Notre Dame Football: Early look at top 3 targets in 2021 recruiting class

With Notre Dame football’s 2020 recruiting class all but set heading into National Signing Day, here’s a look at a few Irish targets for the 2021 season.

Despite the 2020 season still several months away, Brian Kelly and the rest of his coaching staff already have their hands full. With Cole Kmet, Chase Claypool, and various other contributors such as Chris Finke and Tony Jones Jr. hoping to take their talents to the NFL, recently promoted Tommy Rees will be tasked with getting last year’s depth options ready to perform in starting roles.

And that’s just on offense. Defensive coordinator Clark Lea will have to find a way to replace a handful of key contributors to what was one of the most effective Notre Dame secondaries in recent memory. Safeties Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott will be taking their respective shots at the NFL alongside standout cornerback Troy Pride Jr.

As if that wasn’t enough, the explosive defensive end duo of Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem will be departing as well. With plenty of spots to fill, Notre Dame must already be looking beyond 2020 and towards a 2021 recruiting class that can help solidify their many needs. Here are a few targets who should serve as points of emphasis for the Irish in the coming years.