Just a week ago, Notre Dame offered Kalon Gervin, a cornerback from Cass Tech in Detroit, MI. The crystal ball was 100% for Michigan already at the time, and it was assumed that Gervin — like so many before him at Cass Tech — would be an automatic Wolverine. However, just a week after his offer and a day after concluding a weekend trip to South Bend, Kalon Gervin committed to Notre Dame.

Gervin, listed at 5’11 180 lbs, becomes the first cornerback commit of the 2018 class for Notre Dame. After striking out at cornerback last cycle, it became a remarkably important position for this cycle. Gervin’s commitment not only gets the ball rolling, but it does so with legit talent.

Recruitment Service Rankings

247 Composite: 4-star (.9302), #162 overall, #10 ATH, #3 in MI

247 Sports: 4-star, 92 ranking, #158 overall, #9 ATH, #4 in MI

Rivals: 4-star, #90 overall, #11 CB, #2 in MI

Scout: 4-star, #296 overall, #28 CB, #1 CB in MI

ESPN: 4-star, 80 rating, #201 overall, #27 CB, #2 in MI

Cohort

Gervin chose Notre Dame over offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Arkansas, Cal, Colorado, Florida, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, LSU, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and others.

Highlights

From film, Gervin displays terrific feet. His technique is really advanced, and he displays fluid hips with quick burst. His acceleration allows him to break on balls quite well, and he looks like a savvy, natural cornerback in all of his movements.

Gervin is likely closer to 5’9 rather than 5’11, and size could be a hindrance for him in the future. However, he tends to play bigger than his size, and tackles pretty well in his highlights. Because of his speed and sound technique, Gervin should excel in the Notre Dame secondary.

Impact

The Notre Dame had a pretty straightforward message for Gervin this weekend: “We signed zero corners last cycle and are looking for guys who are ready to come in and play.” That message obviously paid dividends with Gervin ( I wish this pitch worked better for the WDE position).

Gervin will, indeed, likely have the opportunity to come in and push for some playing time as a true freshman. Credit the coaching staff for pulling in a kid from a Michigan breeding ground and getting the cornerback position off to a great start.

Welcome to the Irish family, Kalon!