Notre Dame Commit Bodie Kahoun Brings Major Untapped Potential
Notre Dame received a commitment from Roanoke (Va.) Patrick Henry linebacker Bodie Kahoun, who became the 16th member of the 2024 class for the Irish. On the field, it’s easy to see the talent that Kahoun brings to the table, including a nice frame, outstanding athleticism and upside to continue to grow.
When talking with Kahoun’s defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at Patrick Henry, Lee Johnson, it becomes even more apparent that the upside of Kahoun should be even more of a talking point. This isn’t a player who has been playing linebacker for years. In fact, he’s still growing into that position and his frame.
"The big thing for Bodie was the growth spurt he had,” explained Coach Johnson. "As a sophomore, he was about 6-0 and 180 pounds. He’s out there every morning at 5 AM working out, and putting in a ton of work but that growth spurt has really been big for him.”
That growth allowed Kahoun to take on a new role in the Patriot defense. Flashback to the beginning of last season, it wasn’t a sure thing that linebacker would be in his future. That move could have really untapped even more potential for Kahoun on the next level.
"Bodie was a safety just last season, and was actually a safety for us to start the season,” said Johnson. "He is one of the better downhill safeties that I have ever coached.
"About half way through the year, we made the decision to move him up to inside and outside linebacker,” he added. "We really needed to bolster the box and we asked a lot of him. On the fly, he did it and made massive improvements every game. Bodie really transformed our defense.”
Of course, in order to make that type of switch, harnessing the athletic skill set for Kahoun was a necessity. Not everyone could make that type of abrupt transition. Fortunately for the Patrick Henry staff, Kahoun’s athleticism and work ethic allowed for a relatively smooth one.
"He’s always been able to run,” Johnson stated. “He’s been playing lacrosse since he could walk, so that’s always been a part of his game. When Bodie reads his keys, he can go without hesitation. The team gained so much more confidence around him when we made that move. The kid just doesn’t stand still, he’s always looking to get to the ball.”
As is the case for this type of player, the coaching staff could see the talent early on. Kahoun is a player that the staff was keeping tabs on for a long time, even before he donned a Patriot uniform.
"We could see his potential when he was a freshman,” he explained. "If he could grow, ability wise he would be big time. We saw it in middle school. We tracked him coming through as a staff and he has not disappointed.”
Over the last several months, things had gotten quite hectic for Kahoun. With football becoming more and more in his future plans, schools from all over started to take more notice. Despite that, Kahoun maintained his composure and really always had one goal in mind.
"Bodie is a 4.2 GPA kid,” Johnson noted. “He carries himself well, is an extremely personable guy, he has no problem shaking your hand and introducing himself. Bodie has a lot of fun. From the beginning, he wasn’t in love with the recruiting process. Bodie was consistent from the beginning that as soon as he figured it out, he was going to end it. He didn’t want it to drag out into late summer or into the season.
"Academics were a big deal to him,” he continued. “Most people say that but it really was for him. It was pretty much Notre Dame from the beginning. Coach (Al) Golden really knocked that recruitment out of the park. They were going to be tough to beat.”
Patrick Henry has a proud tradition of putting out quality college football players, mostly in the lower levels but with some Division I players mixed in. The community, however, doesn’t often see the attention that they have recently. They not only share their excitement for Kahoun’s commitment, but have also benefited a ton with the excitement around him as well.
"We are all extremely proud,” said Johnson. "It’s been fun to watch. It has brought a lot of energy to the school and Bodie has made the process so easy. He’s not the type to go around and tell everyone how many offers he has. He just wanted to find the right fit.
"We have had a few kids get more offers during the process,” he continued. "There have been more coaches coming through than usual, which has really allowed some of our other players to get noticed. It’s been big for the school.”
Perhaps the most intriguing part about Kahoun’s game is that he is nowhere near his ceiling. He can be as good as the Notre Dame staff can develop him, making him a ball of clay to a degree. The best is still very much yet to come for Kahoun.
The 6-3, 220-pound standout linebacker is currently one of the top athletes on the 5-A level in Virginia. Despite his obvious connection to the state of Virginia, Kahoun actually did grow up in Zionsville, Indiana. He has his Midwest roots and is clearly very aware of the brand that Notre Dame boasts.
Kahoun is also a standout lacrosse player for Patrick Henry. The star midfielder had been committed to Ohio State for lacrosse since September of 2022. His ability to potentially play football, or both sports, in college has changed his outlook to explore different options on the next level. That journey has led him to this commitment with the Irish.
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