Running Back/Athlete Elijah Hood Verbally Commits to Notre Dame!

Coach Brian Kelly received his 8th verbal commitment for the 2014 class last night from ATH Elijah Hood (Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Catholic). He is listed at 5'11.5" and 222 lbs and runs a 4.51 40 yard dash.

Hood committed to Notre Dame after visiting campus multiple times, with the most recent trip over this past weekend with his family. Hood chose the Irish over North Carolina. He held several offers from across the nation including Florida State, USC, Stanford, Michigan and Ohio State.

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Recruiting Service Rankings:

ESPN - 4 star (#8 RB, #6 NC), #49 Overall (84 Grade)

Rivals - 5 star (#1 ATH), #12 Overall (6.1 Grade)

Scout - 4 star (#10 RB), #65 Overall

247Sports - 4 star (#9 RB, #8 NC), #127 Overall (93 Grade)

247Sports Composite Score - 4 star (0.9752), #50 Overall (#6 RB, #3 NC)

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Highlights:

Elijah Hood Jr Year highlight (via HoodElijah)

Impact:

Immediate Future:

Hood joins a crowded backfield when he arrives for the 2014 season, but that doesn't mean that he won't find a way on the field as a freshman. He should minimally earn a spot on special teams and get a few touches per game from the running back spot as a big power back to compliment the smaller backs on the roster.

Long Term/Career:

Hood is a big, powerful running back not afraid of contact. His highlights show that he runs right through arm tackles and gets a lot of his yards after initial contact. He reminds me a lot of former ND RB Jonas Gray in his size and running style-predominantly a one cut, north-south type runner who has deceptive speed once he gets the corner and hits the open field. He is listed as an athlete by most services, and some programs were looking at him a potential inside linebacker.

One thing for sure after this visit to Nd there is no chance Im playing LB in college I relinquish any claim to play LB I'm a college rb def

— Elijah Hood (@EHood34) April 27, 2013

He could potentially line up in the slot position for the Irish, but he doesn't get the chance to catch many passes at the prep level (but did run for over 3,300 yds and 48 TDs in 2012). He will need to refine his blocking skills in picking up blitzers (again, not much experience) in order to be an every down type back, but has great potential. Overall, a great addition to the Irish.

Welcome to Notre Dame Elijah!