Irish Recruiting: Where Do We Go From Here?

[Svoboda]

With Dan McCarthy committing to Notre Dame, the 2008 Fighting Irish recruiting class now stands at 18 verbal commitments. McCarthy's verbal commitment puts Notre Dame's 2008 committed scholarship total at 84, just 1 shy of the NCAA maximum 85 scholarship limit, assuming each fifth year senior returns to play for the Irish in 2008.

That said, let me pop on a Simon and Garfunkel joint dedicated to the fifth year seniors to be: "Just slip out the back, jack... Make a new plan, stan... You dont need to be coy, roy... Just get yourself free... Hop on the bus, gus... You dont need to discuss much.. Just drop off the key, lee... And get yourself free"

As quick as the 2008 recruiting class is filling up, with each seat taken on that bus, there is a fifth year senior likely to catch another out of South Bend. Granted, the likelihood of all seven fifth year seniors returning is low, but let's make the assumption that they plan on returning for the sake of this discussion.

For those that don't know the process, the fifth year process is quite different then the traditional redshirt process in place at most schools around the nation. When wanting to come back for a fifth year, two things must happen. First, the coaching staff needs to invite you back. Second, you must apply to the Graduate Studies program and be accepted. Simple enough, right?

So let's take a look at how the 2008 Fight Irish roster will look in terms of players that are on scholarship:

Scholarship Breakdown: 2008 Total Scholarhips (84)

Fifth Year Senior 2008 (7)

RB Junior Jabbie
DE Justin Brown
LB Maurice Crum Jr, Anthony Vernaglia
CB Terrail Lambert, Leo Ferrine
LS J.J. Jansen

Senior 2009 (14)

QB Evan Sharpley *
RB Asaph Schwapp **
WR David Grimes, D.J. Hord **
OT Paul Duncan, Mike Turkovich
DT Patrick Kuntz, Derrell Hand *
LB Steve Quinn, Scott Smith, Kevin Washington *
S David Bruton, Ray Herring, Kyle McCarthy *

Junior 2010 (27)

QB Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris *, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart * , Matt Carufel *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart

Sophomore 2011 (18)

QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker

Freshman 2012 (18)

QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S Dan McCarthy

So there it is... the 2008 Fighting Irish stands at 84 scholarships, just one under the NCAA limit of 85 scholarships. So after the next verbal commitment occurs, which is now rumored to be former Nebraska commitment Trevor Robinson, the Inn in South Bend will be officially full with any additional commitments taking a spot away from those fifth year seniors to be.

Current Recruiting Class

If you've followed this series, you'll know I've always felt the Class of 2008 would hold 22 recruits. Well, you can go ahead and throw that number out the window -- and I wouldn't be surprised if the Irish took a full 25 man class with the way prospects are flocking to South Bend to play for Corwin and Charlie.

Taking 25 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class would leave room for just ONE of the seven fifth year seniors and/or walk on players to be on scholarship when throwing in the recent defection of quarterback Zach Frazer to Connecticut. Taking a peek at those that would be eligible for a fifth year, you could potentially be slamming the door in the face of some very solid contributors. Who would you turn away?

Anticipated Position Breakdown

The breakdown seen below is a well balanced class, with the Irish loading up at positions of need including the defensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. It appears that Charlie Weis is really focused on improving the defensive ship and has pretty much handed defensive coordinator Corwin Brown a blank check to bring in as many top flight defensive prospects as he can shove into the class.

QB (1) Dayne Crist
WR (1) John Goodman
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (3) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DL (5) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB (3) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
DB (2) Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S (1) Dan McCarthy

So, by my counts, that is 11 defensive prospects and 7 offensive prospects. For the sake of our illustration, we're going to a assume that we will take 24 men in the 2008 recruiting class:

QB (1) Dayne Crist
RB (1) Ryan Williams
WR (3) John Goodman, Michael Floyd, Jonathan Baldwin
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (4) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave, Trevor Robinson
DL (5) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB (5) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming, Steve Filer, Etienne Sabino
DB (2) Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S (1) Dan McCarthy

The players above in red are the prospects that I'm predicting to join the class. If they add one more to hit the 25 man class ceiling, you could see another wideout joining the ranks in Chris Harper, who could eventually grow into a linebacker. Yeah, yeah -- get rid of the Greg Little visions dancing in your head right now.

