Yesterday we looked at Notre Dame's offensives signees. Today it's on to the defense and the nine new Fighting Irish.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Isaac Rochell, 6'5" 260, McDonough, GA, ****
Maybe not the best recruit in the class, but one of the most important as Rochell gives the Irish a big-time player at an important position. At the very least gives ND depth at end until he takes over as a starter.
Jacob Matuska, 6'5" 240, Columbus, OH, ***
Listed as a tight end by many services, Matuska will begin his Irish career as a defensive end. Will give some depth and toughness early on while he develops at the next level.
Eddie Vanderdoes, 6'3" 310, Auburn, CA, *****
The last and biggest addition to the class. Vanderdoes immediately gives Notre Dame an athletic space eater in the middle of their defensive line. Can play both end and tackle which makes him versatile. Should play right away.
LINEBACKER
Michael Deeb, 6'2" 237, Plantation, FL, ***
Came on strong in his senior season, Deeb will likely end up as a middle linebacker. Will need time to develop but will be a good player in a couple years.
Doug Randolph, 6'3" 237, Richmond, VA, ****
A former Stanford commit, Randolph flipped to the Irish in September. He's a really good player that could work his way into playing time right away. A good athlete that will pay dividends throughout his career.
Jaylon Smith, 6'3" 212, Fort Wayne, IN, *****
The best recruit in the entire class. Smith is the highest rated defensive recruit Notre Dame has signed in the ratings era. A huge get for Brian Kelly and a guy that will play right away. Could be the leader of the defense in a few years.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Devin Butler, 6'1" 179, Washington, DC, ***
Good size for a DB. Butler is a good athlete with good speed that will help out with depth right away. Once he develops, he could be a very effective corner.
Rashad Kinlaw, 6'2" 184, Galloway, NJ, ***
Suffered season-ending leg injuries the past two seasons which affected his ranking. If he can stay healthy, he will give the Irish a tall athlete in the defensive backfield.
Cole Luke, 6'0" 165, Chandler, AZ, ****
A surprise commitment when he made it, Luke gives Notre Dame a highly ranked true cornerback. Has great potential and the luxury of being able to sit and develop before being pushed to play. Will be a very good player when it's his time to shine.
Max Redfield, 6'2" 195, Mission Viejo, CA, *****
One of a record four five-star recruits for the Irish in this cycle. Redfield is a former USC commitment that flipped to the Irish in January. Should play immediately and make an impact right away. Instantly raises the talent level of the safety position.
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