It seems like Notre Dame football is at a major crossroads, with significant changes happening after an impressive 14-2 season. Despite the success, it's clear that the program's staff turnover is creating some big challenges for head coach Marcus Freeman. But it also looks like Freeman is working diligently to navigate these changes by bringing in some strong new hires.
Chris Ash replaces Al Golden
The decision to replace Al Golden with Chris Ash seems strategic, especially considering Ash's background with defensive backs and his leadership beside Luke Fickell. Golden's style was clearly popular, so it'll be interesting to see if Ash’s fiery approach can maintain that same level of success. His expertise should complement the strong defensive talent already present, but the transition could still have its bumps.
Ja’Juan Seider is a big get
With the talented trio of Jerimiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams at running back, having someone with Seider’s track record will certainly keep that position as a strength. His experience with developing 1,000-yard rushers at Penn State is a major win for the Irish.
A new GM (Mike Martin)
The search for a new General Manager is definitely an intriguing one. The evolving nature of college football’s rules around recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL demands a savvy, experienced leader. Mike Martin seems like an excellent choice to help navigate this new era, and building out a robust scouting department could help the Irish gain an edge on the competition, especially with such a complex landscape.
Building for Long-Term Success
All in all, Marcus Freeman is making moves to stay ahead of the curve, and while there are inevitable challenges, these hires could help position Notre Dame for continued success. It's exciting to see how these changes will unfold and if they'll pay off in the long run. What do you think of these moves? Does the future of Notre Dame football look bright to you?
Do any of you have any High School players in your area of the country that ND should at least be looking at?
Here are a few of mine for NJ:
Chris Burrell Don Bosco Prep (Ryan Grants School)
Height: 5-6 Weight: 155 40: 4.35
Position: HB could be a great kick returner not fully grown yet.
Kamal Hogan Montvale (NJ) St. Joseph's (Oakland Raider Jack Tatum's Grandson)
Ht: 5-foot-11 Wt: 190 lbs 40: 4.5 secs
Position: All around RB
BC, Nebraska, Georgia, Penn State, Tenn, Rutgers all looking at him
Ryan Cobb Don Bosco High School (another Carlo Calabrese)
Ht: 6’ Wt: 224 lbs Forty: 4.56 secs Bench max: 325 pounds
Position: ILB
BC, UCLA, Clemson, Virginia
Dante Weaver New Brunswick High Ht: 6'3" Wt: 310 (moves really well)
Position: DT or OG
Michigan
Jake Kaufman, St. Peters Prep Ht: 6-8.5 Wt: 330 40: 5.25
Position: OT
Stanford has offered, ND, WV, Ohio St, BC, Penn State, Georgia & Alabama interested
Sherard Cadogan Camden Catholic, Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 40: 4.55
Position: OLB, TE, DE
ND, Michigan St, Rutgers Stanford
Corey Davis, St. Peter's Prep, Ht: 5-foot-7 Wt: 167 lbs Forty: 4.41 secs
Position: CB
BC, ND, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rutgers, Stanford are all interested
Wayne Carter Timber Creek Regional Ht: 6-2 Wt: 305 40: 5.4
Position: OG, DT
Mich, Rutgers, Tenn, BC, WV, Alabama & UCLA interested
Shakim Phillips De Paul Catholic Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 191 lbs 40: 4.55
Position WR
Offers from Duke, Pitt Syracuse. Rutgers, Georgia expected
Edited by NYC12