Notre Dame continued it’s monster recruiting haul today with the commitment of blue-chip safety Max Redfield of Mission Viejo, California. The one-time USC commitment announced on ESPN that he chose the Irish over the Trojans and Ohio State, giving Notre Dame what is believed to be their first five-star safety ever, and their third five-star recruit in the ’13 class, joining linebacker Jaylon Smith and running back Greg Bryant.
“Next year I will be joining the No. 1 team in the country. The University of Notre Dame,” Redfield said, before putting an Irish baseball cap on with his parents standing by him.
At 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, Redfield has prototype size for a safety and has the speed and athleticism to play wide receiver. Targeted to play defense in the Irish system, Redfield will cover a lot of ground as a centerfielder and add an impact athlete to a position group that’s added a ton of talent over the past two recruiting classes. Redfield has been impressing this week at the Under Armor All-American game, where he’s looked smooth in coverage and played the role of ballhawk during seven-on-seven drills.
After stepping away from his Trojan commitment, Redfield has looked primed to join the Irish class, a key addition to a secondary still looking to add playmakers. He might not be the last Trojan commitment to switch sides, with defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes giving Notre Dame serious consideration and an official visit later this month.
The commitment, Notre Dame’s 23rd in the class, moves the Irish up to the No. 1 spot in Rivals team rankings, the first time ever.
