Notre Dame’s highly ranked football recruiting class for 2021 added more local flavor on Wednesday.
Marist offensive lineman Pat Coogan, one of the state’s most sought-after juniors, announced his decision on Twitter: “Gold and Blue through and through, 100% committed to the University of Notre Dame.”
Coogan, a 6-5, 295-pounder, is the second local recruit for the Irish after Bolingbrook safety Justin Walters. Notre Dame’s eight-member class for 2021 is No. 5 nationally in the 247Sports.com composite rankings.
Last month, Cooney noted his strong personal connections with the Irish.
“I have a great relationship with [ND offensive coordinator and Lake Forest grad] Tommy Rees,” Coogan said. “He has a strong Marist connection [through former RedHawks coach Pat Dunne].”
The Irish were just one of many Power Five programs who offered a scholarship to Coogan.
He also had offers from defending national champ LSU, Tennessee and Texas A&M of the SEC, along with Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State and Purdue of the Big Ten, among others.
Gold and Blue through and through.
— Pat Coogan (@coogs53) April 16, 2020
100% committed to the University of Notre Dame. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/sMWH4f08oX
A three-star prospect ranked 14th overall in Illinois and 45th among offensive guards in 247’s composite ratings, Coogan’s strength is his versatility.
Rivals Midwest recruting analyst Josh Helmholdt said Coogan can play any spot on the offensive line and noted he’s Rivals’ No. 6 player in Illinois.
“That 5 to 7 area is the guys who we say have a chance to play on Sunday [in the NFL],” Helmholdt said.
