Defensive lineman Boubacar Traore officially signed with Notre Dame on National Signing Day, inking in his commitment with the Irish. Traore initially committed to Boston College in Aug. 2020, but he received an offer from Notre Dame on Oct. 2, 2021. Traore then de-committed from Boston College in March 2022 before verbally committing to the Irish on April 27, 2022. Traore also received offers from Pittsburgh and Michigan. Before his commitment to Notre Dame, many recruiting analysts thought Michigan had a great chance at landing Traore.
Traore received a 5.8 rating on Rivals, which places him in the lower end of the “All-American Candidate” section of Rivals. This status is designated for recruits who are considered next-tier elite prospects in the country and rank between 300-325 among all prospects. They are considered a national All-American candidate with the potential of being a second or third-round draft pick in the NFL.
Rivals lists the West Roxbury, Massachusetts, recruit at 6’4” and 245 pounds. He provides Notre Dame with more athleticism, size and power on the defensive line. Although Traore currently projects as a defensive end, he has a great frame that could add a lot of natural weight and strength during his time at Notre Dame. Traore could move over to the interior line depending on how he fills out.
Kyle Kelly, a Notre Dame recruiting analyst with Rivals, said the Irish expect Traore to have a big impact despite recent injuries.
“Another guy they’re excited about is Boubacar Traore,” Kelly said. “He’s battled some injuries, but I think they’re confident he’ll be healthy and can make an impact”
Traore joins a talented group of defensive linemen that will be looking to replace starters Isaiah Foskey and Jayson Ademilola in 2023. At defensive end specifically, junior Rylie Mills figures to be the starter in 2023. Senior Nana Osafo-Mensah and junior Alexander Ehrensberger also figure to be in the mix in 2023, likely preventing Traore from starting immediately. Traore, however, has the talent to see the field plenty his sophomore season and beyond.
Traore is one of four defensive lineman recruits in the 2023 class, joining Brenan Vernon, Devan Houstan and Armel Mukam.
Contact Nate Moller at nmoller2@nd.edu.
