Notre Dame Strikes Texas Gold In A Second Straight Recruiting Class

Notre Dame received a commitment from 2024 Round Rock (Texas) High School cornerback Leonard Moore yesterday, giving the Irish eight pledges in the 2024 class.

It’s no secret how important it is for Notre Dame to make a recruiting impact in Texas. For the longest time, the Irish program had not made the Lone Star State a priority, but times have changed.

Marcus Freeman and his staff quickly made Texas a priority, signing four players from the state in the 2023 recruiting class. That was more players from the state than Notre Dame had signed the three previous classes combined.

Outside of the Texas familiarity, Moore’s hometown may ring a bell. While he went to a different school, 2023 wide receiver signee Braylon James also hailed from Round Rock, which is in the Austin area. Fellow 2023 signee Jaden Greathouse is also an Austin native. As it turns out, James and Moore families are very close.

James is very high on the addiction of Moore, who he has known for the majority of his life. It was a cool experience getting to see Moore commit to the Irish on Saturday afternoon.

"I've known Leonard since at least the 2nd grade,” James said. "We've always been close family friends and even played on the same little league team together.

"It's not just cool seeing how much attention he's gained for himself, but he's also putting eyes on other athletes in the Austin, Texas area and it's really dope when a close friend of yours has that kind of power,” he continued. “I'm super excited for him.”

James, who enrolled at Notre Dame this winter, knows just how talented Moore is. Their two schools faced off this past season with Round Rock coming out on top 32-16. While Moore’s team may have come out on top, James did make his impact known. The talented pass catchers exploded for 173 receiving yards and a touchdown on five receptions (34.6 yards per reception).

Still, the Round Rock native is incredibly talented. He brings a very interesting profile to the Notre Dame secondary.

"First thing that stands out about (Leonard) is that he's a longer defensive back and not afraid to get physical with anyone,” James explained. "He's also really athletic and dynamic.”

Getting a player from the same town is a unique story. James is fully aware how important it is for Notre Dame to continue to recruit Texas hard. It’s a pipeline that he is happy to be a part of.

"It’s very important. I feel like Texas is arguably the best state for high school football, in every division,” James said. "The competition we play is real and the state is driven on football. I feel like we need to maximize on this pipeline and get as many Texas boys up here as possible.”

While Moore may be the first player from Texas committed in the 2024 class for Notre Dame class, he isn't the last recruit who the Irish staff have their eyes on.

In 232 coverage snaps as a junior, Moore gave up just three receptions on 18 total targets. He was also able to pull in three interceptions and break up nine passes.

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2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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