The Notre Dame Fighting Irish got their second big defensive commitment in three days, when 3-Star defensive end Jason Onye gave his public pledge to Brian Kelly and Mike Elston.

In a statement, Onye said:

I would like to first off thank God for putting me in this unbelievable position and giving me the ability to play the sport I love. Also, I would like to thank my parents for raising and supporting me to be the man I am today. Finally, I would also like to thank the whole Bishop Hendricken community, and coaching staff that has not only developed and shaped me as a football player but also as a man. With that being said, ,y recruitment is closed! I will be committing to the University of Notre Dame! #GoIrish #GoldRush21

Onye, the #1 player in the state of Rhode Island, chose the Irish over a long list of schools including the Ole Miss Rebels, Tennessee Volunteers, Penn State Nittany Lions, Michigan Wolverines, and more.

Jason is the 10th commitment in the 2021 class for the Irish and the second defensive end. He pairs up very nicely with the other DE, David Abiara.

From 247’s Brian Dohn:

”Onye is a man among boys playing in Rhode Island. I like his size and length and he uses it to overwhelm opponents. He has the starting points to be a good defense of end. He must improve his upper body strength and work on becoming more flexible in the lower body so he can win leverage battles and be stronger at the point of attack. He shows inability to chase place down on the backside and improving his flexibility will create more burst at the snap and enable him to change directions more fluidly.”

The 2021 Notre Dame recruiting class is slowly — but surely — coming together. Nine of the ten commits are from different states, and the Irish are currently ranked #8 by the 247 Composite Team Rankings. Only the Clemson Tigers have as few commitments and are ranked in the top 8.

The Irish still have a lot of work to do at defensive back, running back, linebacker, and at wide receiver — but they DO have their elite 5-Star quarterback in Tyler Buchner. If Notre Dame is allowed to have its schedule official visits in June like planned, the Irish should rack up a handful of commitments before the season.

This is a big commitment for Notre Dame, and for those that are worried about “only 3-stars” I suppose there’s not much else I can do for you. Onye is a talent that Mike Elston and Notre Dame want very badly, and given the track record there over the past 5 years, I’m really good with that.

FIST PUMPS UP!