2009 Recruiting Class - A Potentially Sticky Situation

After the 2008 recruitingclass is settled, the Irish could be faced with a potentially sticky situation in recruiting come 2009. Assuming that we end up with 24 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class and all 6 fifth year seniors come back in 2009, the Irish will have only 10 open scholarships in 2009.

However, much like 2008, it's doubtful that all 6 fifth year seniors would be invited back, but even with none of them returning, that would only allow us a class size of 16 recruits. Let's take a look at how this would break down:

2009 Total Scholarships (75)

Fifth Year Senior 2009 (6)

QB Evan Sharpley
RB Asaph Schwapp
WR D.J. Hord
DT Derrell Hand
LB Kevin Washington
S Kyle McCarthy

Senior 2010 (27)

QB Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Matt Carufel, Chris Stewart *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart

Junior 2011 (18)

QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker

Sophomore 2012 (24)

QB Dayne Crist
RB Ryan Williams
WR John Goodman, Michael Floyd, Jonathan Baldwin
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave, Trevor Robinson
DL Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming, Steve Filer, Etienne Sabino
CB Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S Dan McCarthy

If we took a 25 man class in 2008 and none of the 6 fifth year seniors come back, the max recruiting class the Irish could bring in would be 15 recruits. So there you have it. This is a glimpse into the next two years of Fighting Irish recruiting and what the Irish coaching staff will (or won't) have to work with. Talent development is going to become absolutely crucial over the next 24 months, especially as we continue to transition into the new 3-4 defensive scheme. One thing is for sure -- it's going to be one fun ride!

ASTERISK LEGEND

* = Player may be eligible for 5th year of eligibility
** = May be granted medical redshirt<!-- / message -->

[stonebreakerwasgod]

You'll be done within the hour?


Some folks on the Nebraska board are backing away from him committing to us shortly, saying that he's gonna take a day or two to think things over.

[Svoboda]

Rock the vote!

[IrishKnight1023]

I say 23.........Jeremy, Filer, Sabino, Floyd, Trev....damn it I forgot another WR.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Next year is gonna be interesting. CW is gonna have to be very picky, as there will be very little margin for error.

[Fishin'_Irish]

Hmm... I'm gonna go with Floyd, Trev, Sabino, Filer, Thomas, and J. Brown.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

I'd rather go with Baldwin over Brown, but ya never know. I think Brown is gonna be odd man out anyway. If we get Floyd, Brown is a luxury, especially with such little room available next year.

[Fishin'_Irish]

I just think Brown may commit sooner than Baldwin, but who knows?

[stonebreakerwasgod]

I like Brown, last year he would have been a great pickup.

[ND Fanatic]

Fishin - love the avatar, funniest comic strip ever

[Fishin'_Irish]

Fishin - love the avatar, funniest comic strip ever

Far and away my friend, glad you agree.

[IrishKnight1023]

Jeremy is visiting in a couple of weeks, he will likely commit. Thus you will all have to forget about saying anything about not wanting him over other people.

[ND Fanatic]

Far and away my friend, glad you agree.

The first date I had with my wife was spent, in part, on the couch of a media play reading the "Lazy Sunday Book" and laughing like idiots. I knew I had met my mate right then and there.

[Fishin'_Irish]

The first date I had with my wife was spent, in part, on the couch of a media play reading the "Lazy Sunday Book" and laughing like idiots. I knew I had met my mate right then and there.

It's a wonderful thing, Calvin and Hobbes.

[ND Fanatic]

Ok I got Trev, Brown, Floyd, Sabino, Baldwin, Thomas - wildcard: Filer

[Fishin'_Irish]

That's a lot of commits.

[ND Fanatic]

That's a lot of commits.


I voted 24 - so I had to make Filer my wildcard to get 25

[stonebreakerwasgod]

24-25? I go with 23. Anymore, and I'm breaking out the good stuff.

[Svoboda]

Jeremy is visiting in a couple of weeks, he will likely commit. Thus you will all have to forget about saying anything about not wanting him over other people.
I'm hearing he's still Gatorbait.

