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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2020 season.
#81 Jay Brunelle
With the freshman getting finalized numbers, we’re back with some players to profile. Next up is newcomer Jay Brunelle. Jay was an early enrollee from Paxton, MA and Saint John’s High School. He was a 3-star recruit, and the Irish got his committment in December. He, too, avoided making the detrimental choice of fully accepting an offer from Michigan. We’re glad to have you, Jay (get some, Jimmy Khakis). Also, as a side note, as I had to do a double take when he committed, he is NOT the brother of NDWBB’s Sam Brunelle. Looks like we have a Brady Quinn/Chris Quinn situation here - purely coincidental.
Spirit Animal
Peregrine Falcon
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Jay reminds me of a Peregrine Falcon. Many of his official pictures, including this one on his offiical ND Athletics page, have him looking like this falcon. He has this smirk like he knows what he is doing while looking somewhat innocuous. Jay was a 3-star, so he will have some development. But, if you watch his highlights from the post linked above, his speed and skills are pretty damn good.
2020 Outlook
Unfortunately, Jay Brunelle had to sit out spring ball (or such as spring ball was) because of a shoulder injury where he needed surgery and recovery time. Even though he was an early enrollee, we haven’t seen him yet in an Irish uniform. There is a receiving corps coming up this year that is a bit younger. Jay could help out and maybe get into some games, but I could foresee a redshirt year for him to learn some of the ropes.