Fighting Irish Get Commitment From Elite Four-Star Safety

© Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

Consensus four-star safety JaDon Blair from Winston Salem, N.C., has committed to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. On3 rates him as the No. 8 safety and the No. 85 overall player in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

The coveted safety committed to play in South Bend, Ind., after Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, and many other top-notch programs pursued him.

Blair's Recruitment

Defensive coordinator Al Golden and defensive backs coach Mike Mickens made an impact on Blair and his parents during the recruiting process. As reported by Athlon Sports, Blair said Golden and Mickens are "true teachers of defense" who will enable him to become "the best football player [he] can be." He said he considers Golden a "genius" and that the style of play Mickens implements in the secondary meshes with his skill set. Blair also stressed the importance to him of off-the-field opportunities at Notre Dame, which ultimately led him to conclude the university is the best fit for him.

Scouting Report

As a sophomore at Mount Tabor High School (N.C.), Blair made 48 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss. During his junior year, he led this team to North Carolina's Division 4A playoffs and was credited with 56 tackles (3 TFLs) and 4 interceptions. He also took snaps on offense.

At slightly over 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Blair is described by 247Sports as an athlete with "one of the more unique frames in the 2025 cycle." He explodes on receivers, delivering "crunching blows" and exhibiting elite ability as a "wrap-and-lift tackler." At the prep level, he has played primarily in two-deep sets, but at the collegiate level, his size, strength, and versatility will enable him to be featured as a box safety or nickel linebacker.

In coverage, his speed and instincts allow him to regularly prevent receivers from gaining yards after receptions. Blair lacks experience in man-to-man coverage but is an expert in zone coverage and has ample ability to play in man-coverage schemes. He projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level and has a combination of traits and physique that are likely to land him in the NFL.

Blair also plays varsity basketball.

2025 Fighting Irish Recruiting Class

Blair joins a loaded 2025 Notre Dame class, joining 12 other four-star recruits, including fellow safety Dallas Golden from Tampa, Fla., and class headliner quarterback Deuce Knight, who has already inked an NIL deal valued at over $500,000.

Coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are building a solid foundation for the future.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and college football recruiting.