National Signing Day is here. Here's a look at the defensive prospects who are expected to fax in their National Letters of Intent to Notre Dame today. You can check out our capsules on the five players who have already enrolled at classes here and you can see the offensive prospects here. Irish head coach Brian Kelly will hold a press conference at noon today introducing the Class of 2013
Notre Dame is set to bring in a quarterback, a pair of running backs, four receivers, two tight ends, five offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs. The Irish are also still in the running for California defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes, who will announce his decision later today. Notre Dame will also bring a punter in this class as a preferred walk-on, California’s Andrew Antognoli.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
JACOB MATUSKA (LOI RECEIVED)
Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley
6-5, 250
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ***
Scout: ****
247: ****
ESPN: ***
Comments: The Bishop Hartley standout played on both sides of the ball in 2012. On defense he had 49 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and one fumble recovery. Playing tight end on offense, he had 16 catches for 348 yards and four touchdowns in 2012. He also played linebacker for Bishop Hartley. Matuska committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Cincinnati, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Florida among others. The draw of playing for Notre Dame outweighed his drive to play tight end at the next level.
Bishop Hartley Head Coach Brad Burchfield: “Whatever he’s ranked, a four-star recruit, he’s a five-star person. He’s a pretty good student, his character is impeccable. He comes from a fantastic family. Obviously he’s been a great player for us. He won a state championship and (in 2011) helped lead us to an undefeated regular season.
“He’s a punishing blocker and a devastating defender. He takes away half of the field. Usually you say that about defensive backs, but as a linebacker, he’s able to take away half the field and prevent people from running to that side, which helps us as coaches.”
ISD resident coach Sean Mele: Matuska is a great find and has a super blend of size and athleticism. He’ll fit the defensive end role very well in Notre Dame’s 3-4 scheme. Once he fills out he’ll be stout enough to stop the run as he’s already agile enough to get to the quarterback. It isn’t easy to find players to fit that role, but this kid will be a tough, hardnosed player with skill that will help the Irish build depth at a position they’re going to need it. He needs to work on his pass rush moves, but that will come with time and good coaching.
Click for Mele’s full evaluation
ISAAC ROCHELL (LOI RECEIVED)
McDonough, Ga./Eagle’s Landing Christian
6-5, 265/4.70
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ****
Scout: ****
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: The Georgia product suffered a hand injury early in the season that kept him out of a couple games, but bounced back to help lead the Chargers to a state championship in 2012. Rochell committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech among several others.
Eagle’s Landing Christian Head Coach Jonathan Gess: “First and foremost, Isaac is a great football player. He’s a great lineman, who is very versatile and athletic. He’ll be able to do a lot to help Notre Dame.
“But more importantly, he’s a great leader and a great kid. He’s the kind of kid you want in your locker room. He’s the kind of kid who makes everybody around him better. He’s been the poster boy of everything our school represents. Notre Dame is getting an amazing kid.”
Mele: Rochell has the frame to be over 300 pounds by the time he’s a sophomore and be an effective defensive end for the Irish. He needs to develop more strength moving forward, but his arms are long and he is already very athletic. He was recruited as defensive player, but don’t be shocked if he’s a kid who makes the switch to offense should anything out of the ordinary happen to offensive line depth. He needs time to grow into himself wherever he ends up playing and could be a force by hs sophomore year.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
LINEBACKER
MICHAEL DEEB (LOI RECEIVED)
Plantation, Fla./American Heritage
6-2, 237
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ***
Scout: ***
247: ***
ESPN: ****
Comments: Deeb committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Boise State, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Mississippi State, Penn State, West Virginia and Wisconsin among several others. He recorded 95 tackles, four sacks and an interception as a senior. A fierce worker, Deeb is very excited to work with Irish defensive coordinator/linebacker coach Bob Diaco. Deeb is a great bet to be a leader on the field and in the weight room during his career.
American Heritage Head Coach Mike Rumph: “He’s one of the hardest working kids I’ve coached. He has a knack for the game of football. He’s always in the correct position. He’s a very, very tough, hard-nosed player who’s never been hurt. I think his potential is limitless because Michael’s a kid with a grown man mentality. He’s not an immature young guy.
“Michael has a plan mentally where he wants to be. He’s not just floating around and doing things. He has a plan for what he wants to do as a player, what he wants to do as a student and how he wants to become as a person. Michael has a plan academically, mentally and physically of what he wants to do at Notre Dame. I’m going to miss him a lot.”
