Elite Notre Dame OT commit Will Black invited to play in All-American Bowl
When Will Black committed to Notre Dame in December 2023, On3 ranked the 6-7.5, 283-pounder as the No. 202 overall recruit and No. 14 offensive tackle in the country. That was the highest ranking for Black according to the four major recruiting media websites at the time.
And then on Feb. 26, he saw his national stock erupt, earning five-star status as the No. 6 overall player and No. 1 offensive tackle in America. None of the other websites had Black in their national rankings at the time.
The others have caught up. Rivals and ESPN have bumped Black to a top-100 overall ranking, while 247 Sports currently has him at No. 178 nationally. On3 has him as its No. 2 overall recruit.
Black added another accolade Monday, announcing that he was invited to the All-American Bowl, the most prestigious postseason annual all-star game that’s held in San Antonio, Texas. The game will be played on Jan. 11, 2025.
The Irish have two other commits who are expected to play in the All-American Bowl in Chicago Simeon EDGE Christopher Burgess and Lucedale (Miss.) George County quarterback Deuce Knight.
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Black, who is from London, Ontario, has yet to commit to playing to the All-American Bowl.
The On3 five-star prospect has locked in with his Notre Dame commitment.
“It’s a combination of a few things,” Black said why picking Notre Dame in an interview Blue & Gold before announcing his decision. “My relationship with the coaches is the best compared to any other school, plus meeting the players — the culture in the O-line room is great. I feel like I can fit in there really well.
“There’s a combination of great football — especially sending offensive linemen to the NFL — and great academics. A Notre Dame degree is one of the best in the country. It’s the right fit for me, and it’s where I’ll grow the best as a football player and student.”
For his efforts during his junior season in 2023, Black was named the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) lineman of the year. He was also named the Founders League lineman of the year and was listed on the All-Founders first-team offense.
Black was recently named to On3’s “future freaks” list.
“Will Black‘s towering stature and ideal frame pair with top-shelf athleticism to make him one of the most physically-gifted offensive linemen in a historically loaded cycle at the position,” Power said. “It wouldn’t be surprising to see Black maintain his sub-5.0 second speed at over 310 pounds after time in a college strength program.”
