One of the nation’s premier pass-catchers announced for the Fighting Irish on Tuesday. Round Rock (Texas) Stony Point high school four-star receiver Braylon James is the newest class of 2023 recruit to commit to Notre Dame.
The 6-2, 175-pounder chose the Irish over offers from a list of top suitors. Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford, Texas A&M, Duke, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ole Miss, Penn State and many others pushed to land his commitment. However, it was the effort of offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, receivers coach Chansi Stuckey and head coach Marcus Freeman that sealed the deal for Notre Dame.
“I don’t even know where to start with them. As soon as coach Freeman took over, it’s like that whole recruiting process started to change. I feel like in terms of being a top priority, they’re doing the best at making me feel that way,” said James, when asked about Notre Dame. “They’ve expressed that they want me and hiring Chansi Stuckey, someone I previously built a relationship with at Baylor, just made this relationship way more stronger. I talk to them weekly. I feel like in terms of being a complete school, they have it all. And on top of that, they play ball on all levels. Big12, Big10, Pac12, SEC. You name it, they play it. I feel like I can be the best me there.”
With James, there is so much to like about his overall game. He has the length and frame you look for in a top-tier receiver. He has a great wingspan, broad shoulders similar to a basketball player, which allows him to attack the ball at its highest point while giving him an advantage in jump ball situations. His athleticism is impressive and he runs in the low 4.4’s in the 40-yard dash. He has advanced body control and with route running, can accelerate and decelerate with ease. Overall, this is a very, very big pickup for Notre Dame. His upside is through the roof.
As a sophomore, James truly burst onto the scene. He had 42 catches for 442 yards and seven scores. He followed that up with a strong junior campaign where he had 47 catches for 568 yards and six more touchdowns. Big things are expected from the playmaker in his final high school season.
Per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, James is listed as the No. 72 overall player in the country, No. 12 receiver nationally and No. 13 prospect in the state of Texas. He is listed as the No. 128 overall talent in the land according to 247Sports’ standalone rankings.
