In December 2024, Notre Dame football took a significant step toward securing its future by signing several key recruits during the early National Signing Day. This signing period allowed the Fighting Irish coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, to solidify their roster with talent at several positions. This class was highly anticipated, as it included a mix of highly ranked prospects and players who could contribute immediately, helping to build on the team’s recent successes and set the stage for future dominance in college football.
In this detailed breakdown, we will explore the players Notre Dame signed in December 2024, focusing on their backgrounds, strengths, and how they fit into the program’s strategic goals. 
The Notre Dame 2024 Early Signing Class: Key Signings
Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy is one of the most meticulous and calculated in college football. The Irish’s focus on academic excellence, character development, and athletic performance has attracted many of the country’s top prospects. The 2024 recruiting class was no exception. Among the signees were athletes who could make immediate impacts, as well as others who are expected to develop over time into key contributors.
1. CJ Carr – Quarterback (Class of 2024)
One of the most highly anticipated signings for Notre Dame was quarterback CJ Carr, a five-star recruit out of Saline, Michigan. Carr, the grandson of former Notre Dame quarterback and assistant coach Lloyd Carr, has deep ties to the program, and his commitment was a major win for Freeman and his staff. Carr is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class, and many believe he could become the next star signal caller for the Fighting Irish.
Carr stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds. He is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm and excellent accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. His decision-making and poise in the pocket are what set him apart from other quarterbacks in his class. Carr’s high school career at Saline was nothing short of impressive, as he led his team to numerous victories and set multiple records along the way.
Carr’s signing was a huge win for Notre Dame, as it secured the future of the quarterback position for years to come. He is expected to compete for the starting role immediately, but if he takes a redshirt year, it will allow him to develop further before taking over as the team’s leader on offense.
2. Sam Pendleton – Offensive Line (Class of 2024)
Notre Dame’s offensive line has long been a strength of the program, and Sam Pendleton is a key addition to that unit. Pendleton, a four-star recruit out of North Carolina, is one of the best offensive linemen in the 2024 class. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds, Pendleton is an elite blocker with great size, strength, and technique. His ability to play multiple positions along the line makes him an especially valuable recruit for Notre Dame.
Pendleton’s high school career at Reagan High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was highlighted by his ability to dominate defenders in both the run and pass game. He is known for his relentless work ethic and for being a leader in the locker room. Pendleton’s commitment to Notre Dame was a signal to fans that the program remains serious about developing one of the most formidable offensive lines in college football.
Pendleton is expected to contribute early in his career and could potentially start during his freshman or sophomore year. His versatile skill set and strong fundamentals make him a prime candidate to contribute to Notre Dame’s offensive line immediately.
3. Ronan Hannafin – Athlete (Class of 2024)
One of the more intriguing signings for Notre Dame came in the form of Ronan Hannafin, an athlete from Andover, Massachusetts. Hannafin is a versatile player who has the ability to contribute at multiple positions. While he primarily played wide receiver and defensive back in high school, his skill set allows him to line up at a variety of spots, including running back or as a return specialist. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Hannafin has the size and athleticism to excel at any position.
In high school, Hannafin was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make plays in space. He was an outstanding receiver but also demonstrated his value on defense, where his physicality and playmaking ability helped his team. Hannafin is one of those players who can change the game with his explosiveness, and Freeman will likely find creative ways to use him in the offense.
Hannafin’s flexibility and playmaking ability are especially important in today’s fast-paced college football landscape, where players who can do it all are highly valued. He is expected to contribute immediately and could be used in a variety of roles, making him a dynamic weapon in Notre Dame’s offensive and special teams schemes.
4. Micah Bell – Cornerback (Class of 2024)
As Notre Dame continues to emphasize building a strong defense, signing cornerback Micah Bell was a significant step toward bolstering the secondary. Bell, a four-star recruit from Texas, is known for his elite speed and ability to lock down receivers in coverage. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, Bell possesses the ideal blend of size, speed, and agility that makes him one of the top cornerbacks in the 2024 class.
Bell’s speed is arguably his most impressive attribute. He has the ability to keep up with any receiver and is an excellent ball hawk. His high school career at Killeen High School in Texas was filled with highlight-reel interceptions and pass breakups. His ability to cover in both man and zone schemes will make him a valuable asset to Notre Dame’s defense.
Given the growing importance of pass coverage in college football, Bell’s addition to the Irish defense was a smart move by Freeman and his staff. He will compete for immediate playing time and could be a starter early in his career.
5. Jack Larsen – Tight End (Class of 2024)
Tight end is one of the most important positions for Notre Dame’s offense, and they added an exceptional talent to that group in Jack Larsen. Larsen, a four-star recruit from North Carolina, is known for his combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Larsen is the perfect blend of a traditional in-line tight end and a dynamic pass catcher.
Larsen’s high school career was marked by his ability to create mismatches with defenders. His size allows him to be a reliable target in the red zone, while his athleticism and speed make him a threat down the field. He excels as both a blocker and a receiver, making him an ideal fit for Notre Dame’s offensive scheme.
Larsen is expected to make an impact early in his career and could be one of the top receiving options for Notre Dame’s quarterback. As the Irish continue to develop their passing attack, having a versatile tight end like Larsen will be invaluable.
6. Eli Raridon – Tight End (Class of 2024)
Eli Raridon, another highly ranked tight end in the 2024 class, joined Jack Larsen as part of Notre Dame’s haul at the position. Raridon, who hails from Omaha, Nebraska, is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end who can do it all. Known for his blocking skills and ability to stretch the field as a receiver, Raridon is another example of how Notre Dame’s tight end tradition remains strong.
Raridon was a dominant force at Creighton Prep High School, where he was known for his leadership, work ethic, and outstanding athleticism. Like Larsen, Raridon is a threat in the red zone and can be used in a variety of ways within Notre Dame’s offense. His ability to block in-line as well as run precise routes in the passing game gives the Irish a multifaceted weapon at tight end.
Raridon’s commitment to Notre Dame further strengthens the position for years to come, and his versatility makes him an exciting player to watch as he develops.
7. Keon Keeley – Edge Rusher (Class of 2024)
Notre Dame also bolstered its defense by signing Keon Keeley, a highly rated edge rusher from Florida. Keeley, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds, is one of the top pass rushers in the 2024 recruiting class. He is known for his explosiveness off the edge and his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.
During his time at Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, Keeley displayed a relentless motor and an ability to get to the quarterback with regularity. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a perfect fit for Notre Dame’s defensive line. Keeley is expected to make an immediate impact and could become a key contributor for the Irish’s defense from day one.
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