Class Impact: Breaking Down The Commitment Of Peter Jones To Notre Dame
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Notre Dame has picked up a commitment from Malvern (Pa.) Prep offensive tackle Peter Jones, one of the top players in the 2024 class. The Fighting Irish beat out Penn State to land the Keystone State blocker.
Let's take a look at what landing Jones means to the Notre Dame 2024 class and the Irish depth chart.
NOTRE DAME CLASS IMPACT
Jones is the sixth player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2024 class, he's the fourth offensive commit and the first offensive lineman to join the class.
Notre Dame signed five offensive linemen in the 2022 and the 2023 classes, but the recent news of Joey Tanona medically retiring means the Irish have four in the 2022 class. That is still nine blockers in two years, which followed another five-man class in 2021.
This put Notre Dame in a position where numbers in the 2024 offensive line class aren't the focus, it's more about impact talent. Under line coach Harry Hiestand the Irish are also looking to get bigger and more powerful up front.
Jones certainly meets all those objectives, as he's one of the top blockers in the country, checking in as the No. 98 overall player and No. 4 offensive tackle in the class. The 6-5, 290-pound blocker also brings an impressive size/power combination.
Pennsylvania has also been good to Notre Dame in terms of producing top lineman. In the last decade Notre Dame has signed Mike McGlinchey, Robert Hainsey, Joshua Lugg, Andrew Kristofic and Michael Carmody from the state.
NOTRE DAME FIT
Jones plays right tackle for Malvern Prep and it's a position he could have a chance to play at the next level. There is some versatility to his game, however, and a case could be made that Jones could thrive to an even greater degree at guard.
The Malvern Prep star brings excellent size and a strong frame to the table. At 6-5 and 290 pounds already, there is still room for him to add at least 10-15 more pounds, but likely more. He shows above-average arm length, certainly enough for him to play on the edge. Jones has a thick lower half, which allows him to be a sturdy player in both the run and pass game.
Jones is an impressively powerful young blocker, one that possesses strong hands and a powerful lower half for his age. He's going to continue getting stronger, which is exciting to think about. At times Jones will stop working his feet at the point of contact, but when he does work through contact he gets very good movement and he's a good finisher. He projects as an outstanding run blocker as his game and body continue to develop.
Technique is already a strength for Jones, at least relative to his age. He knows how to play the game, showing a good understanding of keeping his pads low, the need to drive through contact and he uses his hands well at the snap. As he learns to snap his hips and drive a bit more off the ball you'll see him become even more dominant in the run game. He's advanced for his age, but the reality is there's still plenty of improvement to be made, which is why there is still a lot of projection to his game.
In pass protection, Jones does a good job keeping his base as he gets into his kick slide. His steps are a tad short, but he works out well and shows the length to get out to edge rushers. Jones also handles power rushes and double moves for such a young player. This is the part of his game I'm curious to see develop, and will determine if he can stick in space at the next level or if guard eventually becomes his ideal position.
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Notre Dame 2023 Commits Board - Defense
Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers
Ranking The 2022 Signees - Offense
Ranking The 2022 Signees - Defense
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