Notre Dame football lands elite pass rusher over multiple SEC programs
Notre Dame football lands elite pass rusher over multiple SEC programs
Notre Dame football has been trending to add an elite pass rusher in North Carolina's Rodney Dunham, and that's exactly what happened on Thursday afternoon.
The 6-foot, 4-inch and 227-pounder verbally committed to the Irish over Duke, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Dunham becomes the No. 9 player in Notre Dame's 2026 class, one that is hovering right outside the top-10 according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings.
It should not be understated how big Dunham's commitment to Notre Dame is, as they went up against major SEC players to get one of the top players in the class, as he ranks as the No. 33 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He very well could move up the rankings before they are finalized and become a 5-star.
The Irish are becoming a recruiting powerhouse under head coach Marcus Freeman, and it doesn't look like it will be slowing down anytime soon.
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Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
Why Cathedral is playing for 3A title: Chemistry, speed and unsung heroes
INDIANAPOLIS — There are pieces missing from the Cathedral softball trophy case, notable absences amidst the numerous City crowns, 22 sectional championships and seven regional titles. The Irish secured the first of those two pieces with last weekend's semistate sweep of New Palestine and Evansville Memorial. Now they'll try to complete the program's collection against Hanover Central in the Class 3A state championship game (7 p.m. Saturday). This opportunity would be special regardless, longtime coach Tony Matthews said Wednesday. He and assistant coach Linda Bamrick have waited 14 years for this opportunity (four regional titles during their tenure). But to do it with this group? That makes it all the more meaningful. "This group of girls, the way they have fought for each other, we're just so excited for them," Matthews said. "They have each other's backs all the time. … They just believe." Team chemistry was a talking point entering the season, too, one cited by senior shortstop Anna Moore during preseason media day as perhaps the team's biggest strength. The players began going to Bible study together last season, which "brought us together in a way not many other schools can replicate," she explained. "It's really special being able to share faith and our love for each other," the Purdue commit continued. "The environment we've created is so special." Those bonds further elevated an already highly talented Cathedral outfit, which is 28-2 with notable regular-season wins over West Lafayette Harrison, Lutheran, Silver Creek, Danville, Castle, Noblesville, Avon, Roncalli and East Central. After breezing to tournament wins over Bishop Chatard, Herron and Lebanon, the Irish found themselves trailing New Palestine, 1-0, after a half inning — a potentially devastating development against the powerhouse Dragons, who run-ruled them at regional last spring. But there was never any panic nor any moments of doubt inside the Cathedral dugout. They continued trusting each other and stayed the course, keeping their opponent at bay until the bottom of the fifth when freshman Jordyn Hazelwood ripped a bases-loaded triple to set her side on course for a 4-1 victory. Quality arms, veteran catcher, more: Why Center Grove softball is playing for 4A state title Now the upperclassmen-led Irish are on the precipice of program history, looking to fight off an upset-minded Hanover Central outfit that punched its ticket to West Lafayette by dethroning defending 3A state champion Western (2-1 in nine innings). The Wildcats feature an up-and-coming freshman in ace Jillian Deyoung — she allowed only one unearned run on 10 hits with 13 strikeouts over nine innings last Saturday — and a lineup that's batting .341 collectively against a schedule highlighted by 2A finalist Andrean, Munster, Lake Central, 4A finalist Crown Point and New Prairie. "At this point, we're not even playing for ourselves," senior first baseman Maddie Liter said. "We're playing for the coaches. We want to win it for them. We want to put the plaque up for Cathedral as a school, to have this recognition, and for the program that Matthews and Bam have built." "I'm so happy we get this last game together," senior third baseman Angie Valentine added. Here's why the Irish are playing for state. Feczko as a sophomore: 20-4, 2.00 ERA (40 earned runs), 169 strikeouts, .210 opponent batting average (14 doubles), .288 opponent on-base. Feczko this season: 19-1, 1.25 ERA (23 earned runs), 204 strikeouts, .141 OBA (2 doubles), .239 OBP. The junior Dartmouth commit was tagged for 12 runs (five earned) in last year's season-ending loss to New Palestine. She "really took that