Notre Dame is making waves in college football recruiting, continuing to bolster its lineup with NFL legacy talent—an approach that has become a hallmark under head coach Marcus Freeman. The latest addition to the Fighting Irish is three-star wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald. This exciting commitment came on the heels of four-star prospect Kaydon Finley choosing Notre Dame over Texas, adding significant depth to Notre Dame’s receiving corps.
Fitzgerald, accompanied by his father, the likely Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, made his decision official on Saturday. Larry’s illustrious career with the Arizona Cardinals included 1,432 catches, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns. This familial influence seems to resonate at Notre Dame. Just a day prior, Finley, whose father Jermichael Finley played for the Green Bay Packers, also joined the Irish, highlighting the strong NFL connections current in Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy.
As of now, Fitzgerald marks the 24th commitment for the Notre Dame class and the fourth receiver added, following in the footsteps of Finley, Bubba Frazier, and Dylan Faison. The anticipation is building for a possible fifth receiver, as four-star talent Brayden Robinson is due to announce his decision soon, potentially completing three big commitments within three days.
Throughout his recruitment, Fitzgerald had other prestigious options, such as Clemson, Stanford, and UCLA, but Notre Dame has been his apparent favorite since his pivotal official visit in mid-June. This visit allowed Fitzgerald to bond not only with Finley but also with another football legacy, Thomas Davis Jr.—son of former NFL standout Thomas Davis.
The NFL legacy pipeline to Notre Dame is nothing new but has gained prominence of late. Current and incoming recruits include notable names like RJ Oben, Kennedy Urlacher, and Jerome Bettis Jr., among others. This trend speaks volumes about the program’s allure and its emphasis on continuing the legacies of NFL greats.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Fitzgerald offers valuable size to the receiver position. While he’s currently rated as a three-star prospect by most recruiting sites, his performance at the OT7 tournament suggests his stock could rise. Last season at Brophy Prep in Phoenix, Fitzgerald notched 52 receptions for 720 yards and nine touchdowns, impressive stats that caught the eye of the Notre Dame coaching staff.
Under the direction of receivers coach Mike Brown and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, Notre Dame is addressing past positional gaps with strategic precision, focusing on both the quantity and quality of their recruits. Fitzgerald is the tallest receiver in the expected five-man group, bringing an added advantage to an already strong recruiting class.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame fans have more potential commitments to watch for, including safety Nick Reddish and defensive lineman Elijah Golden. Should these prospects choose Notre Dame, this recruiting class would be the largest since Charlie Weis’ era, illustrating the program’s momentum and Freeman’s formidable recruiting acumen.
As Notre Dame fortifies its roster with legacy talent and promising newcomers, the stage is set for an exciting future, where the influence of past NFL heroes continues to inspire the stars of tomorrow.
