While it is still extremely early in Notre Dame football’s fall camp, there have been multiple freshman that have stood out and over the weekend another one did the same. Ja’Kobe Clapper entered the program as just a 3-star prospect according to the 247Sports composite, but it looks like he may outplay his ranking. The 6-foot, 1-inch and 230-pound linebacker has had a great start to his Irish career and on Sunday caught the eye of position coach Brian Jean-Mary. Matt Freeman posted on social media that Jean-Mary was very excited about Clapper’s potential. He went on to say “I think he’s got a chance to have a pretty bright future here.” While that may be the case, it most likely won’t be early in his career, as there are multiple other linebackers that are ahead of him on the depth chart.
Clapper did have a very good high school career, while he did miss his junior season due to injury, he totaled 201 tackles and 15.5 tackles-for-loss during two season of play in Ohio. Occasionally he did play on the edge, so getting to the quarterback is something that he does well. However, it great news that Clapper is already showing the coaching staff that he can handle the position, and will be a future asset to the Notre Dame defense.
"He's a physical kid. Obviously not scared. Comes from a great program, so understands football. I think he's got a chance to have a pretty bright future here." - Notre Dame LB coach Brian Jean-Mary on freshman Ja'Kobe Clapper pic.twitter.com/9dFIqtPk2o — Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) August 16, 2026 Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Kevin on X: @KevLSmittie This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame freshman linebacker has impressed coaches during fall camp