Notre Dame Football: Top 5 early targets for 2019 recruiting class

2. Joe Ngata, ATH

Joe Ngata, a four star prospect highly touted as one of the nation’s top athletes, has been scoped out by the Irish on numerous occasions, but just recently attended Notre Dame’s junior day. The Irish are hoping that Ngata came away from his visit with much to think about, but the wide receiver out of California has yet to tip his hand in any direction.

While Ngata has been pretty quiet on his decision so far, experts predict that his finalists will be USC and Washington. While there is still plenty of time to sway Ngata in any direction, the Irish have already lost wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to the Trojans, not a particularly good sign when recruiting a similar player.

In terms of Ngata’s skills, the Folsom High product has some of the best hands in his class. Not only does Ngata possess the ability to win jump-balls over almost any defensive back, he also has deceiving speed that allows him to get behind defenders in press coverage. His 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame provides the raw ability to climb the ladder on defenders when the separation isn’t there.

After losing Equanimeous St. Brown to the draft, the Irish will be looking for answers at the wide receiver position. While Notre Dame boasts plenty of talent, they certainly could use some more size on the outside. Regardless of where Ngata chooses to go, the Irish will have some decisions to make regarding not only who will be throwing the football, but who they’ll be throwing it to.