Irish Sports Daily

How many scholarships will Notre Dame award recruits for the 2014 class? The number will start at one point, but it shall rise. More importantly, will the Irish land the studs needed to win a national title?

As a given rule, always add two scholarships to the total to be given out from the original allotment to be awarded. Why? Career-ending injuries, transfers, early departures to the NFL, and fifth-year decisions change roster management. The number the Irish coaching staff will be working with, at least now, will be 18. I’m going with 20, and that’s bottom end. Hopefully the Irish sign five or six first round draft picks within those 20 recruits. Here’s my perspective for each Position:

QB – 0/1

Redshirt sophomore Everett Golson could play through the 2015 season. It will be hard to recruit quarterbacks, assuming the roster stays intact. I highly doubt that it does. A position that goes through a high level of transfer attrition would be quarterback because most teams simply play one signal caller. Therefore, quarterbacks transfer. I will be surprised if Gunner Kiel sticks around for the 2014 season. He’s simply stuck behind Golson, and there’s only one year of eligibility difference. Maybe I will be proven wrong, but the odds of Kiel passing Golson on the depth chart appear to be very low. If Kiel does leave it will likely be before or shortly after the 2013 season so that he can begin practicing at a new school. If he does decide to stay, I have a feeling Notre Dame will end up with one of two scenarios: signing a mid-level quarterback recruit that simply loves Notre Dame or none at all. The signing of Malik Zaire will not make signing a signal caller any easier. Again, most quarterbacks want to play, not ride the pine. Bottom line, there’s a good chance a scholarship opens up via the quarterback position.

RB – 1/2

I expect Notre Dame to ardently pursue only the truly elite running backs and see where it goes, or maybe not? The odds on favorite to sign with the Irish, of course, will be Elijah Hood from Charlotte, NC (Christian). The Irish lead for his services. Assuming he pulls the trigger by no later than July, he will likely be the only ball carrier to sign with Notre Dame this year. Then again, perhaps Notre Dame will take another slot back/running back candidate such as Derrell Scott from Havelock, NC. Two running backs will not be out of the question, much like last year’s recruiting haul with Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston.

WR – 2/3

This area will be all about which wide receivers actually want to come. With the talented Justin Brent from Indianapolis, IN (Speedway) in the fold, Notre Dame will be selective. Many of their top targets appear to be prospects that will wait out the recruiting process and take visits. Landing a second wide receiver should not be that hard. If a third wide receiver signs, it will need to be a very talented player, a home run hitter, if one will.

TE – 1/2

With the Irish operating from more and more two-tight end sets, there will be a need to utilize more roster spots on tight ends. Much like wide receiver, an extra tight end will need to be very talented. Then again, with the ridiculous amount of injury attrition Notre Dame tight ends suffered through during the course of the past decade, a second tight end is almost a must if the Irish want to continue to use two-tight end sets that do not include true freshmen being in the rotation. Tight ends, like offensive linemen, usually need a season or two of strength and conditioning before being physically ready to play. The wildcard will be Alex Welch. Will he be willing to come back for a fifth-year? Will he be capable of returning to the really good blocker before his knee injury? I error on the side of caution with knee injuries because of the unpredictable nature knee injuries bring. Until otherwise proven, I am not projecting him back for 2014. That’s just my nature. I hope he’s capable and plays at a high level. If so, Notre Dame could sign just one tight end. At least that’s an option.

