Notre Dame football pursuing underrated transfer portal defensive back from the West Coast
Notre Dame football has made it a habit of finding their starting nickel via the Transfer Portal the last couple of seasons. That included Thomas Harper (Oklahoma State) in 2023, and Jordan Clark (Arizona State) this fall. It appears there is a very good chance they do so again in this portal cycle. There is […]
Notre Dame football has made it a habit of finding their starting nickel via the Transfer Portal the last couple of seasons. That included Thomas Harper (Oklahoma State) in 2023, and Jordan Clark (Arizona State) this fall. It appears there is a very good chance they do so again in this portal cycle.
There is also a potential for adding another safety into the fold. The Irish have Adon Shuler returning, as well as players like Luke Talich, Kennedy Urlacher, and Brauntae Johnson as well, but losing All-American Xavier Watts and Rod Heard zaps that position of game experience. There may be some potential to find a player who could even fit both roles ideally.
One player to keep a very close eye on is Fresno State transfer defensive back Julian Neal, who presents a very intriguing combination of size (6-2, 200 pounds), ball skills (former wide receiver recruit), and versatility having played outside cornerback and safety in his career. The California native is arguably one of the more gifted defensive backs in the portal in general, but is very underrated right now.
Neal is coming off by far his best season as a member of the Fresno State secondary. The 6-2, 200-pound defensive back recorded 35 total tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. He also recorded five tackles for loss, and a sack for the Bulldogs.
With experience at both cornerback and safety in his career, Neal could fit into a variety of roles for various teams. So far he has received scholarship offers from Nebraska, Kansas State, Stanford, Washington State, Northwestern, West Virginia, Virginia, Cincinnati, and Utah State. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Notre Dame offer at some point as well.
There is mutual interest from both sides, and conversations have been had. It’ll be interesting to see where things go between the Irish and Neal.
Notre Dame football has a big need this offseason, and an even bigger answer just entered the Transfer Portal
A imposing presence has entered the portal, and Notre Dame needs to go after him.
