Notre Dame’s secondary just got a serious injection of talent and upside. With three high-level defensive backs now in the fold, the Irish are building a future-proof perimeter defense that can hang with the explosive, spread-heavy offenses dominating college football today. Let’s break down the trio of Ayden Pouncey, Khary Adams, and Chaston Smith - three players with very different skill sets, but one common thread: game-changing potential.
Ayden Pouncey: Versatility, Speed, and Ball Skills
When Ayden Pouncey committed to Notre Dame back in April, it was a big win - not just because of his talent, but because of the sheer volume of programs chasing him. Forty-seven offers.
That’s not a typo. Nearly every major program in the country wanted him, and for good reason.
Pouncey is the kind of athlete who jumps off the screen. He’s long (over 6-foot-2), fluid, and flat-out fast.
Whether he’s locking down receivers, closing on a ball in flight, or flipping the field with a big play on offense, he plays with a burst that’s hard to teach. Notre Dame sees him as a cornerback, but he’s the type of guy you could plug in at receiver or safety and still get high-level production.
That kind of versatility is rare - and valuable.
What really sets him apart, though, are his instincts and ball skills. Through the first eight games of his senior season, he racked up six interceptions - a clear sign of his ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate throws, and make plays at all three levels of the field. He’s aggressive, confident, and has the kind of range that allows him to erase mistakes.
Yes, he’ll need to add some weight to his frame before he’s ready for the grind of college football, but the tools are there. He’s not just a coverage guy - he’ll come downhill and strike a ball carrier in space. With the right development, Pouncey has all-conference upside and could push for playing time early in his career.
Khary Adams: Elite Speed Meets Shutdown Potential
Khary Adams might be the crown jewel of this defensive back class. Ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the country and No. 24 overall, Adams brings a rare mix of track speed, physical traits, and football instincts. He’s the kind of prospect that defensive coordinators dream about - a true lockdown corner with NFL measurables and a high football IQ.
His athletic profile is ridiculous. We’re talking verified times of 10.74 in the 100 and 21.50 in the 200 - and that was as a sophomore.
At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, he has the length to match up with big receivers, and the recovery speed to erase separation in an instant. He’s not just fast - he’s explosive, and he’s learning how to weaponize that speed in coverage.
Adams made a noticeable leap in production as a junior, showing improved comfort in zone coverage and a knack for jumping passing lanes. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage, sticky in man coverage, and has the kind of ball skills that can flip a game in one play. Whether it’s at corner or in a hybrid role, he’s a guy who can impact the game in all three phases - defense, special teams, and even offense when needed.
Notre Dame beat out some heavy hitters for Adams - Auburn, USC, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State - and it’s easy to see why so many wanted him. He’s a high-upside, high-ceiling prospect with Day 1 NFL Draft traits. If he continues to develop under Mike Mickens, he could be a difference-maker for a playoff-caliber defense.
Chaston Smith: Physical, Tough, and Underrated
Chaston Smith might not have the same national buzz as Pouncey or Adams, but don’t sleep on his potential. The Tennessee native committed to Notre Dame over a year ago and never wavered, despite taking visits to Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas. That kind of loyalty - paired with his physical tools - makes him a foundational piece in this class.
At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Smith brings length and toughness to the cornerback room. He’s a feisty defender who plays with an edge, and he’s not afraid to mix it up at the line of scrimmage. His tape shows a player who’s comfortable in press coverage, uses his hands well, and competes through the catch point.
He’s not just a technician - he’s a tone-setter. Smith brings a physical presence to the perimeter and is the kind of corner who can disrupt timing and frustrate receivers. With a 247Sports Composite Rating of 0.9207, he’s ranked as the No. 22 cornerback nationally and the No. 7 player in Tennessee - solid numbers that reflect his potential, even if he’s flying a bit under the radar compared to his classmates.
Under Coach Mickens - widely considered one of the best defensive backs coaches in the country - Smith has a real chance to develop into a high-level contributor. He may not be the flashiest name in the class, but he could end up being one of the most reliable.
The Big Picture: A Secondary Built for Modern Football
In today’s college football landscape, where offenses are faster, wider, and more aggressive than ever, you need cornerbacks who can do it all - cover in space, play the run, create turnovers, and match up against elite athletes. Notre Dame just added three who check all those boxes.
Pouncey brings versatility and instincts. Adams brings elite speed and shutdown potential.
Smith brings physicality and consistency. Together, they form a trio that could anchor the Irish secondary for years to come.
Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens has quietly built one of the more impressive position groups in the country. With this haul, Notre Dame isn’t just keeping pace - they’re setting the tone.