*Notre Dame* - On Vacation

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Thoros of Beer, Feb 3, 2016.

  1. NDfanPSUgrad

    NDfanPSUgrad Well-Known Member
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    Probably just trying to keep Polian from jumping to a Power 5 job.
    joking
     
  2. Red Rover

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    If Brey could recruit, the bball team would have Dickinson, Ivey, and Luka Garza all on the team this year

    Sigh
     
  3. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    garza? really??:feelsbadman:
     
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  4. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    Ivey is 100% a whiff, had to get that kid. The other 2 I get missing on.
     
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  5. Red Rover

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    Juwan Howard recruited Dickinson for a month and landed him

    Brey recruited him 5 years and couldn’t get it done. That’s a definite whiff imo
     
  6. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    The sad part is Michigan recruiting against us in hoops is like us recruiting against Boston College in football these days
     
  7. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    I was reading a BR article over the weekend that I can’t find. It might have been an ESPN link but they listed 10 teams with the easiest schedules next year and listed were UNC, Wisconsin, USC and Cincinnati. They don’t think very highly of ND.
     
  8. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    No one does, it seems everyone is just completely writing off ND for next season. Shit I kind of think ND might go 12-0 again and fuck around for another playoff berth

    ND is closer to 12-0 vs that schedule than 10-2
     
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  9. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    If Coan can be a 69% (nice) passer they will threaten for the playoff.
     
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  10. a1ND

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    Wiltfong with the CB for ND to Wesolak after talking to him over the weekend

    Loy said he's thinking about putting one in soon as well for Wesolak

    Plummer at Blue and Gold put in a CB for Teva to ND as well

    Dline recruiting is on an insane level right now...No truly elite player like Lynch or Tuitt but probably more well rounded from 1-5 than the 2011 class
     
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  11. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    A 3*? We suck again.
     
  12. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    yea but 6’5 lol
     
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  13. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    That bookstore team:ballin:
     
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  14. Voodoo

    Voodoo Fan of: Notre Dame
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    Ford, Wesolak, Lucas, and maybe even Gobaira might all be elite.
     
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  15. Wicket

    Wicket Fan: ND, PSV, Pool FC, Cricket, Urquel, Dog Crew
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    ishaq was elite as a prospect, rabasa had like 100 sacks in the top level in florida and depth pieces like springmann and niklas were at least solid, no way 2022 is touching that DL class from a recruiting standpoint in any interpretation
     
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  16. Red Rover

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  17. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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  18. SD_Irish

    SD_Irish El Mas Chingon
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    Still looks crazy. Still has man boobs. Probably intends to blitz every down with every player on defense. Likely still communicates in grunts and scowls. So what's new?
     
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  19. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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  20. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    Happy birthday Jerome Bettis
     
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  21. a1ND

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    apparently 247 is making the CB a big thing today so Loy is putting out 5. His first was a surprise

    A new prediction is in for Notre Dame on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. This relates to a prospect from the class of 2022.

    Here is the latest from Irish Illustrated.

    I’m predicting Notre Dame to land Denison (Texas) high school four-star running back Jadarian Price. The 5-11, 180-pounder is ranked as the No. 195 overall player in America, No. 21 running back nationally and No. 29 prospect in Texas from the class of 2022 per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. 247Sports ranks him a little lower as the No. 225 overall talent this cycle.

    The reason I am putting the pick in is I believe strongly Notre Dame is the team to beat as it stands today. I’m told the Fighting Irish coaching staff is very high on Price and would love to land him as part of a two-team class this cycle. In addition, I’m told Price is already working on getting to South Bend on his own for a self-guided visit and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the Fighting Irish pull further ahead at that time.

    Notre Dame, led by running backs coach Lance Taylor, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and special teams coordinator Brian Polian, continue to make Price a priority and the dialogue is strong between both sides. Others are surely in contention like Oklahoma State, Stanford, Texas, Auburn, Ohio State and others, but I like Notre Dame as it stands today.

    As a junior, Price rushed 174 times for 1,145 yards and 18 touchdowns.

