Class Impact: Tight End Nate Roberts Commits To Notre Dame
Notre Dame picked up a huge commitment with Washington (Okla.) High School star tight end Nate Roberts pledging to the Fighting Irish. Roberts is one of the nation's best tight ends in the 2025 class and the Irish beat programs like Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Oklahoma and Michigan among many others.
Let's take a look at what the commitment of Roberts means for the 2025 Notre Dame class and how he fits into the Fighting Irish offense.
NOTRE DAME CLASS IMPACT
Roberts is the second player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2025 class, joining Florida defensive tackle Davion Dixon.
Tight end is one of those positions that you recruit at least one player every year, so landing Roberts gives Notre Dame the minimum numbers need in the class. The Irish could still choose to pursue a second tight end in the class, especially with it being such a loaded year at the position. But landing Roberts means the tight end position is now a checked box from a needs standpoint.
Beyond just the numbers, Notre Dame needed to take advantage of it being such a great year at tight end by landing an impact talent. That's exactly what Roberts is, and landing him means the Irish picked up arguably the best tight end in the 2025 class. Roberts is the ideal modern tight end due to his ability to produce at a high level from both a volume and big play standpoint, but he also has the ability to thrive as an edge blocker.
Landing a player of Roberts talent and reputation also helps the 2025 class. The more Notre Dame can add big time players in the class the more attractive being a part of what the Irish staff is building becomes.
NOTRE DAME FIT - ANALYSIS
From a formational standpoint, Roberts will play a role that is very similar to that of former Notre Dame All-American Michael Mayer. He is certainly capable of lining up in the boundary in certain situations, but Roberts projects to spend most of his time inside in a variety of looks. He can line up in the slot, he can play in wing positions and move around, and he's capable of lining up on the edge in a three-point stance and being effective as a run blocker and pass catcher. Roberts also possesses a strong all-around game that perfectly fits the Notre Dame offense.
Roberts has a tremendous frame and strength for such a young player. He's already a little over 6-4 and he's around 230 pounds. Roberts shows good power in the run game for a sophomore, and he's very physical after the catch. He's not like most "modern" tight ends in that he seems to take as much pride in his blocking as he does his ability to make big plays in the pass game. That's very important for a Notre Dame tight end.
Size isn't really what makes Roberts a special player. What makes him my top-ranked tight end in the country is his combination of speed, athleticism and skill. Roberts can flat out run, and I'm not just talking about for a big tight end, he can run for a tight end .... period. He gets off the line in a hurry, quickly gets on top of defenders and he can stretch the field. Roberts also shows the ability to quickly accelerate out of his top ends, which helps him gain a lot of separation.
Roberts also shows impressive foot quickness, agility and body control. He makes tough catches look easy, and his loose hips as a pass catcher were probably the thing that surprised me the most about his game. Roberts also uses his combination of agility, balance and power to break tackles, and then his speed takes over again.
The Washington standout is an advanced technical player for his age. He's a sharp route runner that shows a good feel for manipulating defenders with his stem, he's efficient with his feet getting out of top ends (usually) and he knows how to find openings when working against zones. Roberts also shows good technique in the run game. He'll need to use his hands a bit better, but his ability to play with good angles, work his feet through contact, and then his strength makes him very effective as a run blocker.
Roberts is truly a dual-threat player that can make plays in the run game and also be a down the field weapon.
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2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
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