This weekend, Notre Dame will host ‘The Echoes’ awards banquet. In addition to some top uncommitted prospects being in town, a large chunk of Notre Dame’s committed class will be in attendance. This event serves as a popular weekend for post-regular season official visits. It should serve as a fun, yet pivotal couple days for Notre Dame’s 2017 class.

Uncommitted

To start, the Irish added a giant visitor to the list for the weekend. DB Greg Johnson out of California will be making the trip by himself for his official visit. Johnson recently decommitted from Arizona and now will likely end up at Notre Dame, Nebraska, or USC. Getting him on campus was a huge victory in itself, especially for the busiest weekend before National Signing Day.

The Irish will have their two top uncommitted WR prospects in South Bend this weekend in Oliver Martin and Jamire Calvin. It is probably safe to say that at least one of these two will end up in this class.

Oliver Martin is between Notre Dame and Michigan Iowa now. A native of Iowa City, IA, ND will have to pull him from his hometown.

In Calvin’s case, Notre Dame is in a head-to-head battle with Nebraska. Calvin will end up at one of these two schools, but Notre Dame should feel pretty good about their chances if they push hard for him. This will serve as his official visit.

Next, potentially the most important player left on Notre Dame’s board is Joshua Paschal. He will make his official visit and be on campus for the first time since this summer. Paschal wanted to commit to the Irish during the summer, but was not academically ready at the time. He has now put in a good deal of work in the classroom and is a realistic option for the Irish. However, Kentucky and Oklahoma loom large. If Notre Dame plans on gaining his commitment, they will need to blow him away this weekend.

Committed

In a terrifying post-Pete Werner decommitment era, there was much concern that the 2017 class was bound to unravel. However, the squad has responded with impressive resilience! Many have been active on social media and brought some reassurance to our ever so poised fanbase.

Confirmed to be in attendance:

Avery Davis – QB

Cole Kmet – TE

Brock Wright – TE

CJ Holmes – RB

Jordan Pouncey – WR

Robert Hainsey – OL

Josh Lugg – OL

Dillan Gibbons – OL

Darnell Ewell – DT

Jonathon MacCollister – SDE

Isaiah Robertson – S

Ovie Oghoufo – LB (2018)

Award Predictions

Newcomer of the Year: Offense – KJ Stepherson

Newcomer of the Year: Defense – Julian Love

Special Teams Player of the Year –Scott Daly

Offensive Lineman of the Year – Quenton Nelson

Irish Around the Bend – Mike McGlinchey

Moose Krause Lineman of the Year – Isaac Rochell

Father Lange Iron Cross – Daelin Hayes

Pietrosante Award – James Onwualu

Rockne Student-Athlete – Drue Tranquill

Offensive Player of the Year – Equanimeous St. Brown

Defensive Player of the Year – Nyles Morgan

Most Valuable Player – DeShone Kizer