Notre Dame Lands Pledge from 4-Star WR Braylon James

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Who is Braylon James?

James chose Notre Dame over Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and others. Standing at 6’2 and 185 lbs., James is described as a physical receiver who can make contested catches. In 2021, he was a Texas District 26-6A first-team selection. James has managed to build quite the reputation as a prospect, despite playing for a De Valle High School football program that won just 2 games a season ago.

Play Comparison

Braylon James has drawn comparisons to former Western Michigan star Corey Davis. Davis is currently a member of the New York Jets. This commitment is huge for the Irish who have struggled in recent years to bring in elite WR talent from the high school level. Hard to believe since the Irish have produced some standout NFL talent in Chase Claypool and Will Fuller. Neither were top 30 prospects. James will need to fill out his frame before he gets a legitimate chance to play at the next level. So he will likely redshirt in 2023 unless he is able to change his body rather quickly upon arrival which is not impossible, but certainly not expected.

The Marcus Freeman Effect

The Irish have seen a big uptick in recruiting because Marcus Freeman stepped on campus. Momentum appears to be at a 90-degree trajectory since he was named head coach. They currently have the #1 class for the 2023 cycle, with 9 pledges from blue-chip prospects. Freeman continues to leverage the Notre Dame brand in a way that Brian Kelly just simply had not been able to do. WR coach Chansi Stuckey is certainly using the ties he had as a Baylor assistant in the state of Texas, as the main recruiter of the lone star wide-out.

James makes an incredible high point catch over a defender: