What Shayne Simon adds to the Irish

2018 Linebacker/Safety out of New Jersey Shayne Simon has committed to Notre Dame. The 6-foot-33 215-pound LB was on campus during Irish Invasion last month and really enjoyed his time with the coaches and current players. In the end, I think he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for Notre Dame but also being able to join his current teammates from St. Peter’s Prep, Irish commits Jayson and Justin Ademilola was big for him as well. QB Brandon Wimbush, who’s good friends with Simon, also attended the same high school and was another big reason Simon, in my opinion, picked the Irish. Simon holds 21 offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, Tennessee and others.
This is a huge get for the staff seeing he does have a lot of connections to Michigan and a lot of people pegged him to pick the Wolverines over the Irish when it all started. Like I mentioned though, the relationships that have continued to build with the players, coaches and the commits played an even bigger roll in Simon ultimately choosing Notre Dame. He’s a very high academic kid as well so Notre Dame speaks for itself with that one.
What does he add to Notre Dame?
I really think this kid is a perfect fit for what Elko brings on the defensive side of the ball. He’s most likely going to end up playing the Rover position and that’s exactly where he belongs with his range, quickness and how well he scans the field. When the ball is in the air he tracks it exteremly well. At 6'3 220 pounds, he’s your typical all-around stud athlete that can do pretty much anything you ask, especially in Elko’s scheme defensively. He could also very well be one of the hardest hitting linebackers this year too. With Rover Drue Tranquill having two years left of eligibility I don’t think he would be able to overtake the Senior captain on the depth chart but, like I said, he’s an all-around athlete that could fill any linebacker position if he’s needed day 1. With Tranquill being at the Rover position, I also expect him to be a big contributor on special teams once he gets on campus.
Simon will be joining Ovie Oghoufo and Matt Bauer at the LB position in this class. Look for the staff to try and add possibly one more linebacker, if it’s the one they want. Simon is commit number 14 in this class with another on the horizon, in my opinion. Make sure to follow Carlee North and Nathan Erbach with the latest recruiting news on all things Irish.

