One of the biggest defensive players in Notre Dame’s recruiting class has made it official with a letter-of-intent. Once again, the Irish have gone into Georgia to snatch an elite recruit. Let’s dig into Isaac Rochell.
ISAAC ROCHELL
McDonough, Georgia
Measureables: 6-foot-4, 250-pounds
Accolades: First-team All-State, Atlanta Journal-Constitution. First-team defensive line, South Metro All-Area team. Offense-Defense Bowl participant. Four-star prospect by Rivals, 247, ESPN and Scout.
Impressive offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Michigan
Projected position: Defensive end.
Quick Take: Another massive defensive end prospect. His official height and weight might already be selling Rochell short, as he’ll likely step onto campus closer to 6-foot-5, 265-pounds, plenty big enough to work with.
Rochell was one of Notre Dame’s earliest targets at defensive end, and the Irish believe they’ve found someone stout enough to play in the trenches and athletic enough to rush the passer. Athletic enough to be a tight end, Rochell is another Georgia athlete that Notre Dame snatched out of SEC country. If he ends up anything like Stephon Tuitt, this will end up okay for Notre Dame.
What it means for the Irish roster: One of the anchors of the Irish defensive recruiting class, Rochell might as well be insurance in case Tuitt decides the pull to the NFL is too strong to ignore next year. Bigger than Sheldon Day, he could work his way into the end rotation next season.
Obligatory YouTube highlight tape: Here’s a look at Isaac’s junior season highlight tape.
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