    247Sports Scouting Report: Not a tall prospect, but plenty of frame space to continue adding bulk. Long-striding gait, especially relative to size. Shows impressive agility and quick-footedness in the hole. Regularly makes defenders miss in close quarters. Encouraging penchant for turning upfield instead of bouncing everything. Flashes good initial burst and above-average long speed, but can still improve top end. Will need to continue adding bulk to maximize strength. Very limited pass-catching opportunities. High-major talent long-term and could be one of the nation's top 2022 running back prospects.
     
  22. a1ND

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    Loy did clarify that these are all recruits he believes ND leads for as of today - not necessarily that they will land so that is a big distinction
     
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  23. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    Lol of course
     
  24. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    Why do these people even exist? I think they will get this guy, but also maybe not.
     
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  25. CTownND

    CTownND Well-Known Member
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    So they're devaluing the CB as being a true sign of "I have intel that X will land at School Y" to just "I think X might go to School Y" to drive clicks by making more happen?

    Sounds like a bad business decision.
     
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  26. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    100% allows them to create "new CB pick article" for clickbait
     
  27. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    Pelican please tell us you’re not going to be one of those people?
     
  28. Pelican

    Pelican COOL huh
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    Lost my crystal ball a year ago or so. Haters trying to hold me down.
     
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  29. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    lol weren’t you #1 for like two straight years
     
  30. Voodoo

    Voodoo Fan of: Notre Dame
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    Why
     
  31. Red Rover

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    Wiltfong Wounded imo
     
  32. Pelican

    Pelican COOL huh
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    Think they took it away from everyone who doesn't work for 247.
     
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  33. a1ND

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    from Sinclair

    An exercise I like to update every few months, I’ve put together my personal Top 10 Notre Dame recruits in the 2022 class.


    The offer board has swelled by more than 30 athletes over the last month. And so, there are a lot of new names emerging, recruitments heating up, prospects no longer in the picture, and those who seemed out of reach who are suddenly back in the ball game.

    As always for this list, I don’t consider recruits who’ve yet to comment on their Notre Dame offers, five-star recruits heavily leaning elsewhere, those who seem out of reach, or without cause to place in such a list.

    It doesn’t make sense to me to include recruits who won’t ever consider the Irish to any serious extent. And so, below are what I consider to be the Top 10 recruits on the board who seem reasonably viable for the Irish as things stand today.

    Although I don’t typically list these in order from 1-10, I did organize this group in that fashion.

    KALEB BROWN
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    (Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)

    Kaleb Brown will finally hit the field next month as Illinois moves ahead with a shortened season. And when he does, the blue-chip’er from Chicago will be packing about 20 pounds he didn’t have when he torched every defense on St. Rita’s schedule from the running back and receiver positions, and as a kick returner.



    Size was never much of a factor for Brown. But now that he’s around the 200-pound mark, this electric offensive weapon could have a new dynamic to his game.



    Brown has already proved to be one of the fastest wide receiver prospects in the Midwest, if not nationally. It’s said that he has sub-4.4 speed, and again, that’s exactly what Notre Dame needs.



    Impact: It might be fair to say that Kaleb Brown is A.J. Henning with more size and versatility. He wouldn’t only add a dynamic receiver that can stretch the field. He’d give Notre Dame a Swiss Army Knife-style offensive weapon that can be applied out wide, in the slot, in the backfield, and in the kick returner unit.

    XAVIER NWANKPA
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Brandon Huffman, 247Sports)
    There are others like five-star linebackers on Notre Dame’s board. But if there’s one specific recruiting win that would earn Marcus Freeman the highest level of praise in his debut class, it would be Xavier Nwankpa.

    We’ve had a close look at what a 6-foot-3 safety with All-American athleticism can bring to a defense. And while Notre Dame has added more tall, promising safeties in Khari Gee, Ryan Barnes, and Justin Walters, Nwankpa is the most promising safety who fits that box in the 2022 class.



    As a sophomore, Nwankpa proved to have safety size with cornerback cover skills. But as a junior, he showed outstanding physicality while more consistently making game-breaking plays. This is the safety who makes the highlight-reel open-field collision to break up a pass, or undercuts an out-route in the flat for an interception.



