SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A pair of Class of 2026 Notre Dame Football signees Ja’Kobe Clapper and Joey O’Brien were named to the 2025 National High School All-American Team as announced by the Maxwell Football Club.
Clapper was one of four linebackers selected to the defense, while O’Brien was one of two honorees at the athlete position. The honor recognizes the top high school football players in the country for their exceptional performance, leadership and impact on the game.
A total of 34 high school players were named as All-American selections for 2025.
Ja’Kobe Clapper
A 6-2 linebacker from Cincinnati, Ohio, Clapper was a two-time conference defensive player of the year at St. Xavier High School. He was an all-conference and all-state honoree during his prep career. Clapper helped lead the Bombers to an OHSAA Division I state runner-up finish in 2025.
During his senior season, Clapper amassed 109 total tackles with 11.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He added a fumble recovery and an interception return in the 2025 season.
Joey O’Brien
A 6-4 two-way player during his high school career from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, O’Brien was named the 2025 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and the MaxPreps Pennsylvania Player of the Year. While competing for La Salle Prep, he earned Philadelphia Catholic League First Team honors on both offense and defense while also being named the conference player of the year in 2025. O’Brien also helped lead the Explorers to the 2025 PIAA 6A State Championship.
O’Brien posted 85 catches for 1,250 yards and 18 touchdowns on offense while adding 49 tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended, a sack and a fumble recovery on defense in his senior season.