Notre Dame Commit Profile: Linebacker Ellis McGaskin

Notre Dame kicked off its 2027 defensive recruiting class with talented linebacker Ellis McGaskin. The Alabama native picked Notre Dame over LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M and many others. 

Let's take a look at the profile for the Notre Dame commit.

ELLIS MCGASKIN PROFILE

Hometown/High School: Mobile, Ala./Williamson

Height/Weight: 6-1, 200

IB Grade: 4.0 (Top 100 caliber prospect)
Upside Grade: 4.5 (Top 75 caliber prospect)

Player Comp: Te'von Coney, Notre Dame

Recruited By: Max Bullough

Offers: Notre Dame, Ohio State, LSU, Florida State, Michigan, Florida, Texas A&M, Penn State, Tennessee, Miami (Fla.), Ole Miss, Auburn, Nebraska, Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi State, UCF

RECRUITING RANKINGS

Rivals: 4-star - No. 78 overall - No. 3 LB
ESPN: 4-star - No. 163 overall - No. 5 LB
On3: 3-star - No. 282 overall - No. 18 LB
247Sports: 3-star - No. 19 LB
On3 Consensus: 4-star - No. 188 overall - No. 10 LB
247Sports Composite: 4-star - No. 209 - No. 13 LB

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NOTRE DAME FIT

McGaskin lacks the ideal length and size that Notre Dame covets at linebacker but he has everything else. He's smart, athletic, powerful and productive. He runs well enough and plays the pass well enough to play the Will linebacker position in the Irish defense, but I like him even better at the Mike spot. He lacks the ideal size right now, but he has two years of high school left so he'll continue filling out. His instincts, athletic skills and power are perfectly suited for the Mike spot. His versatility only adds to his impact as a commit. He projects to have the playmaking ability as both a run and pass defender that Notre Dame wants and needs at linebacker.

FILM ANALYSIS

The first thing you will see on film is that McGaskin lacks the ideal size that you look for in an inside linebacker. He's listed at 6-1 and 200 pounds, and while he has good length for his size it's not elite length. This lack of size is the only grade he has that isn't top notch. I do see a good frame to build on when you consider he still has two seasons of high school remaining. His frame reminds me a lot of former Notre Dame standout linebacker Te'von Coney and it's not much different than Jack Kiser, who just finished his career as a four-year starter for the Irish.

If a player is going to thrive at his size he'll need a lot of elite skills to counter that, and that is exactly what makes McGaskin a big time recruit. His all-around skillset and traits are outstanding, which is why he grades out as a Top 100 recruit despite lacking ideal size.

Athletically, McGaskin shows impressive short area explosiveness. He has easy change of direction skills and he covers a ton of ground. His downhill explosiveness is outstanding and he plays a really good side-to-side game as well. There are few linebackers in his class that can plant and drive downhill with the speed and quickness he does. His long speed isn't quite as good but it's plenty good enough for him to thrive as an inside linebacker.

I absolutely love the power that McGaskin brings to the game. He hits like a much bigger player. McGaskin possesses elite coil ability, his lower body strength is tremendous and he's much stronger than you'd think for a guy who is just around 200 pounds. I'm impressed with how he is able to quickly explode into a ball carrier and drive him back despite not getting a ton of steam going. As he fills out and matures his ability to dominate with power will only be enhanced.

McGaskin shows a very high football IQ and his instincts are exceptional. He makes quick reads, takes great angles to the football and his overall feel for the game is elite. When you combine his instincts with his quickness you get why he's around the football constantly. It's why McGaskin projects as an elite run defender at the next level. He also shows a good feel in coverage, looking up routes and showing good range getting to the ball.