| 12 October 2009
As the U$C games approaches, I am reminded of Notre Dame's recruiting efforts thus far this year. It currently holds 15 commitments and sits at #11 overall according to Rivals.com. Not bad, but Notre Dame is definitely not done- and neither is the rest of the country.
Back to the U$C game... this game has importance beyond importance. A win could vault the Irish to a level of National respect not seen it quite some time, it would solidify the recruiting commitments thus far, it would be a big boost with the recruiting prospects ND is still pursuing, and it would take Charlie Weis off of the weekly hot seat.
That's a lot of shit that could be affected in a 60 minute game. The Biscuit at Her Loyal Sons did a nice write up on the official visits for the game against the Condoms.
Let's take a quick, but closer look at the situation...
According to the eligibility chart for the 2010 season, after these 15 commitments that the Irish have thus far, there is only room for 5 more players. This is not all that "exact." Let me explain:
- Of the 8 players that are eligible for a 5th year, I would bet that only 3-4 of those players would not be invited back. (Wade, Burkhart, and Gallup for sure).
- That brings the available schollies to 9 left.
- I have read musings about early enrollment and a total of 3 players. I think some of these are mere rumors, so I'll round down to 2 early enrollees.
- Now that brings the number up to 11.
- I am totally assuming that Clausen and the rest of the juniors will be back next year.
So 11 players to bring the total limit to 26 for the class. I think that may be a bit high, but I'll roll with it for arguments sake. Let's see what may happen by position. Players in red are visiting for the U$C game and are uncommitted to ND.
Quarterback
Done. Andrew Hendrix and Tommy Rees are both coming aboard to compete for the position. This didn't exactly work with Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer, but that doesn't mean it will fail either. Regardless, they should be sitting behind Crist for 2-3 years anyways.
Running Back
I didn't expect ND to go after more than one running back in this class, but they are. Cameron Roberson committed to Notre Dame after the Nevada game, but Weis is still gunning for another back. Giovanni Bernard and Jordan James still hold solid offers from ND and I expect that one of them may still become Irish.
Wide Receiver
With two commitments in place in Bennet Jackson and Daniel Smith, Notre Dame is struggling to get the 3rd and 4th commitments that they desire. There is still plenty of time and prospects for this position, but losing out on Justin McCay and Kyle Prater hurts ND. There is hope. Stanford commitment Tai-ler Jones is still interested in ND and Illinois commitment, Corey Cooper, is still very interested- especially after the season that Illinois is having. Two other names in the mix; Darius White and Marquis Flowers.
Tight End
Done- that I know of. Notre Dame only needed one TE commitment in this class when it started, but I have heard they are still courting Fiedorowicz. Alex Welch is still a very big pick up for the Irish and will help ND down the road.
Offensive Line
Still need a lot of help here, even after commitment from Christian Lombard, Notre Dame needs a lot of help. 4 players still hold offers that have some interest: Seantrel Henderson, Matt James, James Stone, and Brandon Linder. Of these 4, I actually think James Stone is ours to lose. Henderson will need some big time help. Linder sis teetering, and Matt James is anybodies guess between Cincy and ND. (My sources in Cincy say he is 50/50).
Defensive Line
This has been and continues to be a trouble spot for the Irish. Notre Dame has some big commitments from Chris Martin, Blake Leuders, and Justin Utupo right now, but they are still in need of more. JR Ferguson is visiting for the UConn game and his 5 star talent would be a huge addition. Bruce Gaston and Beau Allen are guys that could help add depth and become good players. Louis Nix is visiting ND a 3rd time- this time on his own dime. Nix is a monster of a DT and would be exactly what ND needs right now. This group could be the one that makes this class great.
Linebackers
Done. Prince Shembo and Kendall Moore provide a nice duo to add to the already good group of linebackers already at ND. When was the last time ND had this much talent in South Bend at LB? The whole scenario could be jilted if Te'o goes on his mission. Until then, ND is still in good shape.
Cornerback
The secondary, especially the corners, were supposed to be the strength of the Irish defense this year. So far, it hasn't been ideal. ND has two commitments from Lo Wood and Spencer Boyd, but have offers and visits coming from Joshua Shaw and Cody Riggs. I have to think that ND would only take the first of the two to commit, but they could take both because Shaw could be a safety prospect as well. Even if neither choose ND, the Irish are sitting with two very good corners in Wood and Boyd and have depth for the next couple of years.
Safety
This is a position that is crucial this year. ND got a commitment from Chris Badger after he decommitted from Stanford. Still, ND would like to take two more. Dietrich Riley, Sean Parker, David Amerson, and Devon Carrington remain on the board with Carrington a soft Stanford commitment. My best guess is that Parker and Amerson end up Irish- but anything can happen. The first two to pull the trigger could include any from the four listed.
As you can tell from the red names, the U$C game is HUGE. The future of this program is hinging on a win. Not a close loss- but a win. That's not to say that ND would not be able to land a top 10 class with a loss, but i think we could see a top 5 class with a win.
Here is the eligibility chart for 2010 below. You can draw your own conclusions to how the recruiting season will shape up. I said 11 left on the board, and 11 names are in red. Coincidence? Maybe. But this staff knows what they're doing when it comes to recruiting. Let's hope the risk pays off.
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