[irishunclebill]

We get all of the names being thrown about here, and this class would come pretty close to the 2007 Florida class. Anything seems possible right now, but I can't say that I am optimistic that we get all these guys. I went with 23, Filer, Floyd, Trev (if the message board banter didn't kill him off;)) and 1 RB, whoever steps up first, gives us 22. I see it stopping there for a while, maybe all the way to NSD, to see if we can get 1 or 2 late deciders, Baldwin would be the guy I want most. The surprise in the next 4 might be a kid like Harper if he is correct about getting an offer. However, I have one of those sneaky feelings that Harper is no Will Compton, and may be looking at an ND offer to help attract other offers. So, my vote is 23, 24 if there are two late signees.

24 leaves seven 2008 5th year eligible guys plus Bemenderfer fighting for 2 potentially available schollies. If that is the final count, don't assume that anybody, including Crum & Lambert, are guaranteed a fifth year offer. It would be an interesting competition to see which of these 5th year eligibles want to come back the most.

[Specnatz]

I voted 25 because I was not thinking about not having many spots available for next year. I thin it gets to 22 and then it is only certain guys.

Floyd, Trev if the rumors are true, a RB, Sabino and Brown after that I am not sure. After thinking about it, I just think Coach Weis and Coach Brown will not cut there nose off inspite of themselves. They will save room to have at least 17 or 18 spots for next year.

[irishunclebill]

I voted 25 because I was not thinking about not having many spots available for next year. I thin it gets to 22 and then it is only certain guys.

Floyd, Trev if the rumors are true, a RB, Sabino and Brown after that I am not sure. After thinking about it, I just think Coach Weis and Coach Brown will not cut there nose off inspite of themselves. They will save room to have at least 17 or 18 spots for next year.

SVO will have to check me on this Specnatz, but I'm pretty sure the math says that if we take 25 this year, that leaves a max of 15 for the 2009 class, and that is with none of the six 2009 5th year eligibles coming back.

[Fishin'_Irish]

SVO will have to check me on this Specnatz, but I'm pretty sure the math says that if we take 25 this year, that leaves a max of 15 for the 2009 class, and that is with none of the six 2009 5th year eligibles coming back.

Ouch. Did you include Frazer's transfer?

[irishunclebill]

Ouch. Did you include Frazer's transfer?

Yep, SVO's updated numbers are in the first post of this thread. That is where I am getting it from.

[HoffVir]

The exact same six Svo highlighted in red.

[untitledproject]

The exact same six Svo highlighted in red.

I thought that was a list of Communists.

[hamiljar]

I stll think that there could be other transfers in the future with all this young talent. I could see linebackers like S. Quinn and K. Washington wanting to play football somewhere in their careers. This is just speculation. Also I would doubt the loser of the Jones/Clausen race will stick around to long. These are just opinions. I was wondering what everyone else thinks of these ideas?

Go Irish sign 25

[Fishin'_Irish]

Will there be a loser in this race? They could very well split time situationally. Not saying they will, but it's a possibility.

[HoffVir]

I thought that was a list of Communists.

Need a hammer and sickle and you'd have it.

[untitledproject]

I'm in the same boat with you hamiljar. I think we are due for a drop or, two. As we saw with Hoskins or a Hiben.

Checking the transactions section (http://www.goldhelmet.com/transactions.php) you'll see how often these things can happen.

[hamiljar]

Wow when you look at the transaction section it really makes me hope that CW takes 25 in this class.

[IrishCalves]

I stll think that there could be other transfers in the future with all this young talent. I could see linebackers like S. Quinn and K. Washington wanting to play football somewhere in their careers. This is just speculation. Also I would doubt the looser of the Jones/Clausen race will stick around to long. These are just opinions. I was wondering what everyone else thinks of these ideas?

Go Irish sign 25

The QB situation will remain pretty touchy in my opinion. Nothing set in stone, but a transfer from the three remaining wouldn't shock me at all (sure makes you feel good about having Crist on board). I hope it doesn't come to that, but we'll see how Charlie handles it.

