Rocco Spindler, one of the nation’s top offensive linemen in the 20 recruiting class, announced his commitment to Notre Dame live just after 6pm EDT on Saturday CBS Sports HQ. Spindler beat Fighting Irish over his four other finalists, which included Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU.
The industry-generated 247Sport composer rates the Clarkston (Mich.) High School standout as a high-profile four-star recruiter who ranks in the nation’s top 50 and in No. 48 in the 20 recruiting class. He is also ranked No. 3 among 2021 offensive guard prospects, as well as No. 3 in the state of Michigan for his class.
Add Spindler to the class shot Notre Dame after 14 promises in the 2021. Cycle now with Spindler in the fold, moving the Irish up from no. 13 to no. 11 nationally in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings for the 2021 cycle.
Notre Dame led the 247Sports Crystal Ball ahead of Spindler’s commitment decision of 6 feet-4, 315 pounds. The Fighting Irish had received two forecasts from lead experts since Tuesday, and the five most recent predictions dating back to early March. Michigan finished second on the Crystal Ball entering the announcement.
Spindler has been on the line for Clarkston High since his freshman season started both ways. Spindler, who has a background in wrestling, helped Clarkston to the Michigan Division I state championship as a freshman in 2017, then completed a runner-up in order the following year. In addition to the five finalists, Spindler has reported offers from programs such as Alabama, Arizona State, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Pitt, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Spindler is a legitimate Power Five-caliber prospect on opposite sides of the ball, though his potential on offense is considered higher. Spindler has a strong football pedigree as the son of defensive lineman Marc Spindler, an all-American selection at Pitt and 1990 NFL Draft pick of third round who played nearly a decade in the league for the Detroit Lions and New York Jets.
The following is the 247Sports scouting report on Spindler from Midwest Region recruiting analyst Allen Trieu, who compares Spindler favorably to Dallas Cowboys star Zack Martin:
“Does not carry a lot of bad weight. Natural ability. Could play offensively as a defensive line in college. Has played varsity against strong competition since his New Year season. Will come into college to work and compete at that level. Plays hard and aggressively .Has a wrestling background, and this is evident in his power and ability to use charges.A good athlete who can pull blocks in space and make on offense and play track on defense.Can see him at Under Armor Future 50 and in workout settings.Is not a ballerina with shorts and t-shirts, but did well at UA against good competition.Competitiveness, technique and cleverness keep him at a national level, even like other offensive linemen who in “are the same range, can test or camp better. Has all the qualities necessary to be an influential player in college and a potential early impact player. Has an early ceiling of the NFL concept.”