OT – 2/3

Tackles move to guard, guards do not move to tackle, or at least that’s the general rule. Notre Dame needs to sign offensive tackles with elite athleticism and size. The national title game displayed the difference with SEC schools: dominant offensive line play. Notre Dame must become much more physical up front. The best way to do that derives from signing elite tackles and figuring out the best overall lineup from that group. From a personal perspective, Notre Dame still needs an ‘Ogre’ at right tackle (and preferably one at left tackle, too). This player needs to be an absolutely massive, mean, physically dominant, and occasionally on the edge of gaining personal foul penalties type of player that sets a tone during each game. The last such player I remember would be Jeff Faine over a decade ago, and he did it as a center. Notre Dame needs that tackle to set the edge for every down, but especially those short yardage plays where everyone in the stadium knows that the Irish will run the football. If the opportunity to sign three tackles arises, I honestly believe Notre Dame will do it. Moving tackles to guard or center happens all the time, so take the best athletes, and those athletes generally play offensive tackle. Because I feel this position will be the most critical, overall, of the entire recruiting class, here’s a list of top offensive tackles Notre Dame offered that I feel could be game changers. The Irish absolutely must sign at least one elite tackle this year.

Cameron Robinson, 6-6, 325, West Monroe, LA – I would take this young man over every other offensive tackle on the board, and it’s not because I believe he’s definitively the best offensive tackle. It’s his intimidating presence and style of play that leads me to rating him no. 1 on the board. He’s the quintessential ‘Ogre’ recruit that Notre Dame needs.  He’s just massive and throws people around. This is the type of player that almost always stays in the SEC. Notre Dame must find a way to sign a few guys like this if it wants to defeat top SEC programs come bowl season. The Irish offered long ago. The first step comes with Robinson visiting Notre Dame, and hopefully sooner than later. Do not count Notre Dame out.

Donnell Stanley, 6-4, 320, Latta, SC – Could also play offensive guard. Stanley fits the ‘Ogre’ analogy quite well, just like Robinson. He’s a powerful young man. I would love for the Irish to land Stanley.

Jamarco Jones, 6-5, 285, Chicago, IL (De La Salle) – Could play tackle or guard. He’s very raw, but he’s also athletic. He’s one of those young men that could blossom into something special down the road.

K.C. McDermott, 6-5, 285, Wellington, FL (Palm Beach Central) – Notre Dame appears to be towards the front of the pack for his services, but his brother played for Miami so the Hurricanes will be a team to watch. National recruit.

Braden Smith, 6-6, 280, Olathe, KS (South) – A very fluid athlete with the skills to play the all-important left tackle position. Like McDermott, the Irish appear to be within the lead group to sign the talented prospect. Also like McDermott, he’s a national recruit.

Casey Tucker, 6-5, 275, Chandler, AZ (Hamilton) – An early Southern California commitment that continues to speak with several schools, Tucker plays with a nasty streak that I like. Notre Dame holds his interest.

OG – 1

Signing two could happen, but I hope it does not. If the Irish land Sam Mustipher from Olney, MD (Good Counsel) I believe they should call it a day. Go after the athletic offensive tackles first. See what happens. This will be interesting to watch because the Irish appear to be in on a plethora of good offensive tackle prospects, but many of them could wait until very late in the recruiting process to make a final decision. Will the Irish coaching staff be patient and wait it out or take another inside guy as the safe pick? It’s much, much easier to sign interior offensive linemen because there are more of them.

C – 0/1

If a handful of the current and incoming freshmen work out at center, there’s really no need to sign a center. The performance of the players on the roster this fall will dictate the result.

OLB – 1

A stud. A dominant player. Notre Dame needs just one, but that player must be really good. Further, he needs to be somewhat versatile so that he can cover in space at least occasionally. The most important skill will be a pass rusher, however, and the recruit Notre Dame set its sights upon would Andrew Williams from McDonough, GA (Eagle’s Landing Christian). I believe he will be an early Notre Dame commitment.

ILB – 2

I am concerned about this position because like offensive tackle, the truly elite players are rare, and many of them decide late. It’s great that Notre Dame added Greer Martini already. He alleviates some of the pressure. My best guess for the second inside linebacker will be Nyles Morgan from Crete, IL (Crete Monee). If it’s not him, however, signing a second high level inside linebacker could be quite difficult.