Mele: Deeb will most likely end up at a MIKE linebacker because he is clearly most comfortable when playing inside the tackle box. He may seem out of his element when leaving the box in coverage or matching up with athletic backs one-on-one. He’s a legitimate run stopper though and possesses the ability to shut down a running attack. He’s smart, mature, and will know the defense like the back of his hand. He may not have the physical potential of some his counterparts, but the production is there.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
DOUG RANDOLPH (LOI RECEIVED)
Richmond, Va./Woodberry Forest
6-3, 238/4.65
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ****
Scout: ****
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: The talented linebacker suffered a leg injury early in the year and missed quite a few games, but when he got back he was all over the field and still accumulated 12 sacks in 2012. The Virginia product committed to Stanford early, but started to have second thoughts and decided to give Notre Dame another look, which worked in the Irish’s favor. Randolph also had offers from schools like Boston College and Virginia.
Woodberry Forest Head Coach Clint Alexander: “He’s very explosive. I think they see some upside to him. He’s an explosive pass rusher. He’s very athletic, he’s long. He’s just high energy with a big engine. He does everything full speed. I think that’s a big plus for him.
“Doug is certainly an explosive, special type of guy. There are some special things he does that some guys might not be able to do, where he’s just kind of that, I don’t know kind of that LT style. He can just do things that make you go, ‘Wow.’ It’s exciting.”
Mele: Randolph is a great fit at CAT linebacker for the Irish. He’s athletic, can rush the passer, and isn’t afraid to play in space or with his hand in the dirt. The only concern I have is his ability to stop the run against college level offensive lineman, but that will come with time. He’s an explosive player who can be physical and has a real nose for the football. He made a huge jump in talent from his junior to senior year and his film clearly showed the improvement.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
JAYLON SMITH (LOI RECEIVED)
Ft. Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers
6-3, 212
Rankings
ISD: *****
Rivals: *****
Scout: *****
247: *****
ESPN: *****
Comments: The highest-ranked player in the Irish’s class, Smith was a top target for Kelly and his staff from the start of the cycle. U.S. Army All-American impressed down San Antonio with his nonstop motor and ability to make plays all over the field. Smith committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC and Texas A&M among several others.
AWP Trainer Carl Thomas: “He’s a really hard worker. He’s kind of a lead-by-example guy. He’s not a very vocal guy. He just goes out there and does what needs to be done. You can tell he has great work ethic. His biggest thing moving forward is starting to really hit the weight room hard.
“Obviously, he’s a physical specimen as far as speed and movement. I would say he’s more naturally an athlete than a trained athlete. If you put him in a pro agility and a 40, yeah he can run great times, but he hasn’t even tapped his potential yet for where he’s going to end up being in four to five years. He’s kind of a raw athlete, but he can definitely do special things when he’s on the field moving around.”
Mele: Smith is the type of athlete that Notre Dame needed to land on the defensive side of the ball. He has SEC ability, which loosely translated means he can flat-out-run. He’s good enough to play in space, in the box, or off of the edge and will without a doubt get on the field his freshman year. Even if it’s to do a specific thing like rush the passer or cover a back out of the backfield, he’ll find his way on the field. He’s too good to leave a weapon of his caliber on the bench. He’ll end up playing DOG in a fulltime role because that will best utilize his speed and won’t get him buried into the boundary like CAT would.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
DEFENSIVE BACK
DEVIN BUTLER (LOI RECEIVED)
Washington D.C./Gonzaga
6-1, 183/4.60
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ***
Scout: ***
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: The talented cornerback had 46 tackles, five tackles-for-losses, one forced fumble, 10 pass breakups and one interception in 2012. The Semper Fi All-American committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Baylor, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin among several others. He played for Team USA in the International Bowl last night.
Gonzaga Head Coach Aaron Brady: “He’s a 6-1 corner who can run. He’s also done very well in track. Those two combined with great ball skills, he can go get the ball. I think everybody likes a tall corner nowadays with all of these tall receivers out there running around. If you can find a guy who’s tall that wants to play defense, that’s a catch.
“Most kids who are over 6-foot want to play offense. He’s really good on offense, but he likes hitting people and likes the contact on D. Don’t get me wrong, he likes catching touchdown passes too, but he really likes being on defense and that competition of covering somebody and being on an island.”
