Stanford players that should be on Notre Dame’s radar following the dismissal of head coach Troy Taylor

Stanford Players That Should Be on Notre Dame’s Radar Following the Dismissal of Head Coach Troy Taylor

The college football landscape is always dynamic, with coaching changes that shake up entire programs. One of the most significant moves in recent memory was the dismissal of Troy Taylor as head coach of the Stanford Cardinal football program. Taylor, who took over the Stanford program in 2023, struggled to produce consistent results, and ultimately, the decision was made to move in a different direction. As a result, several Stanford players will now be seeking new opportunities, and their next destination may not be too far from Notre Dame, a program that has always had a strong reputation for cultivating talent and competing at the highest level.

Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, has been consistently recruiting top-tier talent, and following the uncertainty surrounding Stanford’s coaching staff, the Fighting Irish will undoubtedly be eyeing the players who may now enter the transfer portal or become available for recruitment. As the dust settles in Palo Alto, there are a number of talented players from Stanford’s roster who should be on Notre Dame’s radar. Whether looking to bolster depth at specific positions or add immediate impact players to elevate the team’s competitive edge, the Irish can benefit from the pool of talent Stanford has produced in recent years.

In this article, we’ll break down which Stanford players should catch Notre Dame’s eye and why they could be valuable additions to the Fighting Irish roster moving forward.

1. QB Ashton Daniels: The Dual-Threat Quarterback

One of the most intriguing players available to Notre Dame following Taylor’s dismissal is Ashton Daniels, a highly talented quarterback with a dual-threat skill set. Daniels had been groomed as the future of Stanford’s offense, and his athleticism makes him an ideal fit for Marcus Freeman’s system, where mobility and the ability to extend plays are crucial attributes for success at the quarterback position.

As a true freshman in 2023, Daniels flashed considerable promise. He’s a big-bodied quarterback at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds who can take advantage of his legs when needed, but also has the arm strength and vision to deliver downfield passes with precision. During his freshman campaign, Daniels showed the ability to make quick decisions and demonstrate poise in the pocket, even under pressure.

What makes Daniels even more appealing to Notre Dame is the fact that he can fit into a pro-style offense while also having the mobility to function in a spread system, should Freeman want to adapt the offense further. Notre Dame’s current quarterback room includes Sam Hartman, who is set to be the starter for the 2024 season, but adding a young talent like Daniels would give the Fighting Irish depth for the future and a potential successor who could grow into a multi-dimensional threat.

2. RB E.J. Smith: A Dynamic Playmaker

One of the most electric and versatile players on the Stanford roster is running back E.J. Smith, son of legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith. E.J. Smith had an impactful career for the Cardinal, displaying the type of explosiveness and vision that made his father a Hall of Famer. Smith is a 5-foot-11, 215-pound back with a combination of speed, power, and elusiveness, capable of breaking long runs or grinding out tough yards between the tackles.

Notre Dame’s running back corps has seen several successful seasons in recent years with the likes of Audric Estime and Logan Diggs taking the lead. However, with Diggs leaving for greener pastures and Estime possibly declaring for the NFL Draft in the near future, adding a player like E.J. Smith to the mix would be a dynamic upgrade to the Fighting Irish offense. His ability to impact the game both on the ground and in the passing game would give Notre Dame’s offense another dimension and ensure that they remain balanced and explosive in all areas.

Smith’s ability to function as both a primary ball carrier and as a receiving threat out of the backfield would give Tommy Rees’ offense multiple weapons, creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His strong work ethic, impressive pedigree, and versatility make him an excellent target for Notre Dame.

3. WR Elijah Higgins: A Big-Body Playmaker

Elijah Higgins, Stanford’s top wide receiver in recent seasons, is a name that Notre Dame should have high on its list. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Higgins is a prototypical big-bodied wide receiver with excellent ball skills and strong hands. In an era where wide receiver depth is crucial for offensive success, Higgins would immediately add size and toughness to the Notre Dame receiving corps, which has seen a solid crop of playmakers in recent seasons, including Lorenzo Styles and Deion Colzie.

Higgins’ physical profile makes him a valuable red zone target, and his ability to stretch the field vertically or be a physical presence in short-yardage situations would complement Notre Dame’s offense well. He’s also a threat after the catch, using his size and strength to break tackles and gain additional yards. Given the potential growth of Sam Hartman and the development of the Irish’s passing attack, Higgins could help provide that big-play threat that has been missing from Notre Dame’s offense in recent years.

Having a wide receiver with Higgins’ skillset would also help balance out the Irish offense, giving them a more reliable target in contested situations. Notre Dame has long been known for its strong offensive line play, and adding Higgins would be another weapon for their passing game to take advantage of that protection.

4. LB Levani Damuni: A Defensive Anchor

On the defensive side of the ball, Levani Damuni is a linebacker who has made his mark as one of Stanford’s key defensive players. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Damuni is a hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with a nose for the ball and exceptional instincts in the run game. Damuni is also a very capable tackler and has a high football IQ, allowing him to read offensive schemes and react accordingly.

Notre Dame’s defense under Marcus Freeman and Al Golden has steadily improved, but adding a linebacker like Damuni would provide much-needed experience and stability to the middle of the defense. Damuni has the ability to anchor the defense and provide leadership both on the field and in the locker room. His tenacity and playmaking ability make him a great fit for Notre Dame’s defensive system, which relies on linebackers who can both plug gaps and provide coverage in passing situations.

Damuni’s versatility, size, and experience could be crucial as Notre Dame continues to shape its defense into one that can compete with the top offenses in the country. Adding him to the linebacker corps would create more depth and flexibility in defensive game planning.

5. DB Kyu Blu Kelly: A Shutdown Cornerback

Notre Dame has always prided itself on developing elite defensive backs, and Kyu Blu Kelly, a standout cornerback from Stanford, is exactly the type of player the Irish should be targeting. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, Kelly has the ideal physical tools to succeed at the next level. He is a shutdown cornerback with great coverage skills, an excellent understanding of route patterns, and strong hands when contesting passes.

During his time at Stanford, Kelly showcased his ability to shut down opposing receivers and play well in both man and zone coverage. His confidence, paired with his skill set, makes him an appealing option for a Notre Dame secondary that has shown great promise but could always use more talent and depth, especially in the face of top-tier ACC and national competition.

Adding Kelly to the Notre Dame defensive backfield would give Freeman and Golden another capable cornerback to pair with Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey, creating a formidable defensive back group. Kelly’s ability to mirror wide receivers, break up passes, and create turnovers would immediately bolster the Irish defense.