DE – 2/3

This will be a position of flexibility. If a second really good nose guard wants to jump onboard, great! At least that’s my take. At worst, Notre Dame needs some wide bodies with enough skill to push the pocket and play the run. Jay Hayes from Brooklyn, NY (Poly Prep) started Notre Dame in the proper direction. At least one more defensive end will be needed, and if a third wants to jump on board that would be preferred. Lots of candidates, but as always it will be difficult to sign the best defensive linemen because of how much each school covets their services.

NG – 1/2

At the end of the day, four defensive linemen will be needed. At least one of those defensive linemen needs to be a behemoth interior player, or at least a player that can grow into that stature. Enoch Smith, Jr. from Chicago, IL (Mount Carmel) appears to be the best bet, but do not discount Notre Dame signing another interior player that could also swing outside and play a little defensive end.

CB – 2

This will be one of Notre Dame’s greatest challenges. After signing three cornerbacks this past February, it will be hard to attract two more cornerbacks this next February. Consistency will be the key because teams simply pass the football more than ever before. Numbers at cornerback will be paramount to help ensure Notre Dame places two very good cornerbacks on the field for years to come. The past twenty years of Notre Dame Football displayed just how easy it can be to destroy a defense if even one of the two starting cornerbacks lacks the talent to play major college football. Numbers, numbers, numbers!

S – 0/1

If Notre Dame signs a safety it must be a stud. It would be great to sign another top-notch safety, but the depth chart appears to be loaded with young prospects. It will be very hard to attract someone that can make an early dent into the depth chart. Thus, I doubt Notre Dame signs a safety.

ST – 0

It’s just not happening. No need for this recruiting cycle.

Final Thoughts

This recruiting class should end with 20 or more scholarships being handed out. There will be transfers and the like, and those loses will lead to recruiting gains. I expect Notre Dame to sign a recruiting class ranked some place between no. 5 and no. 10 in the major recruiting service rankings. Most importantly, this recruiting class should be about solidifying roster balance and signing a handful of difference makers at running back, wide receiver, offensive tackle, and at each position on defense, especially within the front seven.

Each year the Irish fight uphill to land the best defensive linemen. Few of the top defensive linemen come from cold weather states, and when they do it’s often Ohio defensive line prospects, where the Buckeyes rule the roost. This year presents a rare opportunity for Notre Dame.

With Jay Hayes, a highly touted defensive end prospect from Brooklyn already in the fold, Notre Dame started well. Now Notre Dame needs to land at least three more hand in the dirt front seven defenders with as much, if not more, talent. Not an easy task, but the stars appear to be aligning for Notre Dame. Here’s why.

New Jersey occasionally sends great players to Notre Dame. Notre Dame does not battle against weather concerns, there’s not a dominant in-state program, and many of the young men actually grow up rooting for Notre Dame. Enter Andrew Trumbetti. The 6-5, 250-pound defensive end appears to be leaning heavily to Notre Dame. Assuming his next unofficial visit to Notre Dame goes well, Irish fans should expect a commitment from Trumbetti to Notre Dame during or shortly after his South Bend. While many recruiting fans do not know much about Trumbetti, after his junior highlight video makes the rounds they soon will. He’s a tremendous prospect that rushes the passer as well as he plays the run. Even better news, Trumbetti is not the only northern defensive line prospect still on the board that Notre Dame holds a good chance to sign.

When Notre Dame recruits the state of Michigan one prime question needs to be asked before anything else. Did the recruit(s) in question grow up a Michigan fan? If the answer ends up being yes, well, the chances for Notre Dame signing that player tend to be quite low. With Malik McDowell, however, it appears that Notre Dame will battle Michigan State more than Michigan for his services. At least that’s the initial feeling about McDowell. He’s a 290-pound athlete in a big-man’s body. From a frame perspective, McDowell resembles Stephon Tuitt, although he’s probably not as physically mature at this stage of his life. Notre Dame will battle the two in-state programs for McDowell, and then there’s an old nemesis as well. Ohio State continues to ardently recruit McDowell, and the Buckeyes should not be counted out. Moving to Chicago, there will be defensive line options for the Irish as well.

