Class Impact: Justin Thurman Commits To Notre Dame

Breaking down how the commitment of RB Justin Thurman impacts the Notre Dame 2025 class and the Irish depth chart

Notre Dame picked up another talented 2025 commitment today when Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit running back Justin Thurman committed to the Fighting Irish. This is a very intriguing pickup for Notre Dame, who landed one of the most explosive backs in the 2025 class.

Let's take a look at how the commitment of Thurman impacts the 2025 class and the Notre Dame depth chart.

NOTRE DAME CLASS IMPACT

Thurman is just the third player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2025 class, joining big time tight end Nate Roberts and talented defensive tackle Davion Dixon. 

Notre Dame has recruited the running back position at a very high level in recent seasons, which put them in a unique position for the 2025 cycle. The Irish landed a pair of talented back in 2022 when Jadarian Price and Gi'Bran Payne signed. They were followed by big time 2023 running back Jeremiyah Love. The 2024 class is loaded with Kedren Young and Aneyas Williams.

Notre Dame position coach Deland McCullough has certainly made his presence felt as a recruiter since arriving in South Bend, and now he'll be tasked with keeping that group happy and on the roster. If they do, the Irish were in position to focus on one of two things in the 2025 class. With just one back being the need, Notre Dame could either push for an elite back, or look for a player with a unique skillset.

With Thurman, it would seem the Irish staff is intrigued by his upside and unique skills. Big time speed is that primary skill, but we'll get to that below. By landing Thurman, Notre Dame has met its current numbers need in the 2025 class. With how much talent Notre Dame has on the current roster, the chance that at least one player breaks out and leaves early for the NFL, or someone that gets buried leaves, could lead the staff to still focus on other backs even with Thurman now on board.

NOTRE DAME FIT - FILM ANALYSIS

Thurman has the tools to be an every down back at the next level, even though he still has plenty to prove at the prep level. We'll start to get a glimpse of that talent in 2023 as he takes over as the lead back for Jesuit. Thurman has pure running back skill, but he can do more than just carry the football. On top of being a threat out of the backfield, Thurman also has experience in the return game, which is another area where he can use his speed.

The first thing that you notice when you pop on Thurman's film is speed, and it's big time speed. Thurman has a personal best 100-meter dash time of 10.84, which is slightly better than the sophomore best of former Notre Dame speedster Braden Lenzy. If I'm looking for a comparison for Thurman from a speed standpoint it would be Lenzy, although Thurman is bigger and has a slightly better start than the former Irish burner.

Thurman shows the kind of first step acceleration you need at running back if you're going to be a home run hitter. He gets through the hole quickly, and when he gets to the second level his elite acceleration allows him to quickly turn the smallest crease into a long run. During his summer camp performance at Notre Dame, Thurman also showed outstanding explosiveness during drills, which tracks with a player with his first step burst. His balance allows him to work through arm tackles with ease and continue charging forward.

His running style suits a player with his speed, as Thurman likes to get vertical. He is a slasher type of back that wants to cut and get downhill and through the hole. Thurman isn't a guy that spends a lot of time juking defenders, which I like. He can make quick cuts in space, but he's a get on your track, make your read and then quickly plant and get vertical type of back.

I like how physical Thurman is for his age, and you see that as a running back and during his snaps on defense. He still has a lot to learn from a technical standpoint, but he's a tough player with a lot of tools. I want to see him be more efficient with his footwork in the backfield, and he needs to continue with his base in pass protection, but he's more than willing to step up and take on rushers.

Thurman has never been "the guy" in the backfield, but that should change in 2023. We saw that during the spring game when he rushed for over 100 yards, including a 62-yard scoring run. He also caught a 33-yard pass for another score. He's poised to have a major breakout for Jesuit, and his recruiting profile is surely going to jump when that happens.

Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions Lounge

Irish Breakdown Content

2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

———————

Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more.

BECOME A MEMBER

Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!

Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @CoachD178
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook

Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter