The 2024 off-season marks Notre Dame’s 19th accepting semester freshmen to the football program, or as they’ve become known thereafter: ’Early Enrollees’.
Who were the best at each position? I’m glad you asked.
First, a look at Notre Dame’s 57 early enrollees on the offensive side of the ball, including this year’s crop of nine, plus the lone EE kicker over these 19 off-seasons, 2011’s Kyle Brindza.
Part 1 below offers a (nearly) full starting lineup offensively, plus a few notable runner-ups along the way.
Part II (Saturday) will focus on defensive early enrollees, led by a quartet of quality defensive linemen.
The incoming Huskers showcased their connection a couple times and a Dylan Raiola touchdown pass sparked his team to a comeback Friday in Hawaii.
Raiola and Carter Nelson’s Team Makai rallied from a 17-0 halftime deficit to claim a 28-17 win over Team Mauka in the Polynesian Bowl.
Starting at QB for Team Makai, Raiola finished with a game-high 111 passing yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The pick happened on what appeared to be a miscommunication with the receiver.
But Team Makai, which had five turnovers in the first half, took the reins the second half. A Raiola 40-yard touchdown pass to fellow five-star recruit Mike Matthews, a Tennessee signee, got the ball rolling.
The early enrollee Husker ripped the throw in stride to Matthews who scooted about 25 yards after the catch into the end zone.