The top target for the Irish will be Enoch Smith. With a rare amount of natural strength, Smith could be a future nose guard for the Irish. At 6-3, 265-pounds, Smith possesses plenty of room to grow. Notre Dame became the first major program to offer Smith, but will not be the last. Hopefully Smith makes his pledge to Notre Dame before making unofficial visits to other programs. He does appear to be a prime candidate to commit to Notre Dame before the end of spring practice. Another Illinois prospect recently began to emerge for Notre Dame.

Dylan Thompson provides the size at 6-5, 270-pounds to play in Notre Dame’s 3-4 defense, and he’s visiting Notre Dame in April according to ISD’s Christian McCollum. Ohio State recently offered and should be considered a major player for his services. Illinois also offered. Will Notre Dame extend an offer to stay in the race? This recruitment should be quite interesting for Notre Dame, and it leads to the overall prevailing thought.

Notre Dame needs four (if not five) really good to great defensive linemen within this class, and that does not count the CAT position (Prince Shembo’s position). If the Irish hope to defeat Alabama, that’s the type of recruiting necessary to win national championships. Signing three, perhaps even four defensive linemen from cold weather states would be a blessing. It’s just difficult to continually land Dixie’s best defensive linemen without any help from up North. This year appears to be the year Notre Dame finds itself in excellent position to cherry pick a top defensive lineman from states such as Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina instead of needing to sign multiple studs from those same states. With that said, Notre Dame will still need to land one or two from down South, but that’s better than four or more from down South. Finally, a few names to remember from Dixie that Notre Dame will likely pursue or already began to pursue:

Khairi Clark, DT, 6-3, 310, Hollywood, FL (Chaminade Madonna)

Gerald Willis III, DE, 6-3, 260, New Orleans, LA (Edna Karr)

Dontavius Russell, DT, 6-3, 300, Carrollton, GA

Dexter Wideman, DT, 6-3, 275, Saluda, SC

From impact players to the kids I expect to redshirt, here are my thoughts about the Notre Dame class of 2013.

Impact Players

Without a doubt Greg Bryant will be a major factor next season. I expect him to start at some point next year. He’s an every-down-running back. That’s hard to find. He’s one of those rare prospects that I will go ahead and call him a three-and-out player, i.e. he’ll turn pro early. His style of play fits the NFL quite well.

Perhaps the most talented safety to sign with Notre Dame since Bobby Taylor inked his letter of intent in 1992 would be Max Redfield. The one time Southern California commitment will make a major contribution. Much like Bryant, I expect him to start at some point next season. At the very least, he will be in the rotation because he brings the speed to the safety position that Notre Dame rarely signs. He’s just too gifted to stay off the field.

Jaylon Smith needs to find a position. Or does he? My guess will be for Smith to move around a little bit during his freshman season, especially during third down plays so that he can be a pass rusher that other teams will not definitively know where he will line up before the snap of the football. Perhaps he plays CAT, perhaps DOG, perhaps both. Regardless, Smith shall be playing quite a bit of football for the Irish next fall. Incredible talent, incredible young man!

Few prospects bring the versatility that Tarean Folson brings to the table. He could play safety, cornerback, wide receiver or running back. The Irish coaching staff will utilize him as a running back and slot wide receiver, a la Theo Riddick. With Riddick departing, there’s a chance that Folston could possibly seize a great deal of playing time next fall even with Bryant on the field at the same time. He’s one of the most mature young men I ever met, and I hold high expectations that Folston will eventually be a team captain and future NFL player.

Should play as a freshman

As athletic as Isaac Rochell proved to be during his high school career, it’s simply hard to learn the nuances of defensive line play. Further, Notre Dame returns ample defensive line talent for next season. Look for Rochell to play next year, but I do not see him logging major minutes versus Michigan, Stanford, and Southern California where one mental mistake could change the course of the game.