personally" and within a day or two, she was back to work, dedicating herself to both the mental and physical aspects of her game. Feczko — who's also among the team's leading hitters at .459 with 39 hits, seven doubles, five homers and 28 RBIs — spun a one-hit shutout of Castle with 10 strikeouts at the Carmel Invite, struck out 16 in the sectional opener against Chatard and totaled 23 strikeouts with only three runs allowed last Saturday at semistate. "She's starting to believe in herself," Moore said. "She's always lacked confidence, which is crazy with how amazing she is, but we've tried to instill in her, like, 'Dude, you're so amazing. Just believe in yourself.'" Cathedral has turned more double plays (27) than it has committed errors (21). None of its fielders have been charged with more than seven miscues, and the two leaders in that category deserve context. Hazelwood's (6) athleticism and understanding of the game allow her to make plays that more than make up for the occasional miscue (more on the up-and-coming middle infielder this week), while Liter (5) is among the team leaders with a .958 fielding percentage. Cathedral went four consecutive games without an error, then recorded an out on 23-of-24 total chances against Memorial in the semistate championship game. You have to earn your opportunities against the Irish, because they seldom beat themselves. "It takes so much stress off my shoulders," Feczko said of her defense. "I'm not scared to miss a pitch, which is really important because you need to trust everything you have. If by chance you don't hit that spot, you need to trust your defense has your back." When Hazelwood ripped that ball to the left field wall against New Palestine, Matthews knew Moore was scoring from first base. In the championship game against Memorial, Cathedral stole four bases and scored three of their four runs on passed balls. For the season, they've stolen 110 bases (120 attempts). Cathedral's baserunners are taught to keep their hips pointed in the direction of the next base, Matthews said. They're always in a running stance and when they shuffle off, they're still looking at second base or looking at home so they don't have to crossover. There are names and statlines atop that Cathedral lineup that will grab your attention immediately: Liter (Austin Peay commit), Moore, Valentine (Evansville) and Feczko have all been massive presences at the plate during their careers, and Hazelwood has met (if not exceeded) the sky-high expectations ascribed to her entering the season. But it's been the emergence of outfielder Amya Gary, outfielder/third baseman Sydney Matthews and catcher Kelsey Beres in the 6-7-8 spots that has brought much-needed depth to this lineup and made it very difficult to pitch around anyone. Gary, a junior, is in the midst of a breakout season, batting .436 with 34 hits, 20 RBIs and 24 runs. She's maintained a .511 OBP and stolen 18 bases on 19 attempts, with her game log highlighted by a couple three-hit outings. She had a double and a run scored vs. Memorial. Matthews maintained her average around .400 most of the season, and currently sits at .362 with 25 hits, 19 RBIs and 22 runs scored. She has homered twice (first of her career) and swiped seven bases. Beres has shined in her first season as starting catcher, going error-free in the field with a double play, while also logging 19 hits (five doubles) and 16 RBIs at the plate. Another name to keep an eye on: Curstyn Hansbrough, who's logged 16 hits and stolen seven bases through 30 games.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lions Keenan and Furlong miss Leinster's URC final
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Yahoo
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- Yahoo
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A player panel stood out as Abrams felt like many players on the team and recruits in the building and the academics could genuinely be a serious factor here to push Michigan ahead although a visit to Alabama this weekend is big, too. Albert was supposed to visit Arkansas this past weekend but that trip was canceled as two main programs have emerged as the front-runners. Tennessee and Mississippi State should battle it out for the four-star defensive tackle from Jackson (Miss.) Jackson Academy with a commitment on July 18 planned. Florida State has pulled 'neck-and-neck' with Florida for the four-star running back from Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes as his weekend visit blew him away and the coaching staff made it clear he's a top priority at his position. If the Seminoles can keep up that momentum then things could get interesting but the Gators still could have the advantage. Georgia Tech looks strongest for the high three-star quarterback from Lafayette (La.) St. Thomas More but others are getting involved often and Indiana could become much more in the mix if four-star Luke Fahey heads elsewhere. The Hoosiers would be a team to watch if Fahey ends up at Stanford or Ohio State but the Yellow Jackets lead in Bergeron's recruitment now. Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska are three other top programs to watch but Notre Dame could have the edge after Irish Invasion as the 2027 four-star tight end from St. Peters (Mo.) Francis Howell Central loved his time in South Bend. He mainly worked on offense but the defensive coaches wanted Brown to work on defense as well as they've talked about Brown going both ways. The Irish seem to have a considerable edge right now especially after that trip. If Florida State can flip Currence from South Carolina, it will be because of coach Mike Norvell. The four-star defensive back from Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe loves Norvell and how he conducts himself and runs the program plus Currence hit it off with a bunch of assistants - especially Tony White, Patrick Surtain and Evan Cooper - but the Seminoles weren't able to flip him on the visit. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH SOUTH CAROLINA FANS AT Texas is still considered the front-runner - maybe by a wide margin - for the four-star running back from Carthage, Texas but LSU did everything possible to sway him over the weekend. Position coach Frank Wilson even wrote out over 20 names of former running backs he coached that he put into the league and the love Edwards was shown blew him away. The Tigers are making up ground but Texas is still right there. A visit and offer from Ohio State is definitely a major deal to Elkins and if the Buckeyes can keep up the momentum they could be tough to beat in his recruitment. He also thought it was cool he was the only safety recruit on campus recently as he spent valuable time with the staff. But Indiana is going to make a major run at the 2027 four-star safety from Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central with Vanderbilt and Kentucky rounding out his top four. SMU, Texas A&M and Oklahoma are three to watch and a great visit to LSU will have Evers thinking but Ohio State is now 'over a lot of schools' after his weekend in Columbus. The four-star offensive lineman from Flower Mound, Texas loved his trip with the Buckeyes, had great talks with tons of coaches including coach Ryan Day and Tavien St. Clair was his host which could put Ohio State over the top in his recruitment. Gibson still feels good about his Alabama commitment after a weekend trip to Ole Miss. The four-star cornerback from Gadsden (Ala.) Gadsden City loves how the Rebels play a lot of man coverage and he hit it off with some players but the feeling is the Crimson Tide are still strongest here. Alabama will have one more bullet to dodge as Gibson plans to visit Tennessee this weekend. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ALABAMA FANS AT Auburn's coaches were surprised at how smooth Harrington was during a recent workout as the Tigers have entered his top group with Alabama, Miami, Notre Dame and Arizona State and a new offer from Michigan should also join that top list. After a trip over to South Bend in recent days, the Irish will be one to watch closest if he's not set on playing in the SEC. The list remains long for Hasan as Tennessee, Florida and Georgia are up there with Penn State, Florida State and a whole host of others but Notre Dame is making a serious play for the 2027 four-star cornerback from Raleigh (N.C.) Cardinal Gibbons. At the Irish Invasion, Hasan loved working out with 'two of the best' defensive backs coaches and hit it off with coach Marcus Freeman and his vision for the program. The 2027 safety from Louisville (Ky.) Atherton has Clemson surging a little bit in his recruitment after working out there, getting an offer and loving his workout with position coach Mickey Conn. All that will play a major factor moving forward but there is serious competition from Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama and LSU so far. Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida and Tennessee remain among the favorites but now Clemson is on that list after he got offered by the Tigers and took a visit there. The three-star offensive lineman from Poquoson, Va., had an 'incredible experience' at Clemson and he loved how the coaching staff showed a 'genuine belief' in him both on and off the field. After an earlier commitment to SMU, Lincoln committed to Oklahoma State in April but three others are working to flip him again. Baylor has been the main one coming after the three-star cornerback from Lancaster, Texas with Arkansas and Vanderbilt heavily involved as well. Lincoln plans to be in Waco this weekend. