We’re up and running for the 2024 class.

Coming off a visit for the Blue-Gold Game and an offer just over a month ago, Michigan defensive lineman Brandon Davis-Swain has committed to Notre Dame and becomes the first verbal of the 2024 cycle.

Coming out of West Bloomfield High School (home to Michigan running back Donovan Edwards) he was offered first by Michigan and many thought the Wolverines would be the team to beat. Actually, no.

Recruiting Service Rankings

247Sports Composite — 4 star (.9305 rating), NR overall, NR DL, NR in MI

247Sports — 4 star (90 rating), #158 overall, #13 DL, #3 in MI

Rivals — 4 star (5.8 rating), #190 overall, #9 WDE, #5 in MI

ESPN — Not Rated

Irish Sports Daily — Not Rated

Cohort

In addition to Notre Dame and Michigan, Davis-Swain had offers from Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, West Virginia, Michigan State, Boston College, and several others.

Highlights

He’s got a thick lower body with room to add mass on his upper-body. Some places have him as a weak-side pass rusher but it appears most expect him to be a big end with 3-tech capabilities at Notre Dame. Not too dissimilar to 2022 signee Tyson Ford, actually. Davis-Swain can really move, too. His burst is impressive and he’s hard to contain against high school competition. He’s comfortable taking on blockers and shedding them to make a play on the ball.

You can clearly see his power and since he’s used inside so much at West Bloomfield the transition to this position in college should be a lot more smooth. Athletically, there’s a lot to like. If he doesn’t end up gaining too much weight I can actually see him playing a stand-up role off the edge and being effective dropping back into zone coverage from time to time.

Impact

I don’t know if BDS plans on enrolling early or not but if he does that day is still some 20 months away. A lot is bound to change by then! Nevertheless, adding a blue-chip piece along the line to kick off the 2024 recruiting class has to feel really good.

Notre Dame really likes their 2022-23 defensive line hauls and if all goes to plan these 2024 recruits could be walking into a ton of stiff competition. You have to like Davis-Swain’s ceiling and versatility at such a young age. I personally think he’ll be a very good 3-tech early on in his career and will be an impact player by his 2nd season with Notre Dame.

Welcome to the Irish family, Brandon!