Notre Dame went from the outhouse to the penthouse with its cornerback situation last year. With two starters returning, plus the starter at nickel back, and Lo Wood returning from injury, it might be hard for a freshman cornerback to play significant minutes next year. Then again, Cole Luke should not be considered just any freshman. He’s extremely talented and at worst he should be a part of the special teams units for the Fighting Irish. Like Rochell, I expect him to earn some cornerback playing time versus some teams that Notre Dame should be prohibited favorites against like Temple, Purdue, and Navy.

Predicting the players that will redshirt can prove to be difficult

If I had my druthers, no player beyond the ones mentioned above will play next fall in an effort to preserve a year of eligibility. Due to injuries, that scenario will not likely play itself out the way I prefer it to play itself out. Time will tell, but most likely another three to five freshmen will play next year, even if just on special teams.

What I like best about this class

Balance. Finally. Notre Dame rarely signs recruiting classes with good balance. In fact, this might be the most well balanced class Notre Dame signed in the past decade. That’s important to note because opponents often times find a weakness and exploit it while Notre Dame’s best players become reduced in their role in a game. This type of recruiting class helps to reduce that trend.

Biggest concern

Will Malik Zaire be the heir apparent to Everett Golson? If a program does not do well at quarterback, that program is all but doomed to fail. Zaire fits the profile that the Notre Dame coaching staff wants for the quarterback position, but is he truly going to be able to transition from an option-based attack at the high school level to the fast paced offense that Notre Dame runs from time to time? It’s not a given that he will. Zaire’s athleticism and arm strength give me great hope, however, and I am confident that the Irish coaching staff will push to be great.

No player in this recruiting class should be questioned

This class represents the first class without a single recruit that I did not want since I began covering Notre Dame recruiting. I mean that. I’m very picky, yes, but I’m also a realist that understands for Notre Dame to compete for national titles every scholarship must count. This class will bring a great deal of competition to the practice field from day one of the 2013 fall camp. That’s good for the program. Down the line, I expect a great deal of these young men to be starters and major contributors.

We Want Eddie!

The smoke appears to be quite positive for Eddie Vanderdoes signing with Notre Dame. He’s obviously one of the most impressive defensive line prospects in the country with UCLA, Alabama, and Southern California being his other finalists. Stay tuned to the Irish Sports Daily message boards for up to the minute updates about Vanderdoes until his decision later tonight.

Player I would love to add to this class that never really considered Notre Dame

O.J. Howard, TE, 6-6, 230 Autuga, AL – He’s signing with Alabama. Why Howard? He’s the only kid that Jaylon Smith did not shut down during the camp circuit. That’s it. One player. That tells me quite a bit about Howard’s talent because Smith is a future NFL linebacker.

Final Thoughts

I am a very happy Notre Dame fan. This program needed another shot of athleticism and size, and that’s what Notre Dame signed today. Simply put, Irish fans should be very happy. This recruiting class will help Notre Dame remain a major factor in the national title race.

With one week remaining from national signing day, I offer my thoughts about which prospects will sign with the Irish. Additionally, I rate this Notre Dame class as it stands today.

Deon Hollins – There’s been more back-and-forth conjecture about this young man than just about any other prospect left on Notre Dame or any other program’s recruiting board. UCLA? Notre Dame? Perhaps he’s privately switched back and forth and the public does not even know it. In fact, that’s what I believe happened with Hollins (and happens with many 17-year olds) and could happen again.

My Prediction – Notre Dame lands the speed rusher. With that in mind, UCLA and Notre Dame will battle to the very last moment regardless of which program Hollins considers himself a commitment to today or will consider himself a commitment to tomorrow, et cetera.

