Five-star EDGE Rodney Dunham signs with Notre Dame football

Notre Dame is set to sign its first top-five recruiting class in 13 years largely because of landing a few five-star prospects, and the first verbal commitment the staff received came from Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park’s Rodney Dunham.

He put pen to paper to officially join the Fighting Irish on National Signing Day.

Dunham, the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect and No. 5 EDGE in America according to the 2026 Rivals Industry Ranking, picked the Fighting Irish on April 10 over finalists Duke, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The likes of Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon were also on his long scholarship sheet.

“I’d always go on a visit and compare each school to Notre Dame and say it doesn’t give everything Notre Dame has,” Dunham told On3’s Steve Wiltfong about his decision. “There is only one place like Notre Dame and it’s Notre Dame. I grew up and realized the cold doesn’t matter. I have to play in the cold someday. Then, I picked the school that’s best for me.”

Dunham visited Notre Dame last spring, shortly after receiving his scholarship offer from the Irish on Pot of Gold Day. Though he didn’t return to South Bend until 11 months later, it didn’t take Notre Dame long to recapture its early momentum. He was in town March 21 for a trip that went incredibly well and directly led to his commitment.

He’s a consensus top-50 prospect and ranks as a five-star recruit according to Rivals and 247, as well as the aforementioned Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.

During his junior campaign in 2024, Dunham posted 39 tackles, including 10 stops for loss, 5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble and fumble recovery before a knee injury knocked him out in November.

As a senior, Dunham notched 42 stops, 13 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 36 quarterback hurries and 1 forced fumble.

Dunham is also an outstanding baseball player and has been clocked throwing in the 90 mph range as a right-handed pitcher. 

His older brother, Emiere Scaife, played tight end and quarterback at Georgia State.

Rodney Dunham scouting report

via Rivals’ Charles Power:

Athletic pass rusher with the skill set and functional movement skills that point to a high upside. Measured at around 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with good length as a junior. Lines up on the edge for his high school team, rushing the passer out of two and three-point stances. Limber athlete who has very smooth movements. Displays outstanding get-off, bursting off the snap. Has excellent curvilinear movement skills, showing the ability to accelerate while rounding the edge. Dips his shoulder to shirk contact with offensive tackles. Closes quickly on ball carriers once in the backfield. Play speed is evident as he stalks down ball carriers from behind. Shows burgeoning power at the point of attack, shedding offensive linemen once engaged. Will need to continue developing from a physical and technical standpoint. Could stand to improve his production. A younger prospect for the cycle, turning 18 years old in July before his freshman season of college football.