

**LINK TO ISD’S FILM REVIEW HERE**

Eli is a really good athlete at his size. He still looks a bit lanky in his junior film, even at 220-230 pounds. If he can bulk up and add 30 pounds or so while maintaining his current speed and quickness, he could be a huge receiving threat down the seam. He’s also a willing blocker who has upside as an in-line tight end once he bulks up. Jamie over at ISD compares him to former NC State tight end Cary Angeline, and I think that’s a pretty positive comparison.

Impact

It’s evident based on the Blue-Gold Game this past weekend that the future of the tight end position at Notre Dame is looking very bright. Early enrollee freshmen Cane Berrong and Mitch Evans both looked impressive (particularly Evans) and should be ready to see the field early. Of course we also have a couple of rising sophomores on the roster that we didn’t get to see this weekend in Kevin Bauman and 2020 Freshman All-American Michael Mayer. Adding guys like Eli Raridon and (hopefully) Holden Staes to the tight end room in 2022 should continue that tradition of strong play and depth at the position. There shouldn’t be a need for either of them to see significant snaps at tight end their freshman year, but they definitely have the kind of potential to see the field earlier on in their careers.

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Welcome to the Irish family, Eli!