Here’s Hollins’ Twitter account address if anyone would like some insight into his recruitment: https://twitter.com/hollins_deon

Terrodney Prevot – As the USC ship sinks further, there out-of-state options dwindle further. It would be one thing for the Trojans to keep most of the California talent, but it looks as if Prevot will sign with Texas A&M, or, perhaps Notre Dame if he makes his official visit. Much like Hollins, Prevot’s recruitment can be quite difficult to follow. Then again, perhaps Lane Kiffin pulls one out of the hat?

My guess is Prevot will visit Notre Dame because he’s intrigued, but with his earlier comments about how well he fits in at USC it’s hard for me to imagine he will like Notre Dame better.

My Prediction – Prevot will split the difference between USC and Notre Dame and select Texas A&M.

Tarean Folston – Irish fans should not discount Auburn. The Tigers hired former Florida State assistant coach Dameyune Craig, and he holds a strong relationship with Folston. As many people know, 17-year olds often make college decisions based on relationships, not academic rankings via US News & World Report, much to Notre Dame fans’ chagrin. I met Folston, and his father, while in Florida. Great kid, no doubt, and his dad proved to be classy, too. What they will base the final decision upon, however, I do not know. Folston always kept his thoughts close to the vest, and I doubt that changes between now and signing day.

My Prediction – Folston selects Notre Dame. I made this prediction based on Folston’s relationship with Irish assistant coach Tony Alford in combination with the chance to play early because Notre Dame needs running backs that can also play in the slot. I still believe this is a very close race.

Ty Isaac – I will cut to the chase, Isaac will not don the Blue & Gold.

My Prediction – USC.

Eddie Vanderdoes – Really hard to gauge what will happen with the California standout because he’s not completing any interviews. I will state that UCLA holds the family edge. He’s from California, there’s a specific family connection to UCLA, and of course the weather is much better in Westwood. From all I heard, USC is no longer a real contender.

My Prediction – I believe Notre Dame finishes second. UCLA wins out.

Kyle Fitts – Much like Vanderdoes, the local schools hold a big edge. If Fitts was going to pick Notre Dame, I believed he needed to be blown away on his visit and commit shortly thereafter. He did not.

My Prediction – UCLA.

Final Thoughts – Many fans will remember the negative of not landing more big fish at the end of the recruiting cycle because that’s what fans do. Do not be one of those fans. Overall, this is a great recruiting class. I just do not believe Notre Dame will finish as strong as it would like due in large part to the usual suspects: distance from home and weather.

I believe even if Notre Dame does not add another prospect that it’s definitive a top five class. Better yet, it’s a balanced class with talented prospects on both the offensive and defensive lines, and it adds quickness, speed, and size across the board. It’s a great haul.

This class holds up versus Alabama, Louisiana State, Texas A&M, South Carolina Florida, Florida State, and Georgia within a specific area that I believe Notre Dame lacked prior to this recruiting class. Depth along the offensive and defensive lines in conjunction with bringing in at least one stud on each side that can be a first round draft pick.

That’s really what it comes down to. Did Notre Dame close the gap, especially along the lines, with the SEC powers and Florida State? I say yes, and resoundingly so. Imagine The Aggies without their two outstanding offensive tackles this year. Imagine Florida State without its ridiculous defensive end talent and depth this year. Notre Dame needs to be on the same level at those positions in terms of talent and depth.

Obviously if I am correct and Notre Dame misses with Fitts and Vanderdoes it will be a blow, but it’s still a really good group in terms of quality. The offensive line haul is more powerful than any in recent memory. I believe that at least three of the five will be multi-year starters. Also I believe that Isaac Rochell will be a star at defensive end, a critical position for any team. Landing Max Redfield means signing a player that will reach the sideline and break up many of the passes that Alabama just murdered Notre Dame with in the National Title Game. I could go on and on. Notre Dame increased it’s athleticism at the skill positions. One final point to conclude about the Irish class.

It can be really hard to land a really good running back, let alone two, in one recruiting class. I believe that the combination of Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston will prove to be one of the better running back tandems in Notre Dame history.