    We see safeties like Nwankpa annually but rarely are they from the Midwest, and it’s not often they have an offer from Princeton. This Top 50-ranked safety has that offer and he’s from Iowa.


    Impact: If Nwankpa chose the Irish, he would enter the program as Kyle Hamilton is very likely preparing for NFL action. Those are going to be big shoes to fill. And only athletes like Nwankpa have the talent that come close to what we’ve watched Hamilton apply on Saturdays.

    KADEN SAUNDERS
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    (Photo: 247Sports)
    In my opinion, the most important skill Notre Dame can add through the 2022 class is elite speed at the wide receiver position. Following two playoff losses over three seasons, that trait seems like the missing link.



    It seems Kaden Saunders may have the most of what Notre Dame is looking for. During a recent Midwest camp, the Ohio product snapped off a 4.31-sec. 40-yard dash. But if you watched Tom Loy’s video of Saunders’ one-on-one work from that weekend event, you know that his 40 time is only part of the story.



    * If you haven’t watched Loy’s video, it’s a must-see for Irish fans. Click here for that video.



    https://247sports.com/college/notre...re-Dame-Football-Penn-State-Commit-160975831/



    This is an exceptionally explosive route runner through not only his pure speed, but due to his remarkable fast-twitch athleticism, his core strength, balance, and small-space quickness. Saunders ran routes last Sunday as though he’s ready to line up in the slot for the Irish next September.



    Of course, he’s currently committed to Penn State. But could we see Saunders break from his pledge as tight end Holden Staes did last week before the Irish extended an offer?



    Impact: Jordan Johnson and Lorenzo Styles Jr. headline an up-and-coming receiver group at Notre Dame. But to truly threaten the best defenses, the Irish need as much sub-4.5 speed as possible, enough dynamic talent to ensure star power on the perimeter. And few can provide that the way Saunders can.

    ZACH RICE
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: 247Sports)
    There couldn’t be a Top 10 Notre Dame prospects list without an elite offensive tackle. And there is no more promising tackle considering the Irish than Zach Rice.



    Oftentimes, tackles with Rice’s skill are located in Texas, Florida, or elsewhere in the Southeast. And only a fraction of those towering linemen is academically permissible for Notre Dame.



    In this case, you have a blue-chip tackle with strong academic numbers in a region Notre Dame has posted significant recruiting wins recently. (Chris Tyree, for example). And Rice is a recruit who has a long-standing, close bond with one of Notre Dame’s best recruiters in Jeff Quinn.



    Rice has outstanding natural talent with a notable football pedigree. And he doesn’t let an ounce of that God-given talent go to waste, constantly training and shaping his craft. It’s all a part of why Rice is considered one of the top overall recruits on the board. And his pledge won’t come without a heavy recruiting battle, a fight Quinn took on long ago.



    Impact: Jarrett Patterson will be a senior next fall when Josh Lugg plays his final collegiate season. And although Notre Dame has several former high school All-Americans battling for a job at tackle, Rice would represent the highest-ranked lineman in the program if Quinn sealed the deal. And at Notre Dame, Top-25-ranked O-Line prospects aren’t out of reach. Rice could anchor the Irish offense for years.

    SEBASTIAN CHEEKS
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Tom Loy, 247Sports)
    There are several linebackers with comparable skills and potential to the small sample we’ve seen of Sebastian Cheeks. He’ll return to the field in a few weeks after a shortened sophomore season in 2019.



    But there are few linebackers on the board who fit Notre Dame like Cheeks, who show the maturity and long-term promise of the Chicago-area recruit. For the Fighting Irish, this linebacker is a prospect they simply have to recruit. He’s tailor-made for Notre Dame.



    On top of Cheeks’ fit, linebacker is a key position group for the Irish in 2022. And in doing my homework on Cheeks, right down to speaking with his childhood coach, I have the utmost confidence in this budding prospect.



    Certain pairs of athletes mix well together. And this is true with Irish commit Nolan Ziegler and Sebastian Cheeks. The Irish snagged one. Can they lure the other?



    It seems Notre Dame has very good odds in this recruitment.



