There’s still a month and a half until National Signing Day and while some schools are scrambling to fill their recruiting needs with Plan B players, Notre Dame is looking to finish out its 2013 recruiting class with some of the best prospects at their position in the nation. Right now the Irish appear to have more interested recruits than spots left and that has caused the Brian Kelly-led coaching staff to be very selective about whose commitment they accept and when. Last week Irish Sports Daily spoke to two highly regarded 2013 recruits that both have the Irish near the top of the list. What have you been missing by not being a member of Irish Sports Daily?
Max Redfield, S, 6-2, 200, Mission Viejo High School, Mission Viejo, CA is down to two schools and Notre Dame is one of them. The talented Californian was verbally committed to USC until an October visit to South Bend. After that he decommitted from the Trojans but they remain in his top two along with the Irish.
“I’m pretty much just torn now between Notre Dame and USC,” stated Redfield. “I’ll be announcing at the Under Armour game.”
After the Notre Dame visit in October, Redfield named the Irish as his leader but a late visit to USC pulled the Trojans back into the race. Redfield was visited recently by Notre Dame West Coast recruiter Mike Denbrock and the Irish coaches plan to be in his home at least once more before the recruiting dead period begins. Whether Redfield knows where he’s going or not, he’s certain that he has enough information to make that decision.
“I’ve been up to both schools, I’ve been in contact with the coaches three or four times a week, so I think I know everything I need to know to make the decision,” Redfield explained. “They both have great academics, great athletics and great coaches who I’ve built relationships with.”
Redfield (pictured) specifically commented on his attraction to Notre Dame.
“As far as Notre Dame, they have a great atmosphere and I believe the team is on the rise with a lot of great recruits going in there and a great atmosphere in the stadium and on campus. “
Redfield is actually looking forward to the dead period.
“My phone has been getting blown up for a while, so it’s going to be nice to relax a little bit and focus in on basketball.”
Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE, 6-4, 225, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Ramsey, NJ has kept his recruitment very low profile but his head coach, Greg Toal believes his talented defender is moving in the right direction. Though Muhammad has yet to take an official visit to Notre Dame, Toal believes that he will soon.
“I’m pretty sure he’s going to go sometime this month,” Toal informed Irish Sports Daily. “They’ve been recruiting him hard.”
Toal is very familiar with Notre Dame. His standout safety from last season’s team, Elijah Shumate, signed with the Irish last February. Toal isn’t a bit surprised that Muhammad is interested in Notre Dame.
“Obviously, everything about it,” stated the head coach of what interests Muhammad about the Irish. “They’re a great team and they have a tremendous tradition, the whole Notre Dame experience.”
Muhammad is also considering Alabama so it’s a safe bet that he will be watching the January 7th national championship game very closely.
“He’ll be tuned in I’m sure,” Toal said.
Toal understands exactly why the top two teams in the nation, as well as a veritable who’s who of other top programs are interested in his standout.
“He’s 6-4, a tremendous pass rusher with tremendous quickness,” explained Toal. “He’s got really good foot speed with really good hand speed. He’s pretty special.”
Some believe that Muhammad will announce his decision at next month’s Army All-American Bowl, but Toal isn’t certain.
“I don’t’ know if he’s going to do it then or not.”
These two summaries represent just a sample of the Notre Dame football recruiting information available each week on Irish Sports Daily.
