Notre Dame’s class of 2023 commit list is off to a great start and it got even better Saturday night when Las Vegas Bishop Gorman four-star cornerback Justyn Rhett announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish. This is a big win for new head coach Marcus Freeman and cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens, who led the way as the primary recruiters for the west coast standout.
The 6-1, 192-pounder had a final five that consisted of Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee. But when it came down to it, the Fighting Irish were able to secure his commitment due to their relentless effort of making him a priority since day one and showing how important he is to this class.
“The school just feels like a special place,” said Rhett to Irish Illustrated. “Even on the visit out with my dad, we really enjoyed the environment and I love the connection I have with the coaching staff.”
Rhett took multiple trips to South Bend during his recruitment. When he showed up for summer camp, he blew away the staff with his speed, footwork and cover skills. It also didn’t hurt that he posted a hand-timed 4.4 40-yard dash time in front of multiple Fighting Irish coaches. He then returned for the game against USC, one dominated by Notre Dame, 31-16.
At the time, Irish Illustrated wrote the following, as it pertained to Notre Dame’s chances with Rhett.
“On Sunday, the talented class of 2023 prospect narrowed his recruitment to 11 schools. The Irish made the cut. I feel good about Notre Dame’s chances to land him following his time in South Bend this weekend for the USC game. I know cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens has done very well with Rhett over the past few months, which is why I initially put in the 247Sports Crystal Ball for Notre Dame to land him. During pregame, I saw defensive director of recruiting Chad Bowden on the field with Rhett and his family and everyone was having a great time. There is a closeness between Rhett and this staff that gives me a strong feeling he’ll eventually end up Irish.”
Notre Dame now has 164.62 points according to the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings and the group is listed as the No. 2 class nationally, just 11 points behind Georgia and the No. 1 spot. Rhett is commit No. 7 for Notre Dame from the 2023 class. Others that have already pledged to the Irish include five-star defensive end Keon Keeley, four-star linebacker Drayk Bowen, four-star defensive lineman Brenan Vernon, four-star safety Adon Shuler, four-star tight end Cooper Flanagan and four-star running back Sedrick Irvin Jr.
Per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Rhett is the No. 101 overall player in America, No. 10 cornerback nationally and No. 2 prospect in Nevada from the class of 2023.