As for other positions, I wouldn't be surprised. Nothing I'd bank on, but 2-3 departures is a safe guesstimate nowadays over a year's timespan. As untitled's link indicates, we've seen 15 departures since the beginning of 2005. Some of that can easily be attributed to coaching changes, so I wouldn't anticipate a continued rate of 5ish departures or so a year, but the #'s would tell you that 2 for this year (Bragg, Frazer) isn't likely to stay put. The question is, do we buck the trend started in 05? And do we find out about any departures in time to do anything about it within this class? We'll have to wait and see.

[hamiljar]

Very good points calves. I am just happy we are starting to load up with talent. This is a very exciting time for all of us irish fans.

[untitledproject]

Wow when you look at the transaction section it really makes me hope that CW takes 25 in this class.

I got $50 riding that a book will be published after a NC.

"Tarnished Dome 2.0"

[Fishin'_Irish]

Bragg is back on the team, is he not?

[Svoboda]

You absolutely must believe there is going to be some more attrition. I'd pay close attention to the 2006 class as I think you could see one of the wideouts and one of the safeties possibly look elsewhere.

[Svoboda]

Bragg is back on the team, is he not?
Yes, but there are a couple things: 1) we don't know if he is back on scholarship and 2) it won't have any affect most likely as this would be his senior year I do believe.

[Fishin'_Irish]

Yes, but there are a couple things: 1) we don't know if he is back on scholarship and 2) it won't have any affect most likely as this would be his senior year I do believe.

Thanks. Do you also happen to know what position he's currently playing? I heard from you via spinner that if a QB was to not play this year that he would be 3rd string, but that doesn't necessarily mean he is practicing with them, as opposed to the WR's.

[hamiljar]

If there are 2-3 transfers CW would probably use those for 5th year canidates like (Justin Brown, T. Lambert, and M. Crum) to me that would be the perfect situation along with taking a 25 man class.
Man I am getting way to excited about recruitng and now with ncaa 2008 coming out tomorrow I am going to have to recruit a really big class and change all their names to this years class. I love it.
Go Irish

[untitledproject]

I'm not one to ENCOURAGE or PRAY for transfers (cough) 'Boda on a certain QB (cough) But, I think it's more than likely.

[irishrick]

i think that charlie, is going to be very selective next year , as there will be very little margin for error. Did he overplay his cards> I bird in the hand is better than two in the bush .what say you ?????;):;):rolleyes:

[IrishKnight1023]

http://www.goldhelmet.com/images/news/recupdate_175.jpgWith Dan McCarthy committing to Notre Dame, the 2008 Fighting Irish recruiting class now stands at 18 verbal commitments. McCarthy's verbal commitment puts Notre Dame's 2008 committed scholarship total at 84, just 1 shy of the NCAA maximum 85 scholarship limit, assuming each fifth year senior returns to play for the Irish in 2008.

That said, let me pop on a Simon and Garfunkel joint dedicated to the fifth year seniors to be: "Just slip out the back, jack... Make a new plan, stan... You dont need to be coy, roy... Just get yourself free... Hop on the bus, gus... You dont need to discuss much.. Just drop off the key, lee... And get yourself free"

As quick as the 2008 recruiting class is filling up, with each seat taken on that bus, there is a fifth year senior likely to catch another out of South Bend. Granted, the likelihood of all seven fifth year seniors returning is low, but let's make the assumption that they plan on returning for the sake of this discussion.

For those that don't know the process, the fifth year process is quite different then the traditional redshirt process in place at most schools around the nation. When wanting to come back for a fifth year, two things must happen. First, the coaching staff needs to invite you back. Second, you must apply to the Graduate Studies program and be accepted. Simple enough, right?

So let's take a look at how the 2008 Fight Irish roster will look in terms of players that are on scholarship:

Scholarship Breakdown: 2008 Total Scholarhips (84)

Fifth Year Senior 2008 (7)

RB Junior Jabbie
DE Justin Brown
LB Maurice Crum Jr, Anthony Vernaglia
CB Terrail Lambert, Leo Ferrine
LS J.J. Jansen

Senior 2009 (14)

QB Evan Sharpley *
RB Asaph Schwapp **
WR David Grimes, D.J. Hord **
OT Paul Duncan, Mike Turkovich
DT Patrick Kuntz, Derrell Hand *
LB Steve Quinn, Scott Smith, Kevin Washington *
S David Bruton, Ray Herring, Kyle McCarthy *

Junior 2010 (27)

QB Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris *, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart * , Matt Carufel *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart

Sophomore 2011 (18)

QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker

Freshman 2012 (18)

QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S Dan McCarthy

So there it is... the 2008 Fighting Irish stands at 84 scholarships, just one under the NCAA limit of 85 scholarships. So after the next verbal commitment occurs, which is now rumored to be former Nebraska commitment Trevor Robinson, the Inn in South Bend will be officially full with any additional commitments taking a spot away from those fifth year seniors to be.