    Impact: Notre Dame is loaded with numbers at linebacker. But by the time (hypothetically) Cheeks would enter the program, the bulk of the current linebackers will be seniors and fifth-year seniors at Notre Dame. Cheeks is an ideal linebacker to bring in and streamline for an early role. He seems to have the character and smarts to succeed at Notre Dame.

    DALLAN HAYDEN
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    (Photo: Ryan Callahan, 247Sports)

    It was a difficult choice. For this list, I wanted one running back. Choosing between Dallan Hayden or Nicholas Singleton put me in a bind. But the fact Hayden could also develop into a four-star-caliber cornerback served as the tie-breaker in my mind (similar to how Lorenzo Styles Jr. has Top 150 talent on both sides of the ball).



    When the Irish offered Hayden, his sophomore film left a lot of questions unanswered as he wasn’t the feature back in 2019. But, boy, did he ever prove his worth as a junior.



    The son of a former NFL running back and younger brother of a Division 1 running back, Hayden flashed his unique genetics when he averaged 8.7 yards per carry on 2,010 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also tacked on 10 catches for 127 yards. Defensively, he recorded 27 tackles and seven pass breakups.



    Hayden jacked up to 5-foot-11, 195 pounds with dynamic ability between the tackles. He’s extremely shifty is shaking defenders in space with exciting change-of-direction and balance. And that’s a recipe for success at the next level.



    Impact: The Irish added great size and power in Logan Diggs and Audric Estime. Hayden could add some dynamic quickness and playmaking ability in an Irish offense looking for a boost.

    JYAIRE BROWN
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)

    Only two of the Top 25-ranked cornerbacks in the 2022 class live in the Midwest. And while the Irish didn’t make the cut for Michigan’s Will Johnson, Jyaire Brown represents the only remaining Top 25 cornerback in the Midwest this cycle. And he’s currently pledged to the Buckeyes.



    This is a major hurdle in Notre Dame’s struggle to land top-quality cornerbacks even though the Irish recruit on a national scale.



    With Brown, the first hurdle, clearly, is his commitment to Ohio State. If he becomes available, it seems the recruiting duo of long-time confidants in Mike Mickens and Marcus Freeman could lead to a higher quality of cornerback heading to South Bend.



    Impact: Notre Dame hasn’t signed a Top 150 corner since Shaun Crawford in the 2015 class. It’s about time the Irish end that slump. And in a quality field corner prospect being pursued by two young assistants who grew up in his state (Ohio), Brown seems like the perfect prospect to snap that frustrating (and consequential) streak.

    DJ WESOLAK
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    (Photo: 247Sports)
    When I first watched DJ Wesolak’s junior-season film, I questioned whether Cyrus Moss – ranked significantly higher than Wesolak – was a better edge rusher than the Missouri recruit. It should be noted that without football in Nevada, we don’t know what Moss looks like in live action this school year.



    Until Moss competes again, I don’t know the answer to this question. But I can’t say that Moss is a better weak-side end recruit than Wesolak. Not yet, at least. Sure, Moss is a superb athlete, a former safety who brought those unique athletic skills down to the box. But I haven’t seen the violence in Moss that we’ve witnessed from Wesolak.



    First, his frame – 6-5, 230 – is what we usually see at top-end SEC programs. His bend and potential for beating tackles with leverage and his outstanding length is an exciting notion. And his explosive speed off the snap and in transition from speed to power is four-star-quality stuff. There’s just no way this is a three-star recruit. In fact, he’d be my top choice among the weak-side edge rushers considering Notre Dame.



    Impact: After signing a developmental trio of defensive ends in the 2021 class, Mike Elston is off to a very encouraging start to the 2022 group. Tyson Ford (6-5, 245) brings star power, and it’s easy to envision Aiden Gobaira (6-6, 235) blossoming into a havoc-creator on the weak-side. If Mike Elston can stack on Wesolak (6-5, 230), look out.

    NIUAFE TUIHALAMAKA
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: 247Sports)
    The need for a large linebacker class is legitimate. And while we so often discuss the strong and weak-side linebacker roles, Drew White will be leaving his mike linebacker post soon, and JD Bertrand and Bo Bauer will both be upperclassmen next fall.





