During Notre Dame’s 1988 National Championship run, Todd Lyght and Pat Terrell anchored the defensive back field.
Throughout the 1990’s and into the 2000’s, the Fighting Irish went on to find themselves with more All-American caliber prospects in the secondary.
Over the next decade and a few years beyond, names like Bobby Taylor, Shawn Wooden, Jeff Burris, Allen Rossum, Ivory Convington, Glenn Earl, Gerome Sapp, Shane Walton, Vontez Duff, Tom Zbikowski, Chinedum Ndukwe, David Bruton, Harrison Smith, Robert Blanton, Bennett Jackson, Keivarae Russell and Cole Luke all displayed elite traits at the highest college level.
In the Fighting Irish’s 2018 recruiting class, it looks like they have found another one.
Derrik Allen, who committed to Notre Dame this past February, is arguably one of the country’s most well-rounded defensive backs.
The Lassiter (Marietta, GA) incoming senior displays the ball skills to appear in both man and zone coverage situations, and the physicality to lineup in the box.
He sets up on the boundary along with nickel and dime situations as well.
Also, having a background as a wide receiver on offense helps to add more athletic traits to the defensive side of the football.
Allen has the ability to contribute on special teams in both coverage and return situations.
The 2018 prospect made an unofficial visit to South Bend last September for the Fighting Irish’s 36-28 loss to Michigan State.
Notre Dame extended a scholarship offer to Allen at junior day during March of 2016.
He holds over 30 offers including Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
PUTTIN ON FOR GA. YOU KNOW HOW WE DO @NDFootball @espn @TheOpening @TomLoy247 pic.twitter.com/IH7Kslpw1c
— Derrik Allen (@DsmoothAllen) July 2, 2017
