Stockpiling RKGs

By the end of 2010 National Signing Day yesterday, head coach Brian Kelly had locked in his first Notre Dame recruiting class with 23 signatures. Breaking it down by the numbers:


0: 5-star recruits

Because of the coaching change and recent lack of success, I am not surprised at all. However, that does not mean the class lacks talent. The Irish gained solid 4-star prospects at critical positions including all offensive positions and defensive tackle. Not to mention, Weis had a plethora of 5-star recruits at his disposal the last three years and performed mediocre at best.

2: Signing Day Gifts

The addition of Matt James, the highest rated IRISH recruit, was a huge get for Kelly, especially based on the timing of the commit and the victory of Ohio State. Kona Schwenke keeps the Hawaiian pipeline going and fills a huge need at DE.

3: Quarterbacks

Massa, Hendrix, and Rees all appear to be solid QB prospects. Massa, orginially committed to Kelly at Cincinnati, was said at that time to be the best fit to run the Kelly spread. (Side note: Massa is an even better basketball player - are you listening Mike Brey??) As for Hendrix, I've seen his gun personally on the field. He has a true Quinnesque arm. Rees has the advantage because he is already enrolled.

4: Deflections

They don't deserve my breath. You in?

5: Early Enrollments

Great sign for the Irish as the university seems to have removed the limit on early enrollees. This is vital to attract high-caliber recruits to Notre Dame. It's amazing that so many players are excited to get to South Bend and get started under BK. Good harbinger of what's to come.

6: Greater Cincinnati Prospects

No surprise here with Brian Kelly's connection to the city and the talent rich Catholic high schools. Most colleges, Ohio State included, consider Notre Dame to have a "lock" on the area. Bottom line, Ohio is for lovers and high school football.

11: Defensive Recruits

While lacking in star power, Kelly filled some short-term needs at key positions. Louis Nix is going to be stud at DT, while Shembo, Spond, and Moore provide a trio of 4-star linebackers. Special mention should be made for 2-star DE Bruce Heggie. He's got the body (6-6, 240) and the motivation (dream school and only real D-1 offer) to really turn heads in a few years.

12: Offensive Recruits

This class is loaded with 4-star prospects at all positions. WR was the position with the least depth, so bringing in four players is great for Kelly and his options in the spread offense. I love the O-Line prospects. James and Lombard are set to be solid book ends to protect any one of the three QBs. Tate Nichols is a dark horse that physically gets bigger each time I read about him.

12: States Represented

Ohio (5 prospects) led the charge, followed by Florida (4). California, Kentucky, Illinois, and North Carolina all with two (2) each. Surprisingly, no prospects from Michigan or Texas, which has a plethora of recruits, yet has always been a tough state for the Irish.

21: Class Ranking

Even though the Irish finished 21st, I came away impressed with the class. Bottom line, I think these are the Right-Kinda-Guys Kelly and the Notre Dame program need to establish a hard working and intimidating mentality- the traditional Lou Holtz style football.


BEST PROSPECT: Louis Nix, DT 6'-2" 320

Beast player at a need position. He earned my respect when he committed to Notre Dame without a coach.

IMPACT PLAYER: Tai-ler Jones, WR 6'-4" 184

Skilled player at a need position. Plus, he's a legacy.

SLEEPER PICK: Prince Shembo, LB 6'-2" 232

Rangy linebacker that fits well in the 3-4 scheme. What a sweet name too.


-DH