    Few inside linebackers rank as high as Niuafe Tuihalamaka nationally. And from the sources I’ve spoken at length with, including Tuihalamaka, it seems that few four-star linebackers are as ideal student-athletes for Notre Dame than this 6-foot-2, 235-pound thumper.



    We all know that Tuihalamaka was committed to USC and that he’s now back on the open market. And since reopening his college search, the Fighting Irish became a legitimate contender.



    Out of Bishop Alemany, Tuihalamaka is a well-coached, focused, and determined football player. He’s a serious rugby player and has an impressive family background – his father played college football as a multi-sport athlete.



    Impact: Imagine a group with Nolan Ziegler, Sebastian Cheeks, and Tuihalamaka, and what that would mean for the future of the front-seven. It’ll be interesting to see what Marcus Freeman, a former NFL linebacker, will accomplish at the position.

    COOPER BARKATE
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: 247Sports, 247Sports)
    Beyond rankings and deep offer lists, there are certain prospects who the Irish just have to sign due to (and I hate using this over-used phrase) checking all the boxes for Notre Dame. In this case, literally all of them.






    I feel like Cooper Barkate is one of those prospects. And from a big-picture standpoint, what Notre Dame needs most in the 2022 class (in my opinion) is to improve the offensive skill positions. Whether it’s at safety or wide receiver, Barkate can do just that.



    His sophomore film shows outstanding quickness and a savvy approach to the game. He’s a special football player, and that’s why he’s slated to start at wide receiver at Mater Dei. Ordinary athletes don’t start at that position in that program. No sir.



    The aforementioned film was produced over a year ago. And looking at more recent footage, the explosive qualities he shows shouldn’t be cast aside. This is a dynamic athlete, and I don’t know that he doesn’t get a fair shake at the field or slot receiver positions in the event he chose the Irish.



    Impact: Let’s wait to see what Barkate does when Mater Dei returns to league action before assuming he’d play safety at Notre Dame. But one of the reasons he’s the ‘perfect fit’ for Notre Dame is his intelligence. And smart safeties with speed typically turn into playmakers. But either way, I just get the sense that this is a prospect the Irish need. I love his potential and his maturity.

    HONORABLE MENTION
    Every time I put together this Top 10, there is a handful of prospects who deserve to be on the list but I simply didn’t have room to include them. For example, there are a few outstanding offensive linemen who are Top 10-caliber but Notre Dame’s need for receivers and linebackers is much greater than the offensive line currently.

    Adding two receivers means I simply cannot fit two offensive linemen, or two running backs for that matter. And so, here are a few recruits who deserve to be in this Top 10 but didn’t quite fit.



    Nicholas Singleton: This is a premier running back with Top 100 value and feature-back potential. Had there been no pandemic, he would’ve camped at Notre Dame in the summer and returned for another game-day visit. Perhaps he should’ve been in the Top 10 over Hayden. It’ll be interesting to compare the two a few years from now.



    14COMMENTS
    Billy Schrauth: Had there been room for two offensive linemen in this list, Billy Schrauth would’ve been No. 2. Like Cheeks and Barkate, this 6-foot-5, 280-pounder is an exemplary fit for the Irish. And over the off-season, he dropped bad weight and replaced it with considerable muscle mass. I’m excited to cover his senior year.



    Robby Snelling: One of my favorite athletes in the entire class. I don’t know how likely it is that Snelling plays football and baseball at Notre Dame. But if it’s a plausible scenario, I will put him in the top half of my next Top 10. This linebacker’s striking ability is as good as I’ve seen in a very long time.



    Toriano Pride: Four-star cornerbacks from the Midwest are few and far between. We know that Toriano Pride has a friendship with Kyren Williams. Will he join him in South Bend? Right now, it doesn’t seem likely. But who knows? The defensive staff is under new management.



    Tyler Morris: Again, speed and playmaking ability at wide receiver is just so crucial to Notre Dame’s future. Coupled with Tyler Morris’ uniquely fitting qualities as a student-athlete for the Irish, he was a contender for this Top 10. Truly, this is an admirable young man with a very bright future.



