:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33882193/20120201_jel_sc5_052.0.jpg)
Bad news struck Notre Dame recruiting today. Corona, California 2015 quarterback Blake Barnett (.967 Composite) has decommitted from the Fighting Irish.
Barnett exploded early on during his junior season and quickly caught the attention of the Notre Dame staff. He visited South Bend in mid-October and was extended an offer from the Irish. He was so impressed that a month later Barnett returned and committed on his visit.
Since that point Barnett blew up on the recruiting scene. He moved from a 3-star up to his current near 5-star status. He was the first quarterback invited to the Elite 11 and has been talked about by many as the top signal caller in the 2015 class.
The rumblings of something brewing began on Tuesday evening when it was reported that Barnett visited the Oregon Ducks that day and Monday as well. By Wednesday morning it was believed that if Barnett would leave Notre Dame's class he would do it quickly. Unfortunately for the Irish it came to fruition.
— Blake Barnett (@BlakeBarnett_8) June 5, 2014
The loss of Barnett removes the gem of Notre Dame's class and will no doubt have a trickle down effect on the rest of the offensive targets still looking to play football in South Bend. If there is a silver lining it is that this is taking place in early June and not January.
However, with Barnett committed for 6 months the Irish missed out on several other high profile targets who have now joined other programs. It's not quite a NSD snub but in the quarterback industry many of the dominoes have fallen and the Irish will be forced to scramble for other options over the remain 8 months.
In an article tonight Barnett stated the following:
"I'm no longer committed to Notre Dame and I have opened up my recruitment. I'm not committed to Oregon or anywhere and I've decided to explore my options."
Barnett grew up an Oregon fan and it's likely only a matter of time before he joins the Ducks' class. In the coming days we'll break down Notre Dame's other options at quarterback for the 2015 class.