Rodney Dunham Chooses Notre Dame Over Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia
​Rodney Dunham, a five-star edge rusher from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on April 10, 2025. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 227 pounds, Dunham chose Notre Dame over other elite programs, including Georgia, South Carolina, Duke, Tennessee, Ohio State, Alabama, and Michigan. ​Irish Sports Daily+8One Foot Down+8Yardbarker+8
Recruitment Journey
Dunham’s recruitment journey began when Notre Dame extended a scholarship offer during their “Pot of Gold” event in March 2024. At that time, Dunham expressed his enthusiasm about the offer, acknowledging Notre Dame’s rich football history and the quality of education the institution provides. ​jkfootballupdates.com+2Irish Sports Daily+2SI+2
Over the next year, Dunham’s recruitment intensified, with Notre Dame emerging as a leading contender. In March 2025, he named Notre Dame as one of his five finalists, alongside Georgia, South Carolina, Duke, and Tennessee. He scheduled official visits to each of these programs, with Notre Dame’s visit set for June 14-16, 2025. ​SI+4jkfootballupdates.com+4AtoZ Sports+4AtoZ Sports+4Irish Sports Daily+4Yardbarker+4Yardbarker+1Irish Sports Daily+1
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, including Al Washington, Marcus Freeman, Al Golden, Al Washington, and Nick Sebastian, maintained consistent communication with Dunham throughout his recruitment. This persistent engagement played a significant role in Dunham’s growing interest in the program. ​Irish Sports Daily+1One Foot Down+1
Player Profile
On the field, Dunham is recognized for his athleticism and potential as a pass rusher. Scouts highlight his ability to dip and bend around the edge, showcasing a burst that allows him to close gaps quickly. While he possesses a strong frame, further development in technique and physicality is anticipated as he transitions to the collegiate level. ​One Foot Down+1AtoZ Sports+1
Beyond football, Dunham is also an accomplished baseball player, excelling as a pitcher. He has expressed aspirations to play both football and baseball in college, a pursuit Notre Dame has shown support for. ​AtoZ Sports+3Irish Sports Daily+3jkfootballupdates.com+3
Impact on Notre Dame’s Recruiting
Dunham’s commitment is a significant milestone for Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class. He becomes the ninth commitment and the third from North Carolina, joining elite pass-rusher Ebenezer Ewetade. This trend underscores Notre Dame’s growing influence in the Carolinas, a region traditionally rich in football talent. ​AtoZ Sports+7One Foot Down+7Irish Sports Daily+7
The addition of Dunham bolsters Notre Dame’s defensive end talent, aligning with the program’s objective to enhance its pass-rushing capabilities. His commitment elevates Notre Dame to the seventh spot in the 247 Team Composite Rankings, reflecting the program’s successful recruiting efforts. ​One Foot Down
Conclusion
Rodney Dunham’s decision to commit to Notre Dame highlights the program’s effective recruitment strategy and its ability to attract top-tier talent from across the nation. As Dunham prepares to join the Fighting Irish, both football and baseball fans eagerly anticipate his contributions to Notre Dame’s athletic legacy.