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OKLAHOMA STATE FANS AT LSU is definitely one to watch especially because of its receiver tradition with North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State and Mississippi State involved but Ole Miss remains the team to beat. The four-star receiver from Morton, Miss., had another excellent visit to Oxford recently, playing in his home state is being pushed hard and the attention that staff is showing has pushed them to the top. The Irish Invasion was Miller's first camp ever and he 'learned a lot' from the Irish coaching staff as Notre Dame hasn't offered yet but there is a ton of interest in the program. Miami, Missouri, Iowa State and Minnesota are the other early teams to watch for the 2027 running back from Iowa City (Iowa) Regina. An offer from the hometown Hawkeyes could make it way more interesting. SMU and Texas A&M could be battling it out for the four-star offensive tackle from Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point and a recent trip with the Mustangs where they sold him on how they could set him up for the NFL and life after football was a huge draw. TCU is also heavily involved here but this looks like a two-team battle. Ohio State, Auburn, Michigan, Nebraska and Florida are the five favorites for Mpouma but Auburn took maybe an insurmountable lead during his recent visit. He had an 'amazing' time on The Plains, the coaches made it clear he's a top priority and even though other visits are expected, the Tigers definitely look out in front. Arkansas, Georgia Tech and NC State are the three standouts for the four-star offensive tackle who's planning to commit on July 7. It wouldn't be a shock to see the Buford, Ga., standout stay home and play for the Yellow Jackets but he loved a weekend visit to Arkansas as he hit it off with coach Sam Pittman and position coach Eric Mateos. One of the top 2028 receivers nationally, a lot could change in Pierre's recruitment but Miami is going to be a major player for the Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna standout. UCLA, Tennessee, Purdue, Oregon and Missouri have made a big impression as he'll be with the Ducks Thursday and a trip to Tennessee went great especially with how the coaching staff treated him. A strong performance at the Irish Invasion has helped Purcell potentially land a Notre Dame offer as position coach Gino Guidugli told the 2027 four-star lefty quarterback that he 'definitely increased' his stock after the event. The well-traveled QB from Park Ridge (Ill.) Maine South is going to Michigan, Florida and Ohio State soon with Indiana and Wisconsin making a big impression in his recruitment as well. Kansas State is one of a handful of front-runners for Rajecki and the Wildcats took a major step forward this past weekend as the three-star running back from Canton (Ga.) Sequoyah figures out his recruitment. Rajecki and the coaching staff did a great job feeding off each other during the trip and they told him he fits their program perfectly. Vanderbilt, NC State, Memphis and Georgia Southern are the other standouts. A great conversation over dinner with position coach Mason Miller could help Baylor land Robinson as he loves the feeling in Waco and how he was treated on his official visit. The three-star offensive tackle from Lexington (Miss.) Holmes County spent a ton of time with the offensive line group and hit it off with them as Florida State and LSU are the main contenders as well. It would be a shock at this point if Ruxer doesn't end up at Oklahoma as Duke, Minnesota, West Virginia and Northwestern are the others seriously involved in his recruitment. Getting to Norman over the weekend only pushed the Sooners higher as he loves the offensive plan there and how Oklahoma always has good quarterbacks. Michigan has been one of the dream schools growing up and Penn State has not backed down an inch in recruiting the 2028 quarterback from Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech. Oregon and Maryland are two others to watch and now so is Notre Dame after his visit for Irish Invasion where the coaching staff sold him on all the connection on and off the field he could make in South Bend. The development at Georgia is 'second to none' and that will have a major impact on Watkins as his recruitment continues but leaning on history, South Carolina remains a very formidable foe in his recruitment. The Bulldogs can never be counted out especially since Watkins is a top target but the four-star safety from Rock Hill (S.C.) Northwestern could be tough to pull away from the Gamecocks in the end. The four-star edge rusher from Miami (Fla.) Southridge remains committed to Syracuse but Nebraska is giving him a whole lot to consider. The Huskers are playing a 'big part' in Wilson's recruitment especially after a great visit this past weekend. Coach Matt Rhule and his staff made it clear he would have an opportunity to play as a true freshman and that was music to Wilson's ears. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH SYRACUSE FANS AT
