Versatile defensive back Xavier Hasan, a top recruit, brings shutdown coverage and playmaking to Notre Dame's elite 2027 class.
Notre Dame has picked up another big time player for its 2027 class with Raleigh (N.C.) Cardinal Gibbons cornerback Xavier Hasan choosing the Irish. It's the latest in what is becoming a norm at Notre Dame, landing an elite secondary player. Hasan is one of the nation's top defensive backs and he chose the Irish over Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State and North Carolina.
Notre Dame and secondary coach Mike Mickens identified Hasan very early in the recruiting process with the 2027 class. He was a very early target for the Irish staff and he ultimately made multiple trips to campus. Mickens and Hasan developed a strong connection and head coach Marcus Freeman also played a key role in his recruitment. But for months, despite interest from top programs across the nation, the Irish were long considered the team to beat for this talented player.
Hasan is a really talented player that brings a lot of value to the secondary. He's a legit impact cornerback right now, and his size, strength and coverage skills would fit very well at the boundary cornerback position. His range, tackling ability and instincts also project very well to the field cornerback position. What really puts Hasan over the top for me is that he could also move to the back of the defense and eventually be a really impactful cover safety. He's rangy, he can hit and he has excellent ball skills. That type of versatility only makes Hasan a better prospect and a great fit into the Notre Dame defense. With his versatility, if Hasan proves himself ready to play early in his career you can plug him in whatever position has the greatest need for an impact player to step into.
Over the last two seasons, Hasan has picked off 10 passes and broke up nine more despite not being targeted very often. His instincts and playmaking ability allows him to get his hands on a high number of passes. The Cardinal Gibbons star also has not allowed a touchdown in the last two seasons. Hasan was also an impact return man that returned four punts or kicks back for touchdowns over the last two seasons.
The North Carolina native is a highly ranked recruit. He is ranked as the No. 27 overall player in the country and the No. 4 cornerback in the nation by On3/Rivals/ He's also ranked as the No. 55 overall player and the No. 5 cornerback in the country by ESPN. 247Sports also ranks Hasan as the No. 61 overall player in the class of 2027. Irish Breakdown grades him as a 4.0-star recruit, a Top 75 caliber prospect and with 5.0-star upside.
Hasan is the 9th player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2027 class. He joins big time Georgia quarterback Teddy Jarrard, Pennsylvania offensive lineman James Halter, Wisconsin lineman Richie Flanigan, Alabama linebacker Ellis McGaskin, Florida linebacker Amarri Irvin, California safety Khalil Terry, Ohio cornerback Ace Alston and North Carolina snapper Sean Kraft.
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