Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com OCT. 29, 2018 43 PREP PROFILES In the class of 2020, Notre Dame will look to build on a strong de- fensive line group in the 2019 cycle that currently includes four com- mitments. On Oct. 4, the Fighting Irish extended an offer to one of the top pass rushers in the 2020 class in Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth four-star Tyler Baron. Baron, the No. 5 strongside defen- sive end and No. 88 overall player in the class per Rivals, said he was thrilled to get the call from Notre Dame and land the offer. "It was really exciting," Baron told Blue & Gold Illustrated. "I know the type of people they like to recruit, and I was excited to be considered as one of those." For Baron, Notre Dame and foot- ball history are synonymous. "I've been thinking about the tra- dition they've built," he said. "With the winning tradition and strong aca- demics, it's all positives." Ensworth is a strong academic institution and perennial football power, and Baron said the similari- ties between his school and Notre Dame are definitely attractive. "That's something I've been do- ing for a while," Baron explained. "It would be a lot like staying on the same routine." The Irish staff member that ex- tended the offer to Baron was defen- sive line coach Mike Elston. The Ri- vals100 star said he's been impressed with Elston in their brief conversa- tions so far. "He's a great guy," Baron said. "I loved what he was preaching. It was really positive things that I heard from him." Baron holds a strong list of offers heading into his senior year, includ- ing Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, Penn State, Oregon, Tennessee and several others. The four-star said going forward he'll be searching for the best place for him developmentally. "I'm looking for somewhere I can definitely grow as a player," Baron explained. "Somewhere I can get a degree I can use later on in life, and a place with coaches that care about me and want to see me succeed." As of now, Baron does not have any visits planned for the fall, but did say he'd like to visit Notre Dame in the future if possible. — David McKinney On Oct. 1, Notre Dame jumped in the mix for 2020 four-star wide re- ceiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Rock- wall (Texas) High. Smith-Njigba, the No. 36 wide re- ceiver and No. 195 overall player in the class of 2020 according to Rivals, said the Irish offer was one he's been waiting on. "I was very excited to get that of- fer," Smith-Njigba said. "I've wanted it for a long time. They've been at the top of my board. I love the tradition, and I love what they do." The four-star added that he grew up a Notre Dame fan and has been hoping an Irish offer would come ever since his recruiting process be- gan. "I've always wanted this one," Smith-Njigba said. "I can see myself in that program and see myself in a gold helmet. I feel like it would be a really good fit for me." Smith-Njigba worked hard for the offer, camping at Notre Dame this summer and putting his skills on dis- play for the Irish coaching staff. The talented Texan said he tried to take full advantage of that opportunity. "It was great," Smith-Njigba said. "Coach [DelVaughn] Alexander is one of the best in the country, so having that experience and getting taught by him was amazing. I was blessed to be there." Following the camp, Alexander kept in touch with Smith-Njigba and started to pick up the contact more once the season started. Smith-Njigba said he's loved getting to know Alex- ander better. "We've been talking on a regular basis," Smith-Njigba said. "He told me he was going to offer and that he really wanted me, and he made that happen." Along with Notre Dame, Smith- Njigba currently holds offers from Ohio State, Nebraska, TCU, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Arkansas and several others. Going forward, the Rivals250 member said he'll be looking for a place that makes him feel wanted. "I want to see teams' interest in me and how much they want me to be there," Smith-Njigba said. "I want a place that treats me like family. How they treat their players and how they go about their business is a really big deal to me." Right now, Smith-Njigba does not have a return visit to Notre Dame set up, although he said if he can't make it to South Bend this fall, he will defi- nitely visit in the spring or summer. — David McKinney Tennessee Junior Defensive End Lands Notre Dame Offer Texas Junior Wideout Gets Highly Anticipated Irish Offer JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Rockwall H.S. Rockwall, Texas Status: Offered Class: 2020 Position: Wide Receiver Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 185 Rivals Rankings: No. 36 wide receiver and No. 195 overall player in the nation TYLER BARON ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Ensworth H.S. Nashville, Tenn. Status: Offered Class: 2020 Position: Defensive End Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 250 Rivals Rankings: No. 5 strong- side defensive end and No. 88 overall player in the country "I know the type of people they like to recruit, and I was excited to be considered as one of those." BARON ON HIS IRISH OFFER