Notre Dame Football climbs into Top 10 in 2020 recruiting ranks

Notre Dame football owns a top 10 spot in the 2020 national recruiting rankings thanks to the addition of linebacker Jordan Botelho from Hawaii.

The 2020 class is still in its infancy, but Notre Dame is doing everything they can to ensure they get off on the right foot. The Irish picked up an important commitment from Hawaiian linebacker Jordan Botelho, a 4-star recruit and the No. 34 prospect in the nation according to 247 Sports and No. 105 in the 247 Composite ranks.

Botelho had offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Washington and others, but opted to play his college ball in South Bend. He’s Notre Dame’s seventh commit in the 2020 class and the summer is still a few months away. His addition gives the Irish the No. 10 class in the nation, putting them within striking distance of one of the nation’s best classes.

The difference between a top 10 class and a top 5 class can best be typified as the difference between Notre Dame’s apparent postseason ceiling and the likes of Alabama and Ohio State. Even Clemson, once an afterthought in their own state, has risen up. They’re 2018 class was seventh overall and included Trevor Lawrence, the leader of the Tigers’ national championship-winning squad.

Brian Kelly has been the head man for Notre Dame football for nearly a decade. In that time he’s kept the Irish near the top 15 in the national recruiting ranks, peaking with the No. 5 class in 2013. That class was led by 5-stars Jaylon Smith and Max Redfield and including future stars like Mike McGlinchey, Will Fuller and Malik Zaire.

Botelho by himself might not move the needle on Notre Dame’s Playoff chances. But a few more Botelho-like players could. Kelly is on the right track.