August 15 marks one-year anniversary for a Notre Dame commitment
Often a forgotten member of Notre Dame’s 2023 class because of the minimal drama surrounding his recruitment, Irvington (N.J.) High’s Adon Shuler is a key recruit for the Fighting Irish.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 242 overall prospect and No. 17 safety per the 2023 On3 Consensus, Shuler committed to Notre Dame over Maryland and Penn State August 15, 2021 — before he played a down as a junior.
And his prep season in 2021 was fantastic, as he posted 80 tackles (7.5 for loss), one sack, two forced fumbles, six interceptions (two returned for scores), three blocked field goals and two special teams scores in leading Irvington to a New Jersey North Group 4 championship.
Major Power Five programs took notice. Shuler announced offers from Florida State, Michigan State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M in February — among other teams. Alabama offered in March, and Georgia extended a scholarship in May.
But exactly one year later, Shuler is solidly committed to the Fighting Irish.
“Yes, I’m still locked in to my commitment to Notre Dame,” Shuler told Blue & Gold Sunday. “That is home for me, and I don’t think it is going to change!
“It’s been a long journey, but I felt like I made the right decision picking Notre Dame.”
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Notre Dame currently has the No. 2 class according to the 2023 On3 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings. Shuler has been working hard to help the staff in recruit other top targets.
“My favorite part about being committed is being able to welcome and help recruit players that are thinking about coming here,” Shuler said.
Notre Dame safeties coach Chris O’Leary, director of recruiting Chad Bowen and then-defensive coordinator and current head coach Marcus Freeman led the charge for the Irish in landing Shuler. There have been a lot of changes on the staff since Shuler committed, but those three have remained in South Bend and have built a strong connection with him.
“My relationship with the staff has been great because we know each other on a personal level not just a football level,” Shuler added. “That is big because I will have to be developed by them.”
On3’s own rankings list Shuler as the No. 294 overall player and No. 25 safety in the land. He’s also the No. 4 player from New Jersey.
Shuler On3 scouting report
Instinctive safety prospect who seemingly sniffs plays out before the ball is even snapped. Excellent frame and build. Stands in right around 6-foot, 190 pounds with a 6-foot-1 wingspan. Solid ball skills and ability to go up and get the football. Loves coming downhill to strike ball carriers. Questionable long speed and ability to cover sideline to sideline. Ran an 11.89 100m and a 24.90 200m during his sophomore track and field season. Need to see the speed develop in order to have immense NFL upside but could come with physical development. One of the youngest prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