    Anthony Lucas: Most four-star recruits from Arizona don’t seem in reach for Notre Dame. But when I first spoke with Anthony Lucas, he reminded me of the last Arizona four-star to choose the Irish in Tosh Baker. Ironically, the two know each other personally from the basketball scene in Phoenix. Could he be Sheldon Day with more size and length at the next level? I think it’s possible.
     
  34. a1ND

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    Loy CB scoop on previous picks

    It's Crystal Ball day at 247Sports. All day we have been looking into old picks, making new predictions, and giving Notre Dame fans all of the scoop on Fighting Irish recruiting.

    Now, let's take a look at picks that were previously put in and see where things stand with each of those targets.



    SLIDE1 of 10
    FOUR-STAR OL BILLY SCHRAUTH NOTRE DAME ON JULY 29, 2020
    I still like Notre Dame for Fond Du Lac (Wisc.) St. Mary’s Springs four-star offensive lineman Billy Schrauth. The 6-5, 285-pounder is still strongly considering Ohio State and Wisconsin, but I expect him to leave home and land in South Bend with the Fighting Irish. Offensive line coach Jeff Quinn is doing a really good job and while it’s rare to pull elite players from Wisconsin, I think the Irish can get this one done. My confidence in the pick is a 7 out of 10.



    SLIDE2 of 10
    THREE-STAR QB STEVE ANGELI NOTRE DAME ON AUG. 18, 2020
    As long as Notre Dame continues to push for him, I expect Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic three-star quarterback Steve Angeli to land with the Fighting Irish this cycle. The 6-2, 210-pounder has been high on Notre Dame long before the Irish extended an offer, but his relationship with quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has only made him love Notre Dame even more. Four-star quarterback Gavin Wimsatt remains in play with an offer in hand, but the one that could prevent Angeli from landing in the class is three-star quarterback Drew Allar, who could be next on the board with an offer from Notre Dame. If that is extended in the near future, all bets are off. As it stands now, my confidence in the pick is an 8 out of 10.



    SLIDE3 of 10
    FOUR-STAR WR KALEB BROWN MICHIGAN ON MAY 19, 2020
    Notre Dame is definitely in play for Chicago (Ill.) St. Rita four-star receiver Kaleb Brown, but as of today, my pick is in for Michigan. However, I’m considering changing it. I’m not there yet, but I’m actually close to picking Ohio State to land him. That said, the Fighting Irish are doing a good job here and are going to be ramping it up even more here. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander have him at the top of the board, No. 1 out of every target, but he’s a tough one to read. I think we have the Top 3 pretty much nailed, but Brown is a wildcard. He could pick a random school and it wouldn’t shock too many people. Alabama, for example, isn’t talked about a ton, but it wouldn’t surprise too many people to see him leave the midwest for Tuscaloosa. Either way, one lucky school is landing an elite talent in Brown and Notre Dame hopes that he ends up in South Bend. As it stands now, my confidence in the pick for Michigan is only a 5 out of 10.



    SLIDE4 of 10
    FOUR-STAR WR TYLER MORRIS MICHIGAN ON MAY 19, 2020
    I’m a little on the fence about the recruitment of Bolingbrook (Ill.) Nazareth Academy four-star receiver Tyler Morris. My 247Sports Crystal Ball has been on Michigan and I still feel the Wolverines have the edge here. His relationship with Josh Gattis is second to none and potentially playing with his good friend and former teammate JJ McCarthy is something that has always been appealing. Notre Dame is the next closest contender in this one and I think the Irish are a legitimate option, but I still think if the Fighting Irish can pull off a flip with four-star receiver Kaden Saunders from Penn State, Morris likely lands elsewhere. My confidence in the pick remains a 6 out of 10.



    SLIDE5 of 10
    FOUR-STAR LB SEBASTIAN CHEEKS NOTRE DAME ON NOV. 8, 2020
    I strongly believe that Notre Dame is the team to beat for Evanston (Ill.) Township four-star linebacker Sebastian Cheeks. Despite the loss of Clark Lea to Vanderbilt, the Fighting Irish have continued to put themselves in great shape due to the effort of defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman and senior analyst Nick Lezynski. Cheeks is a perfect fit at Notre Dame and despite a push from Michigan, Texas and others, I like Notre Dame to earn his commitment. My confidence in the pick is a 7 out of 10.



