Cincinnati Connection

Brian Kelly hit the ground running in the arms race that is recruiting. His first target, however, came from familiar territory. Austin Collinsworth, a 3-star athlete and son of WHO-DEY legend Chris Collinsworth, committed to the Irish after first being recruited by Kelly at Cincinnati. Collinsworth was the star tailback, and starting DB, for #5 nationally ranked Highlands High School, a legendary football school right across the river from Cincinnati in Ft. Thomas, KY.

In addition to Collingsworth, Kelly had already secured seven commitments from recruits from Cincinnati and its surrounding suburbs, but was more importantly recruiting several heralded recruits. Here are a five additional Cincy products that should be wearing an Irish uniform next season:

5. Marcus Rush - 6'-3" 225 DE - Moeller

Although Rush is currently committed to Michigan State, no doubt thanks to the influence of Greg Jones, the stud All-American LB for MSU and fellow Crusader, I expect Kelly to make a late push for Rush. I think Kelly has more pull this time around.

4. Andrew Hendrix - 6'-3" 220 QB - Moeller
3. Luke Massa - 6'-4" 205 QB - St. Xavier

The local newspapers have recently reported that Hendrix has not decommitted from the Irish, but simply wants to talk to Kelly in person before deciding anything. Hendrix has a cannon for an arm and would easily be #2 heading into next season. However, if Hendrix or Tommy Rees decommits, look for Massa, a UC commit, to get the call and follow Kelly to Notre Dame. I expect Hendrix to stick with the Irish, potentially starting fall practice as #1 due to Christ's injuries. In addition, I could see Massa joining the Irish at a different position if the QB situation clogs up.

2. Alex Welch - 6'-5" 225 TE - Elder

Welch committed to Weis and ND before the start of the season, following in the footsteps of fellow Elder alum Kyle Rudolph. Welch has since remained committed to ND thanks in part to Rudolph (and his father) who has been Kelly's biggest ND supporter, and recruiter for that matter, in Cincinnati. Welch will enter ND looking to compete at a deep position for the Irish.

1. Matt James - 6'-8" 290 OL - St. Xavier

James is a mammoth tackle and nationally ranked product, who had trimmed his list down to ND, OSU, and UC. It was widely known locally that James was simply awaiting to see where Kelly landed. Now that Kelly is with the Irish, I expect James to ultimately end up at ND, where he would add instant depth to a depleted O-line. This is exactly the type of kid and player you want to build a foundation on, which makes him a high priority for Kelly.


All in all, I think the Irish will land at least three of these recruits. This class will set the tone for Kelly's involvement with the city of Cincinnati, a place where most UC "fans" (I use that term loosely around here) despise the man, but recruits admire him. Nonetheless, take Collisworth as the first on many dominoes to fall in the talent rich city of Cincinnati, where high school football has long held prominence. That is before the arrival of Marvin Lewis (can I get another WHO-DEY!) and Brian Kelly. Nevertheless, I expect Cincinnati to continue to supply Kelly with talented recruits, not only this year, but in many years to come (more on that in a later post).


-DH