Commit Ethan Long Is A Key Part Of Potentially Elite Notre Dame Safety Class

Notre Dame safety recruiting has left a bit to be desired over the last couple of recruiting cycles, leaving some questions about Chris O'Leary's ability to recruit on a high level. So far in 2025, he has completely changed that narrative. If the class ended today, the Irish program would have put together arguably their best duo of safety recruits in several years.

One of those early histories was getting Greenwich (Conn.) Brunswick School star Ethan Long earlier this month. Long had the chance to speak to Irish Breakdown about Ivan Taylor, his fellow safety commit in this class, as well as another key target left on the board.

"Ivan and I are getting very close,” Long said. "Spending time with my boy is always a great time. We have a good time and laugh and are both very competitive. We love the grind and connect so easily.

"He's a great kid and comes from a great family and that's what separates himself,” he continued. "He and I will be calling each other brother soon and I can't wait to play and go to school with a kid like Ivan.”

It’s great to hear that Long and Taylor are meshing so well, especially with how important communication is at the safety position. The crazy part about the 2025 safety class is that it may not be done. There is one huge target left on the board that Notre Dame is very much pushing for.

That is Winston Salem (N.C.) standout JaDon Blair, who brings an impressive physical profile at 6-4 and 180 pounds. Blair is currently rated as the No. 28 overall player and No. 2 safety in the 2025 recruiting class according to On3. He is being pursued by schools like the Irish, Miami, Michigan, Florida State, LSU, Tennessee, Penn State, Maryland, Mississippi State, South Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Duke and Wake Forest among others.

Long has had the chance to get to know Blair well, which could potentially help the program’s push down the stretch.

"JaDon and I used to go on all of the same visits,” he explained. "His family and him are great people. Him and I talked a lot and we got to know each other and are very close. He would be a great fit with us and I will keep letting him know that.”

With Long and Taylor, the safety class in 2025 is already excellent. If they are able to land a player like Blair, it morphs into elite extremely quickly.