The Biggest Takeaways from Notre Dame Recruits' Performances at The Opening

BEAVERTON, Ore. — How would you describe Notre Dame football? 

Foster Sarell, a 5-star offensive tackle and top-10 player overall in the 2017 class, may have one of the better definitions.

"It's a football mecca of the country, pretty much," Sarell said. "There's the campus, the academics, the stadium, Rudy, all that. It's just amazing."

For Notre Dame commits and targets, there's much to like about the school. Here are some takeaways regarding the Fighting Irish from some Class of 2017 targets, led by one of the group's newest members.

New commit Holmes eyeing 5-star CB as teammate

Cheshire, Connecticut, 4-star athlete C.J. Holmes committed to Notre Dame on Friday and didn't waste much time recruiting uncommitted players at The Opening.

"I'm trying to holler at as much people as I can," Holmes said, "but at the same time, I understand everyone has to make their own choices. I'm trying not to be overbearing. That can be annoying."

Holmes said Notre Dame was an easy choice for him because of "the academic aspect and how the school is so widely known for setting you up outside of football." He also appreciates the culture on campus and surrounding it. Holmes additionally said he chose a school "where I know I'll come out as a man and not a boy."

Post-Opening, Holmes said he's planning on targeting one player in particular to join him in the 2017 class.

"Definitely going for Shaun Wade," Holmes said, referring to the 5-star prospect and the nation's No. 2 cornerback out of Jacksonville, Florida. "He's an Ohio State commit, but I'd like to see him flip.

"He's long and physical. He's everything you look for in a corner, especially with his strength, skill and ability to make plays. You need big, physical corners out there to take care of those big wide receivers from all different conferences."

Potential O-lineman explosion for the Irish?

Of the 15 Notre Dame commits, two are offensive linemen, the latest being IMG Academy 4-star lineman Robert Hainsey, who chose the Irish over Michigan and Michigan State.

The good news for the Irish is that there's plenty of room to add numbers to the line. Along with Hainsey, two linemen to keep an eye on are the aforementioned Sarell and versatile 4-star lineman Jedrick Wills Jr.

Both athletes have expressed their appreciation for Notre Dame, and Irish fans would love to see them competing for Kelly and the team. Sarell is the nation's No. 2 offensive tackle, while Wills, who also can play guard, is ranked the nation's No. 7 tackle. Both are the top-ranked players from their respective states.

"I love Notre Dame. They're definitely a top school for me," said Sarell, who is from Graham, Washington. [Offensive line] Coach [Harry] Hiestand is amazing. I love how he interacts with his O-line and how he teaches the O-line beyond the specifics of the game."

Wills, who hails from Lexington, Kentucky, added, "When I went down and visited, I got to see more of the campus and hang out with the players. I liked how I bonded with them and got to see things I didn't get to see before. I have a good relationship with Coach Kelly and Coach Heistand."

Landing Hainsey, Sarell and Wills would be huge for the Irish, as the commits would give the recruiting class a major boost. 

Credit: Student Sports

4-star LB/DE Foster speaks highly of Irish

Shelby, North Carolina, linebacker/defensive end hybrid Justin Foster was on campus last month for Notre Dame's Irish Invasion. The Irish made Foster's list of his top seven schools in May.

The Irish are still high on his list two months later. Believed to be among the favorites are Notre Dame, Clemson and Tennessee.

"We talked a lot about academics, which is really big to me," Foster told Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue about Notre Dame. "We also spoke about which position they would want me to play. They like me as a rush linebacker, almost the same thing I do at my high school."

Foster, at 6'4" and 240 pounds, is ranked the No. 4 outside linebacker in the 2017 class. He also is ranked No. 79 overall. He told Donohue that several schools have been discussing playing him at linebacker or defensive end, depending on the scheme.

Credit: Student Sports

4-star ATH Ahmed looking for best of both worlds

When Kirkland, Washington, 4-star athlete Salvon Ahmed released his top five on Thursday, he stressed the importance of wanting the best of both worlds—playing for a winning football program while earning a well-respected degree.

Ahmed knows that Notre Dame can be the answer for everything he wants, but Stanford, Oregon, USC and in-state school Washington also are just as qualified to satisfy his needs.

Notre Dame, Ahmed said, has football tradition on its side, and he's a fan of both that tradition and the coaching staff. Ahmed has heard from a host of Notre Dame coaches, including head coach Brian Kelly, defensive backs coach Todd Lyght, wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock and offensive coordinator Mike Sanford.

"They've stayed in contact with me through this whole process," said Ahmed, who is ranked the No. 6 athlete in the 2017 class. "When Coach Kelly got involved, it showed my interest in me, and that sparked my interest even more. I've talked with Coach Lyght through this whole recruiting process, so I've been able to build a relationship with him.

"I just love how they play as a team. The tradition there is amazing, and you know they're going to build something great every year."

Additionally, Ahmed said Notre Dame could fill his needs academically, as he is looking to major in business marketing. He also has an interest in media communications.

"One thing I've talked to Coach Lyght about is marketing," he said. "The program is second to none over there. That's obviously another bonus with them."

Credit: 247Sports.com

Notre Dame's balance intrigues 4-star DE Paschal

Notre Dame has two defensive linemen committed, and Maryland 4-star end Joshua Paschal would be a major addition to the Irish roster. Paschal has a few schools in the mix as he continues his recruiting process but speaks very highly of what Notre Dame brings to the table.

"It's the academics and the balance of academics to athletics," said Paschal, a top-300 player and the nation's No. 9 strong-side defensive back in the 2017 class. "I also like the tradition of the school. It's very similar to my high school. It's a small school, and I like the religious part of it all."

Paschal, who attends Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, has Notre Dame high but also is considering schools like Oklahoma, Maryland, North Carolina and USC. He said he is looking to announced a top list of schools soon.

For now, he is enjoying the summer and preparing for the upcoming regular season. Camps and major events like The Opening have been beneficial for him in getting better on the field.

"This has been great," Paschal said of The Opening. "I'm doing what I love against the best competition in the country."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles