The current Notre Dame senior class has the makings to be one of the five best at the school since 1991when one combines the three crucial factors of impact, balance and depth.
The impact has been felt with them making significant contributions during a 22-4 run the past two years, although they didn’t have to carry the team like other classes in the past.
The starters this year from this class are well spread out and likely to include quarterback Ian Book, co-starting running back Tony Jones Jr., receiver Chase Claypool, offensive linemen Liam Eichenberg and Tommy Kramer, while the defense has five prominent ends — led by Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem and Daelin Hayes — safeties Jalen Elliott and Alohi Gilman, and cornerback Troy Pride Jr., in addition to corner Julian Love, who has already turned pro. The missing elements in this class are tight end and linebacker.
But why start with 1991?
Because from 1987-90, Notre Dame finished No. 1 in football recruiting four straight seasons. That 1990 harvest alone had five first-round picks in running back Jerome Bettis, defensive backs Tom Carter and Jeff Burris, defensive lineman Bryant Young and offensive lineman Aaron Taylor.
