Analysis of Early Enrollment

The 2011 Irish recruiting class got off to a strong start with the arrival of its early enrollees to campus as the spring semester starts today. Enrolling are Brad Carrico (DE), Kyle Brindza (K), Everett Golson (QB), Ishaq Williams (LB), and Aaron Lynch (DE). These are the 17th thru 21st players to enroll early since 2006, when the rule was first instituted by then head coach Charlie Weis.

Five years later, we are finally able to evaluate this monumental decision to keep Notre Dame on the competitive track for attracting talented recruits. The break down of early enrollees to date:

2006: George West (WR), James Aldridge (RB), and Chris Stewart (OG).

2007: Armando Allen (RB), Jimmy Clausen (QB), Gary Gray (CB)

2008: Trevor Robinson (OG), Sean Cwynar (DT)

2009: E.J Banks (DB), Tyler Stockton (DT), Zeke Motta (S)

2010: Chris Badger (S), Spencer Boyd (DB), Tai-ler Jones (WR), Tommy Rees (QB), Lo Wood (DB)


Notre Dame has certainly achieved the goal of using early enrollment to attract high-caliber recruits such as Jimmy Clausen. Clausen utilized the opportunity to learn the Weis offense so that he could start as a true freshman, as well as leave for the NFL after only three seasons. Tommy Rees capitalized as well, using spring practice to ascend to #2 on the depth chart, and eventual starter once Dayne Crist went down with injury.

Of all the players listed above, eleven of the sixteen players have started at least a game for the IRISH, most of them starting earlier in their ND careers. Two - E.J. Banks and Spencer Boyd - are no longer with the team. One - Chris Badger - is currently on his Mormon mission and will return to the IRISH in 2012.

While many recruits enroll for athletic purposes, some also take full advantage of the extra semester of education. Look no farther than 5th-year senior guard Chris Stewart. Stewart enrolled at Notre Dame as a solid mass of body. Stewart spent his first few seasons bouncing back and forth between positions, while trying to get his body and weight under control. Stewart finally found his niche at offensive guard, as well as on the fast track to Notre Dame Law School. Stewart is the perfect example of taking full advantage of the reasoning behind early enrollment, both athletically and academically.

NDFB welcomes the new crop of recruits to Notre Dame. Their potential impact could be the best of any of the classes we have seen, and like many before, it could be felt immediately. Regardless, the change by Notre Dame just five years ago to allow early enrollment has benefited the program in a positive way, and should only continue to prosper.


-DH