    SLIDE6 of 10
    THREE-STAR DT DONOVAN HINISH NOTRE DAME ON NOV. 19, 2020
    If Notre Dame has room for him, I absolutely expect Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic three-star defensive tackle Donovan Hinish in the class. However, I’m uncertain if there will be a spot for the 6-2, 270-pounder simply due to how well Notre Dame is recruiting along the defensive line. The Fighting Irish, led by defensive line coach Mike Elston, like Hinish a lot, especially with how well his older brother Kurt Hinish has performed at Notre Dame. Pittsburgh is definitely one to watch here if Hinish ends up choosing another school. Again, due to the uncertainty along the defensive front, my confidence in the pick has been dropped to a 5 out of 10. It was previously an 7.



    SLIDE7 of 10
    FOUR-STAR DE/ LB TEVARUA TAFITI NOTRE DAME ON DEC. 1, 2020
    I am confident that Notre Dame has the edge for Honolulu (Hawaii) Punahou four-star defensive end Tevarua Tafiti, who has over 20 scholarship offers to his name. The 6-3, 222-pounder is being heavily recruited by a terrific trio at Notre Dame including special teams coordinator and Hawaii-area recruiter Brian Polian, defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive coordinator coordinator. We recently spoke with Tafiti and he raved about all three coaches. That connection, as well as what Notre Dame provides its student-athletes, should be enough to eventually land Tafiti following a visit to campus, that could take place by the end of the summer. This would be a huge win. My confidence in the pick is a 7 out of 10 at this time.



    SLIDE8 of 10
    THREE-STAR DE ALEX BAUMAN NOTRE DAME ON DEC. 1, 2020
    This one is a lot like Donovan Hinish. If Notre Dame has room for Bauman, I absolutely expect Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic three-star defensive end Alex Bauman in the class. However, I’m uncertain if there will be a spot for the 6-4, 225-pounder simply due to how well Notre Dame is recruiting along the defensive line. The Fighting Irish, led by defensive line coach Mike Elston, like Bauman a lot, and jumped into the mix very early. However, I just don’t know if the Irish will have a spot for him. Like with Hinish, Pittsburgh is definitely one to watch here if he ends up choosing another school. Again, due to the uncertainty along the defensive front and how well the Irish are recruiting, my confidence in the pick has been dropped to a 5 out of 10. It was previously an 7.



    SLIDE9 of 10
    THREE-STAR DB/WR COOPER BARKATE NOTRE DAME ON JAN. 24, 2021
    Will he land at Notre Dame or follow in his father’s footsteps at UCLA? When looking at everything he is looking for in a school, both athletically and academically, Notre Dame seems to check off every box for Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei three-star defensive back Cooper Barkate. He’s a tremendous fit and Brian Polian and Marcus Freeman are pulling out all the stops to make sure he realizes that. There are some other heavy-hitters in this one and more will likely jump into the mix, but if the Irish stay on top of him throughout his recruitment, this is one Notre Dame should win. My confidence in the pick is a 7 out of 10.



    SLIDE10 of 10
    THREE-STAR WR ADDISON COPELAND NOTRE DAME ON FEB. 9, 2021
    4COMMENTS
    Following his decision to de-commit from Rutgers, Buffalo (N.Y.) Western New York Maritime Charter School three-star receiver Addition Copeland told 247Sports that the Fighting Irish were the favorites to land him at that time. Things are a little more dicey now that Penn State has jumped into the mix, but with Tommy Rees and DelVaughn Alexander pushing hard to secure his commitment and treating him like a priority target, Notre Dame is going to make it very difficult on every other school trying to land him. Despite his ranking, Notre Dame loves Copeland and will be recruiting him like a top target until he makes a decision. My confidence in the pick is a 7 out of 10.
     
  35. Robdog_5

    Robdog_5 Well-Known Member

    We do this every year at this point but if recruiting pans out like it could/should. Could be dynamic class
     
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  36. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    If Agnelli is going to commit I wish he would just get on with it so we can move on to the stanning for him as a sleeper stage instead of wondering about other/better prospects.
     
