Notre Dame secures a powerful edge talent. Discover how Aidan O'Neil's skillset shapes the 2027 class and strengthens the defensive line.
Notre Dame picked up another important commitment today when it landed New Jersey edge Aidan O'Neil. The Fighting Irish staff beat out Penn State, Kentucky and many other to land the Don Bosco standout.
Let's take a look at how O'Neil impacts the 2027 class, the Irish depth chart and let's dive into his film.
NOTRE DAME CLASS IMPACT
O'Neil is the 11th player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2027 class. He is the sixth defensive player to commit in the 2027 class and the first defensive lineman.
Notre Dame landed an elite edge duo in 2027 when it signed North Carolina standouts Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade. That is the kind of elite edge group that Notre Dame needs to land consistently, but has failed to do so for much of the last two decades. Following up that haul with another outstanding group in the 2027 class is a must. Notre Dame also has a veteran edge group, so numbers are important as well. That means Notre Dame not only needs impact edge players, landing three is ideal.
O'Neil gives Notre Dame a strong foundation to build the defensive end class around. It's step one towards landing a strong three-man haul, and he gives the Irish unique skillset that complements the 2026 signees.
NOTRE DAME FIT
Notre Dame is asking its defensive line to be more stout up front under Chris Ash, and that is a big reason why O'Neil was a player that Partridge made a push for him. At 6-5 and 250 pounds with a big frame, there will certainly be plenty of projection about him potentially moving inside, but O'Neil is a natural edge player that could handle the edge as a power player. He could handle some 4-technique when Notre Dame to goes to its three-down lineman
FILM ANALYSIS
O'Neil is a different type of edge player than Notre Dame landed last season and that they are recruiting in the 2027 class. He's a well-built edge player with an outstanding frame. I could see O'Neil filling out quite nicely and getting to at least 265 pounds and staying on the edge. O'Neil has really good length, and he knows how to use that length to keep blockers off his body.
The Don Bosco standout plays with an impressive motor and effort. He's a powerful edge that plays a physical game, showing the ability to rock back blockers and reset the line of scrimmage. When he needs to he can anchor and hold the point. He's a stout run defender at the point of attack and he does a great job squeezing and taking on pullers. Despite being a tall and long edge defender, he plays with good pad level, fires off the ball and his motor runs really hot. I love his effort on the edge, whether it's chasing down from the backside, showing pursuit to the edge or the ferocity with which he attacks the quarterback.
Right now, O'Neil is at his best defending the run. His combination of length, power and quickness off the ball allow him to constantly win on the edge when teams try to run at him. He does a great job reading pullers, closing the gap and then bashing them into the run lane. He plays with a great motor, but he's also patient when he needs to be. O'Neil shows a good feel for finding the back and getting off blocks to make plays on the ball.
O'Neil has potential as an edge rusher, but his game needs a bit more development in that area. He wins with power and he's got a really nice burst off the edge. He overwhelms prep tackles with his size, length and athleticism. The tools are there: really good first step, length, pop, power and the ability to close well on the quarterback. He just needs to learn a couple of counter moves, learn to get to the edge of blockers and use his hands a bit better to win.
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