Another blue-chipper joins the 2023 class

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish remain HOT on the recruiting trail after they gained a commitment on Wednesday from 4-Star defensive lineman Boubacar Traore. The 6’5” 240 pounder from West Roxbury, Massachusetts, chose the Irish over an offer list that included the Michigan Wolverines and Pittsburgh Panthers.

Boubacar Traore gave the Boston College Eagles a commitment back in August of 2020, but had a change of heart this past March when he finally decommitted in March.

Evaluation from 247’s Brian Dohn:

Verified size with nearly 80-inch wing span. High-level athlete with versatility as defensive end or interior defensive lineman. Has frame to play at 250 pounds or bulk up to 280. Brother of NFL offensive lineman Badara Traore. Missed much of junior season with foot injury. Sophomore season limited to four games because of pandemic so plenty of room for development. Shows twitch in firing off ball. Stays low and explodes up and into offensive lineman. Lower body flexibility allows for shoulder dip to gain edge. Effective in back side pursuit. Demonstrates body control in 1-on-1 tackling situations in space. Changes direction well. Shows some stack-and-shed ability. Has to continue to develop upper body strength. Relies heavily on speed so needs to work on technique, particularly with hands, and ability to get inside. All-conference potential at Power 5 level. Early round NFL draft potential.

Traore is the 11th commitment of the 2023 Notre Dame recruiting class and the second 4-Star player from the state of Massachusetts. (That Barry Gallup Jr. pipeline is strong). Currently Notre Dame has the #1 class in the country according to both the 247 Team Composite and the On3 Consensus Team rankings.

This #1 class is truly anchored right now by the defense — and in particular the defensive line. With 5-Star Keon Keeley as a VYPER and the ability of both Boubacar Traore and Brennan Vernon to play inside or outside, the Irish could be done along the line this cycle — but will still continue to go hard after a couple of Maryland 4-Star DL in Jason Moore and Devan Houstan.

This is a fantastic pickup for the Irish — and one we have been waiting on for about a month now to be public. Traore is a top 100 overall player according to ESPN, 247 Sports, and On3. His small offer list is really only due to his longtime commitment to BC and because of the state that he resides. Traore is a huge win for the Irish in a class that will finish as one of the best on the nation come signing day.

FIST PUMPS UP FOR BOUBACAR!