  37. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
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    This sentence on Kaleb Brown is confusing. He’s your #1 target on offense, and you haven’t had the full court press on the whole time?

     
  38. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    ehh this playing out like every Kelly class- ND is in it for every elite player from the Midwest who isnt from Detroit or Cleveland. ND is in it early for a bunch of Elite OL, the DB board is a mess, a bunch of west coast kids are saying they want to visit. This is literally every December through April of every year the last 5 years I feel like

    Usually come April, Ohio State starts leaning on the Midwest kids they want and few of those fall off the board. Michigan will randomly beat ND for 2 or 3 recruits usually cuz Harbaugh actually recruits. Stanford randomly grabs an OL ND thought they had a shot at. Clemson and Bama take some OL ND thought they had a shot at. Board continues to thin. ND then takes some random 3 stars cuz the top prospects are gone. DB recruiting continues to be a mess through the summer but eventually ND finds 5 guys who will play for them.

    Looking at the list Loy posted and the Sinclair list, its pretty easy to see this happening again
     
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  39. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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  40. Robdog_5

    Robdog_5 Well-Known Member

    Slow playing. He's not their top choice
     
  41. Robdog_5

    Robdog_5 Well-Known Member

    I agree which is why I put in my post this is like every year. Defense feels different with Freeman
     
  42. IrishLAX2

    IrishLAX2 So you’re telling me there’s a chance
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    Some interesting tidbits in this interview...



    - Kelly pulls back on the idea that ND can land top 5 classes per the national rankings systems. Instead states ND can land classes that ND believes are top 5 caliber.
    - Some more info around the ACC courting ND, and a possible long-term move due to TV deals.
    - Mike Farrell might be a murderer
     
  43. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    Thanks for posting that interview

    1) Kelly loves Kollie, even Farrel’s like yea we probably have him too low

    2) DL better hit
     
  44. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    I always thought the top 5 class was a little unrealistic. I think it signifies that ND is going to take bigger swings, but let's be honest, just like with the playoffs, Bama, OSU, and Clemson are top 3 locks almost every year. Add in SEC teams like LSU, Georgia, and maybe Florida who can take anyone with a pulse, Big 12 teams like a better-coached and winning Texas and OU, and SC's built-in locality advantage, it's not realistic that ND can be top 5 in this arena.

    If you tell me that ND will continue to do what it does, take more shots at elite QB and skill position players, while still crushing OL and DL recruiting, I say let's do it.
     
  45. repoocs

    repoocs Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
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    This. ND is doing great at OL. Pretty good at RB.

    Front seven defense recruiting is very good, but not top 5 elite. However, coaching, development and identifying diamonds in the rough in this area has been very strong.

    The next step has to be higher caliber QB talent and better athletes in the passing game on both sides of the ball. This may not translate to top 5 every year. But adding a couple top 100 DBs and WRs (with speed) each year and an elite-ish QB at least every other year may bring us closer to top 5 than 10 and will help close the gap somewhat.

    That said, I suspect DB and LB recruiting are going to be especially fun to watch over the next couple years. They just need a way to match that effort and moxie on offense.
     
  46. a1ND

    a1ND Bold & Spicy
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    the biggest difference between this year and the last 3 is Freeman is a heckuva recruiter that puts in the work and is incredibly personable and well spoken. The last 2 offensive classes have been very good to excellent but I don't think we can say the same for the defense. We've have 4 to 6 top 100 level guys on offense each year the last 2 cycles. If the defense can match that this year and the offense stays at that level, then we're talking about building towards the top 5.
     
  47. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    I know this was Coach D talking, but he said one of the reasons Elston was made recruiting coordinator was that he has the respect and gravitas to tell coaches to get their shit together and recruit. I'm guessing this means Polian was told to pound sand when he tried to get guys to be more involved. I also assume Freeman made Kelly understand the importance of him getting in the fray also.
     
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  48. a1ND

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    that's interesting, i hadn't heard that about Elston/Polian before
     
  49. Beeds07

    Beeds07 Bitch, it's Saturday
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    Driskell made the comment using Elston's tenure, so my part is conjecture. I can see where the coach of your most sporadic part of the team telling you what to do might make you tell him to fuck off.
     
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