Biggest Notre Dame movers in the latest 2023 On300 recruiting rankings

It was a big recruiting weekend for the class of 2023, as top prospects from across the nation gathered at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for the Under Armour Future 50.

After a busy summer filled with events like UA Future 50 and other camps, On3 has released its latest round of On300 rankings. Several Irish prospects made notable jumps, while a few others fell.

Here is a look at the biggest movers — in both directions — following the latest update.

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Five-star S Peyton Bowen: No. 37 to No. 18

Bowen was one of six 2023 recruits to earn new five-star status, jumping up nearly 20 spots. On3 experts watched the 6-0, 185-pound defensive back at UA Future 50 last weekend and were immensely impressed. The group voted him No. 4 on the list of top performers.

“Bowen was in mid-season form and On3’s top-performing defensive back,” On3’s Sam Spiegelman said. “The prolific safety out of Denton (Texas) Guyer was superb defending receivers out of the nickel and even better back deep playing over the top during the seven-on-seven portion.

“Bowen showed well jamming at the line and running step for step with receivers, and continued to position himself well on the field to make plays. Bowen came away with an interception in the afternoon session and was constantly around the football.”

OT Sullivan Absher: No. 98 to No. 77

The North Carolina native made a jump up 21 spots. Absher was previously On3’s No. 10 offensive tackle in his class, and he is now seventh. On3 has been high on his run-blocking skills, due largely to the fact that he plays in an option offense. The 6-6, 295-pound rising senior also has top-notch length.

CB Christian Gray: No. 150 to No. 79

This is a big one. Gray made the largest jump of the current Irish commits, nearly cutting his stock in half. Prior to the update, the 6-0.5, 175-pounder was On3’s No. 18 cornerback in the 2023 class. Now the St. Louis DeSmet prospect is up to No. 10 at his position.

WR Jaden Greathouse: No. 191 to No. 154

Greathouse is Notre Dame’s latest addition to its 2023 class, and the On3 team is impressed with the Austin (Texas) Westlake product, giving him a sizable bump. He is entering his fourth year as the starting wideout at Westlake, and he’s a standout basketball player as well.

A collection of Notre Dame commits slid down in the On300 rankings as well.

DL Boubacar Traore: No. 82 to No. 99

The former Boston College commit turned Irish pledge fell slightly in the On300, but he remains within the top 100. “Versatile defensive lineman who is capable of creating disruption as a pass rusher from multiple spots on the front,” Traore’s scouting profile states. “Has a big frame and wide-hipped build, measuring at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds prior to his junior season.”

WR Braylon James: No. 245 to No. 278

Like Bowen, James was also on-site at the Under Armour Future 50 last weekend. Per Charles Power of On3, James can improve his change of direction skills. The 6-2, 185-pound wideout out of the Austin, Texas area remains a top-150 prospect in the On3 Consensus, checking in at No. 149.

WR Rico Flores: No. 266 to No. 289

It’s a relatively inconsequential difference, all things considered, but the Folsom (Calif.) High prospect fell 23 spots in the latest On300 update. He plays in one of the best high school football areas in the country, so Flores will have ample time this fall to show experts he’s an elite athlete.

Additional movement (or lack thereof) in the latest On300 update

Five-star EDGE Keon Keeley: No. 3 —> No. 3
Five-star OT Charles Jagusah: No. 7 —> No. 6
Four-star DL Brenan Vernon: No. 179 —> No. 186
Four-star LB Drayk Bowen: No. 219 —> No. 234
Four-star DL Devan Houstan: No. 271 —> No. 261
Four-star S Adon Shuler: No. 287 —> No. 294