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

1. Derrick Davis Jr., S (Pennsylvania)

With the losses of both Elliott and Gilman, Notre Dame finds themselves in a bit of a jam at the safety position. Sophomore Kyle Hamilton will certainly slot in as one of the two starters, but the spot beside him is completely up for grabs. Former high school teammates Houston Griffith and Isaiah Pryor (Ohio State transfer) will likely battle it out for the vacant position.

With not a single safety in Notre Dame’s 2020 class, things could get even more murky by the time the 2021 season rolls around. Hamilton would likely be making his way to the NFL should his current trajectory continue. Griffith would be out of eligibility. If Pryor forgoes his final year of eligibility, the Irish would be left with DJ Brown, Litchfield Ajavon, and whatever 2021 recruits they bring in.

Regardless, the Irish would be wise to expend every last resource in an effort to make Derrick Davis Jr. one of those recruits. With three-star safety Justin Walters committing earlier this week, word has it that the Irish plan on bringing on only one additional safety for the 2021 season. If the Irish can outsell Clemson, Ohio State, and Penn State, he’ll be the perfect final addition.

Davis is 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, and currently sits as the No. 2 safety in his class. He displays great instincts and always appears to be the fastest guy on the field. His pursuit of the ball-carrier and aggressiveness on 50/50 balls is similar to that of Gilman. With the 2021 outlook for the position looking questionable at best, Davis would be an invaluable addition.