Notre Dame football must add this second five-star to its recruiting class.
Notre Dame football already has one five-star recruit but will want at least another one to join dual-threat quarterback Tyler Buchner. The La Jolla, California native is the No. 2 player from his state in his recruiting class, the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in this cycle and the No. 28 player in the 2021 high school class.
Recruiting to a school like Notre Dame is always difficult because of its strict academic regiment. However, Kelly needs to do his best to land this other five-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite to help get his program something close to a top-10 class for 2021. Of course, we’re talking about a giant offensive tackle prospect in Nolan Rucci.
At 6-foot-8 and 295 pounds, the Warwick High School standout from Lititz, Pennsylvania is the No. 1 player from his state, the No. 4 offensive tackle prospect in this class and the No. 15 player in the country in this cycle. If Notre Dame were to somehow secure Rucci’s commitment, it would be the best in the class. However, it’s not looking like that’s bound to happen.
Notre Dame is one of 29 schools to offer Rucci, but he’s looking at the Clemson Tigers, the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Wisconsin Badgers the most intently. Will his two Notre Dame recruiters in offensive line coach Jeff Quinn and defensive line coach Mike Elston help bring the Irish back into the picture?
Can Notre Dame add Nolan Rucci’s commitment to its 2021 recruiting class?
So while Notre Dame can’t even really say its in fourth place for Rucci, here’s why the Irish need to try and see if they can get him to change his mind.
First, Rucci is 6-foot-8 and nearly 300 pounds. He’s still in high school and he’s got an NFL-ready frame. He’s the type of personal protector that can keep Buchner upright and give him the necessary time to drop back in the passing game and to open up holes when he breaks off as a runner.
Second, Notre Dame has proven itself to be one of the best offensive line factories of late in college football. The Irish have Pro Bowlers and NFL standouts the likes of Zack Martin, Mike McGlinchey, Quenton Nelson and Ronnie Stanley dominating on Sundays. Few programs have as many first-round offensive linemen as the Irish have in the last few years.
Third, Rucci is from the right geographical region to easily go to Notre Dame. Pennsylvania is not that far from South Bend, Indiana. If Buchner is willing to leave sunny Southern California to play in the geographically isolated Midwest, one would think proximity could be an easier sell for a guy like Rucci.
Lastly, no other five-star recruit seems to be all that interested in playing for Notre Dame. Sure, the Irish can load up on four-stars and three-stars, as the Irish have to recruit on a national scope to stay relevant. Though interest may be waning, Rucci hasn’t told the Irish no yet. Until he commits somewhere, Notre Dame should push for the hopes of a late surge in his eyes.
Rucci isn’t likely to be a Golden Domer, but he’s the other five-star Notre Dame needs to target.
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