Mele: Obviously getting a taller corner that covers well is a benefit, but to be able to combine that with one who plays with a hitter’s mentality is even better. Butler can cover and has a great nose for the football. He also seeks out contact and looks forward to the big hit. He’s athletic enough to work in space, but excels in jamming a receiver on the line of scrimmage. He can be an asset in special times too because he’s experienced at returning kicks. He adds depth to a position the Irish desperately need it.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
MAX REDFIELD (LOI RECEIVED)
Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo
6-3, 200/4.50
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: *****
Scout: ****
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: The Under-Armour All-American committed early on in the recruiting process to USC, but decided to open up his recruitment after an official visit to Notre Dame, which was a clear sign that the Irish made a huge impression. Redfield committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, California, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington among several others.
Mission Viejo Head Coach Bob Johnson: “Football means a lot to him. He played extremely hard on both sides of the ball in high school. He’s a guy who loves to play the game and loves game night. He’s not shy of anything. He makes big plays and he’ll stick his face in the fan. He’s a tough kid. He’s a guy that gets to the football and loves playing ball. He’s a gamer. He’s not afraid of anything. He’ll be a big asset, I believe.”
Mele: Redfield was a tremendous “late game” pickup for Coach Kelly and the Irish. He will end up having great size to compliment his speed and physical style of play. He does many things you want a safety to do very well including support the run, read pass quickly, and create turnovers with his instincts and closing speed. Even with the wealth of safeties Notre Dame will have on the roster next season I believe he will compete right away for playing time.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
RASHAD KINLAW (LOI RECEIVED)
Galloway, N.J./Absegami
6-1, 177/4.45
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ***
Scout: ***
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: Kinlaw committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Boston College, Iowa, Nebraska, Penn State and directors among others. He missed several games at the end of his junior season with a leg injury and then missed the majority of his senior season after suffering another injury playing for Team USA last summer. Kinlaw spent the majority of his high school career playing quarterback, but there’s no worries about him making the transition to defense full time.
Absegami Head Coach Dennis Scuderi: “He’s a big, physical kid who runs. He’s very effortless with his movement, both when he’s driving on the ball and the way he changes direction. He’s just natural with his hips; he’s got great instincts and great ball skills.
“He’ll probably be around 188, 190 when he gets there and you have to figure they’ll put another five or six pounds on him. So he’ll be a 6-2, 195-pound corner, who runs in low-4.4 range, 4.42, 4.43 range. He’s been clocked at a 4.41 electronically at Rutgers, so even if he put a little bit more weight on, maybe he can even get faster in the right strength and conditioning program.
“He can play man-to-man; he can play many of their quarter stuff. When you talk about two-high, he can be a physical corner in the running game, especially if they’re using a slice corner to be a C or D gap run defender. He can do a variety of things and when you’re talking about college football and sub packages…I’d actually be very surprised if he doesn’t get on the field in some capacity next year
Mele: Kinlaw is a very talented football player who provides immediate depth at the cornerback position for the Irish. Although a majority of his playing experience in high school was limited to quarterback, he has athleticism from playing offense that will easily carry over when learning the finer points of being a corner. Coach Kelly has proven he can project offensive players to the defensive side of the ball with several Notre Dame players and I believe with a couple of years of experience under his belt Kinlaw will become a fine player for the Irish defense.
Click here to read Mele’s full evaluation
COLE LUKE (LOI RECEIVED)
Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton
6-0, 170
Rankings
ISD: ****
Rivals: ****
Scout: ****
247: ****
ESPN: ****
Comments: Luke committed to Notre Dame over offers from schools like Arizona, Arkansas, California, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, UCLA and Washington among several others. He played for former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Belles at Hamilton and is the first player Belles will send to his alma mater. Luke is the nephew of former Dallas Cowboy defensive back Darren Woodson.
Hamilton Head Coach Steve Belles: “He’s not just potential, he’s an actual doer. There’s a big difference I think than a kid who has a 40-inch vertical and can run a 4.3, but can’t do it on the field. Cole’s done it on the field.
“He shuts down the best receivers that we have faced. He makes big plays when a big play needs to be made…He’s just one of those special kids. He really plays within himself and he does all of the little things right. He’s kind of that player/coach on the field. He just gets the game. He’s one of those rare kids who doesn’t have a big ego. He does the little things right in and out of the classroom.”
Mele: Luke is a skilled and accomplished cornerback who the Irish are fortunate to have been able to snag in this recruiting class. He’s fast, technically sound, and has great instincts and ball skills. I think he’s the most technically sound cornerback in this recruiting class, edging Devin Butler by a hair. With the current Notre Dame cornerback situation Luke will have time to add the necessary bulk to his frame while honing his skills. He’ll compete for playing time, but I don’t think he’ll disrupt the current situation. I also believe that he’ll be a cornerback for the as long as he’s in South Bend due to his lack of size to play safety.
