Elite 2021 Running Back Set To Visit Notre Dame
One of the best players in the country will make the journey from North Carolina to South Bend to see the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the USC Trojans.
In case you missed it, Notre Dame really wants to land Matthews (N.C.) Weddingon running back Will Shipley. So does Clemson, and Alabama, and Ohio State. Get the picture? Only a junior, Shipley continues to sift through piles of letters and begin to narrow his list of schools.
Next on his list of schools to visit, Notre Dame.
“I am still headed to South Bend” Shipley exclaimed. “Very excited.”
As a part of his due diligence, Shipley will make more visits this fall.
“I have Ohio State Oct. 26, Alabama November 9, Clemson November 16, and Duke Nov. 30.” explained the 5-11, 200-pound back. “Just trying to get all the exposure I can to these schools, to get an idea of the atmosphere and see if the reputation they have lives up to the hype. Just to put a face to a name and get to meet even more coaches and recruits."”
For a prospect that runs a laser-timed 4.45 forty, he’s taking his time and making sure he’s comfortable with the institutions courting him. He’s not in a hurry to make a college decision, and with his list of offers, no reason to be.
Shipley is also friends with current Irish commit Tyler Buchner, the elite signal caller from California and also a member of the Class of 2021. The two talented prospects stay in touch.
“Special guy who you can trust to put the game in his hands. Great leader,” Shipley said of the Irish quarterback commit.
While the two standouts will be amongst many top-notch prospects, it bodes well for Notre Dame that the two already know one another. We'll have more about Shipley’s visit to Notre Dame after he returns from South Bend. In the meantime, allow me to share my thoughts about Shipley as a running back and athlete.
Just Scratching the Surface
There are many different styles of running backs. Some cut and juke, some utilize power, some do a great job out of the backfield to catch passes. The best running backs, however, combine all aspects into one complete skill set. Shipley presents the total package.
It’s easy to watch a high school running back play against sub-par competition and just anoint that running back as a standout. With Shipley the hype is real, and it's difficult to determine what is actually his best skill set.
Perhaps it’s his elite first-step burst. Perhaps it’s Shipley’s open-field speed, or maybe it's his ability to break tackles and hardly break stride due to his vision and balance. Simply put, the young man can really run the football.
Most speed backs continuously bounce plays to the perimeter; Shipley does not. He hits the hole going full speed, cuts only if needed, and runs all the way through the end zone. He’s a blur. More importantly, Shipley runs hard between the tackles. He’s a speed merchant, yes, but he’s capable of picking up tough yards, something every offense needs.
It can be frustrating to watch running backs continuously get tripped up when a touchdown would otherwise be the result. Shipley ‘steps through’ numerous arm tackles and attempts to trip him up at the ankles. What’s amazing is his ability to do make it happen going full tilt, which is also a function of his vision.
Shipley calculates his runs well, even within the ‘trash’ of the second level defenders and goes as hard as he can run the football. It’s a natural talent. Combining his vision with all of his physical skills probably best explains why his high school coaching staff also looks to get him the ball as a receiver.
Shipley catches the ball out of the backfield, from the slot, and looks quite natural at it. Just like he does as a running back, once the ball reaches him, Shipley goes as fast as he can. It’s great to watch.
Shipley is truly elite. He will be a day one contributor no matter which program signs him.