That’s a wonderful frame
On Saturday, 4-Star EDGE Ebenezer Ewetade gave his commitment to Marcus Freeman, Al Washington, and the 2026 Notre Dame Football recruiting class.
The 6’4” 240 ponder from South Garner High School in Garner, North Carolina, chose the Irish over an impressive offer list that included the Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, and the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Long-levered defensive end with plenty of untapped potential given the physical specs and NFL-like athleticism. On the older side for the grade, but appears to still be maturing and filling into a budding frame that stretches well over 6-foot-3 and is magnified by what are believed to be near 35-inch arms. Spent much of his 11th-grade campaign attacking from a two-point stance and totaled 10 sacks. Frequently won with his length, but also made a difference with his engine as he kept his foot on the gas pedal and made his fair share of effort-based stops. Lacks polish and can struggle at times to formulate a game plan as a pass rusher, but has flashed the ability to change speeds and bend while turning the corner. Has also proven to be rather effective on stunts and might be able to eventually charge from the inside in exotic packages depending on how the body fills out in the coming years. Likely to face a major transition period as levels up in competition and begins to soak up coaching, but has the raw materials to emerge as an impact defender that can create pressure and anchor against the run for a Power Four program after a few developmental semesters.
Ebenezer is the 8th commitment for the 2026 Notre Dame recruiting class, and the first EDGE position player. According to the 247 Team Composite Rankings, the class is currently ranked #12 in the country.
Notre Dame has done a nice job recently of recruiting and developing EDGE players for the roster. A team can never be “too deep” when it comes to pass-rushers, and with Ebenezer Ewetade, they get a player that is very much like Boubacar Traore (who is lined up for a big 2025 season in my opinion).
Recruiting has been somewhat quiet over the last two months in terms of visits and commitments, but the spring football season through July is really when the Irish have built their recent classes. Ewetade is a premier prospect and gives this class another dynamic player on defense from the talent rich state of North Carolina.