Notre Dame lands a 2024 walk-on commitment, hosts another candidate
Dec. 20’s early signing day apparently did not wrap up Notre Dame football’s 2024 recruiting class — at least it did not in the walk-on department. On Sunday, the Irish added a sixth walk-on pledge in offensive lineman Max Anderson from Mendota Heights (Minn.) St. Thomas Academy High.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Anderson chose to walk-on at Notre Dame over offers from Georgetown and St. Paul (Minn.) St. Thomas. University of Penn, Yale, Princeton, South Dakota, Brown, Valparaiso and Worcester (Mass.) Holy Cross are among the other schools that expressed interest in Anderson.
The Irish are now up to six walk-on commits in the 2024 cycle: Quarterback Anthony Rezac, wide receivers Matt Jeffery and Xavier Southall, linebacker Tommy Powlus and long snapper Joseph Vinci.
“After receiving a PWO opportunity, I am truly honored and blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame,” Anderson said in a statement on social media. “Thank you to all my family, friends and coaches for your unwavering support throughout my journey in becoming the man and player I am today.
“I am extremely blessed by God to be surrounded by so many caring individuals who have helped make this possible. Go Irish.”
Anderson was a two-year team captain for St. Thomas Academy, starting on the interior of the offensive line. He earned All-Metro and All-District recognition in his career. Anderson also reports 0 sacks allowed over two seasons and a 4.48 GPA.
Notre Dame’s 2024 offensive class now includes five players, four of whom are on scholarship: Peter Jones, Anthonie Knapp, Guerby Lambert and Styles Prescod. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Knapp, Lambert, and Prescod are all four-star prospects. Jones is a three-star recruit.
Notre Dame also scouting another O-line walk-on candidate
Over the weekend, the Irish welcomed 2024 class offensive lineman Kaden Garland from Oak Park (Ill.) River Forest on campus for a visit.
Garland, an outstanding track and field athlete, reported an offer to throw for the Fighting Irish. Indiana, Michigan State, Missouri, and Southern California are among the schools also interested in him in track and field. He announced a football offer from Joliet (Ill.) St. Francis, an NAIA school.
At the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals last June, Garland had a 55-foot, 11¼-inches throw in the 12-pound shot put. That mark earned him 22nd place. This winter, he had a 59-foot, 1¾-inches toss in the shot put and a 57-foot, 7-inch hurl in the 25-pound weight throw.
