Advertisement
football Edit

Werner remains solid with the Irish

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly announced the dismissal of defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder on Sunday following the Fighting Irish’s third loss of the season. While the immediate questions concern how this affects the defense this season, how it affects the recruits is also of concern. Four-star linebacker Pete Werner of Indianapolis was one of Notre Dame’s first defensive commits in this 2017 class.

RELATED: Brian Kelly address DC change | Notre Dame commitment list

Advertisement

WHAT’S NEXT

When Werner made his commitment to Notre Dame last spring, he said the school had everything he was looking for. While other schools will certainly try to use the change at coordinator to sway Werner’s attention away from the Irish, he is among the most solid of their 2017 commitments. Along with his 2018 running back teammate Markese Stepp, another Notre Dame commit, Werner has already attended two of the first three home games in South Bend this season.

IN HIS WORDS

“What happened, it doesn’t change (my) opinion. I like to say I committed to the University, and not because of a certain coach. Nothing changes as far as my commitment level.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

While the reaffirmation of Werner’s commitment is a positive for Notre Dame fans to hear, it should not come as a surprise. He committed to the in-state program not long after receiving the offer, and has been rock solid in that commitment throughout. More interesting for Notre Dame fans is Werner’s health this season. He had to miss the first three games of the year after coming off shoulder and hip surgeries this off-season, and is still working back to 100 percent. He has played the last three games and reports feeling good and on track to return to full strength.

Advertisement