Current Recruiting Class

If you've followed this series, you'll know I've always felt the Class of 2008 would hold 22 recruits. Well, you can go ahead and throw that number out the window -- and I wouldn't be surprised if the Irish took a full 25 man class with the way prospects are flocking to South Bend to play for Corwin and Charlie.

Taking 25 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class would leave room for just ONE of the seven fifth year seniors and/or walk on players to be on scholarship when throwing in the recent defection of quarterback Zach Frazer to Connecticut. Taking a peek at those that would be eligible for a fifth year, you could potentially be slamming the door in the face of some very solid contributors. Who would you turn away?

Anticipated Position Breakdown

The breakdown seen below is a well balanced class, with the Irish loading up at positions of need including the defensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. It appears that Charlie Weis is really focused on improving the defensive ship and has pretty much handed defensive coordinator Corwin Brown a blank check to bring in as many top flight defensive prospects as he can shove into the class.

QB (1) Dayne Crist
WR (1) John Goodman
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (3) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DL (5) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB (3) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
DB (2) Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S (1) Dan McCarthy

So, by my counts, that is 11 defensive prospects and 7 offensive prospects. For the sake of our illustration, we're going to a assume that we will take 24 men in the 2008 recruiting class:

QB (1) Dayne Crist
RB (1) Ryan Williams
WR (3) John Goodman, Michael Floyd, Jonathan Baldwin
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (4) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave, Trevor Robinson
DL (5) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB (5) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming, Steve Filer, Etienne Sabino
DB (2) Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S (1) Dan McCarthy

The players above in red are the prospects that I'm predicting to join the class. If they add one more to hit the 25 man class ceiling, you could see another wideout joining the ranks in Chris Harper, who could eventually grow into a linebacker. Yeah, yeah -- get rid of the Greg Little visions dancing in your head right now.

2009 Recruiting Class - A Potentially Sticky Situation

After the 2008 recruitingclass is settled, the Irish could be faced with a potentially sticky situation in recruiting come 2009. Assuming that we end up with 24 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class and all 6 fifth year seniors come back in 2009, the Irish will have only 10 open scholarships in 2009.

However, much like 2008, it's doubtful that all 6 fifth year seniors would be invited back, but even with none of them returning, that would only allow us a class size of 16 recruits. Let's take a look at how this would break down:

2009 Total Scholarships (75)

Fifth Year Senior 2009 (6)

QB Evan Sharpley
RB Asaph Schwapp
WR D.J. Hord
DT Derrell Hand
LB Kevin Washington
S Kyle McCarthy

Senior 2010 (27)

QB Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Matt Carufel, Chris Stewart *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart

Junior 2011 (18)

QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker

Sophomore 2012 (24)

QB Dayne Crist
RB Ryan Williams
WR John Goodman, Michael Floyd, Jonathan Baldwin
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave, Trevor Robinson
DL Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
LB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming, Steve Filer, Etienne Sabino
CB Robert Blanton, Jamoris Slaughter
S Dan McCarthy

If we took a 25 man class in 2008 and none of the 6 fifth year seniors come back, the max recruiting class the Irish could bring in would be 15 recruits. So there you have it. This is a glimpse into the next two years of Fighting Irish recruiting and what the Irish coaching staff will (or won't) have to work with. Talent development is going to become absolutely crucial over the next 24 months, especially as we continue to transition into the new 3-4 defensive scheme. One thing is for sure -- it's going to be one fun ride!

ASTERISK LEGEND

* = Player may be eligible for 5th year of eligibility
** = May be granted medical redshirt<!-- / message -->

----Just noticed how it says Paul Poz. lol,. If he plays half like him then we got a player.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Can we also bring in Tony Dorsett, Kenny Stabler, and Anthony Munoz?