2008 recruiting

[IrishKnight1023]

This is a thread I've had over at IE and serves as a way for fellow Irishmen to know what's the status on rival teams verbals (USC, UM exc.) on how that affects us, helps them and what not. I'll just put any newspaper articles of anything that has anything to do with ND and their recruiting at the moment and the future. I invite you to post anything new as well.

----Today there isn't much news to report other than we are no longer in the running for Marcus Forston because he has committed to Miami. Not a shock and a relief that people can stop the dream of Forston coming here. The staff was doing the smart thing with him by continuelly recruiting him because they knew he was going to decide on NSD and that before that day there could be a possible decommittment. 5 DL is what Weis has told recruits is his desired # that he wanted. I for one think it's a good thing to stick with the guys who verballed early and put their faith into ND and it's staff. I know that Weis is the kind of guy to honor that as well. I think Marcus will be a huge player for Miami in the future, but I've felt for a while that it wouldn't be fair to the guys who have verballed already and are if I might add, elite as well.

[IrishCalves]

I happen to think that Ethan Johnson lands a starting position by the time all is said and done.

I also think that when some of the '04-'05 recruits move on, someone between Hunter and Newman will inherit the starting job at ND.

And as for the other end spot, I feel pretty good that one of Cwynar and Hafis will be able to man that position.

All in all, that's a really great haul in and of itself. If I knew this class was going to floor it and go for 25-26 recruits, then I would have a little more angst on missing out on a guy like Forston. But we're facing space limitations as is, and even at that we were already coming up with nicknames at BlueGraySky for the 5 we had verbal to us, like, "The Gold Rush". This unit was great before the dust settled, and it still looks great after.

I'm just waiting for the Kapron Lewis-Moore story to go away.

[irish21]

Michigan
I have been reading over on their scout site a lot lately since DD is down, and the fans seem to think that they are right there with us in recruiting, when in reality we are blowing them out of the water. Their OL recruiting has been good, but have missed on their top targets at other positions.

[IrishKnight1023]

Michigan
I have been reading over on their scout site a lot lately since DD is down, and the fans seem to think that they are right there with us in recruiting, when in reality we are blowing them out of the water. Their OL recruiting has been good, but have missed on their top targets at other positions.

---Notice how every other thread is about ND and started by a Michigan poster. Now why would they do that if they weren't taking it up the ass by ND this year in recruiting and every year that Weis has been here? Pay no attention to them because they just won't accept the future right now because of Ty's great upperclassman recruiting. But they will and they will know the hard way.

[untitledproject]

...the fans seem to think that they are right there with us in recruiting, ...

LOLLLZZZ!!111!!1!!

[irish21]

Their fans piss me off. They will say whatever fits their argument at the time and then contradict themselves later. First a guy will say that rankings dont mean jack, then later he went on to say that they had a better DT in Mike Martin than ND does in Omar Hunter because Martin is rated higher, when we all know that Omar is twice the player of the other kid.

[Fishin'_Irish]

Let them think what they want, I say. As I've learned by now, it's pointless arguing with them, because they won't listen.

[IrishKnight1023]

REPS to the first person who can guess who's in my avatar....

[Fishin'_Irish]

Newman

[IrishCalves]

REPS to the first person who can guess who's in my avatar....

Hafis Williams baby!

[Fishin'_Irish]

Gah, 'twas my second guess.

[IrishKnight1023]

Hafis Williams baby!

-----Ding ding ding Calves gets repped again! Come on man, Newman was sooo yesterday lol. I gotta support the Jersey guy.

[Fishin'_Irish]

I was thinking that PRP was red, and it was obviously a D-lineman. That's why I guessed Newman. I had Hafis in mind because I knew you were both from Jersey.

[IrishKnight1023]

I was thinking that PRP was red, and it was obviously a D-lineman. That's why I guessed Newman. I had Hafis in mind because I knew you were both from Jersey.

------I'll rep you anyway because it was an easy mistake.

[Fishin'_Irish]

Thanks for the reps man. You're much too kind. :)

[Fishin'_Irish]

Reps to anyone who can guess the recruit(s) in my avatar. Lol

[IrishKnight1023]

In CBSsportline.com's college football preview magazine they have a page of the top 2008 prospects and thers about 60 players listed. They give a brief analysis of each player and I'll take an exerpt from each player. Ones that are listed that have committed to ND or very interested are...

Ryan Williams
Cyrus Gray
Jonathan Baldwin
Michael Floyd
John Goodman- Has outstanding potential and one of the best in the state.
Kyle Rudolph- Has great upside with 40 plus receptions for 8 TD's.
Art Forst
Matt Patchan
Trevor Robinson
Sean Cwynar- Says he has excellent mobility and an All-State blue-chipper.
Omar Hunter- Calls him a powerful and explosive All-Stater and could be one of the most sought after prospect in Georgia 2008.
Ethan Johnson- Says he plays WR on offense!
Hafis Williams- Calls him the top defensive lineman in NJ.
Steve Filer- Calls him a special prospect.
Darius Fleming- A top Athlete with a great first step and calls him a standout.
Robert Blanton- A leader who is agile, flexible and smart.
Dan McCarthy- Says he's a heck of an ath. who could be a linebacker in college? Not on this team.

----Looks like our defense is out recruiting our offense! Come on O step your game up! I've been waiting to say that...Thank you Corwin Brown

[irishziggy]

REPS to the first person who can guess who's in my avatar....

Man I knew it was Hafis, wish I was on here early lol. It's fine, I've got way too many Reps anyway.

[ND Fanatic]

REPS to the first person who can guess who's in my avatar....

i'll go Hafis also

[Grady]

Now, who are the other guys in Knight1023's avatar?

[scooper]

I happen to think that Ethan Johnson lands a starting position by the time all is said and done.

I also think that when some of the '04-'05 recruits move on, someone between Hunter and Newman will inherit the starting job at ND.

And as for the other end spot, I feel pretty good that one of Cwynar and Hafis will be able to man that position.


Talking 08? I'll bite. Our incoming class will be very talented along the front-moreso than the returners, but they will be freshmen. Most freshmen, no matter how big and strong and talented just lack that physical maturity when they first arrive. Not to mention the adjustment period to the speed of the game. Cliche? Yes, but it's true.

Here's what I'd like to see:

Nose-one of Williams/Hand locks it down. Both are bigger and will be experienced. Those two and the most ready of Hunter/Newman will make up the NT rotation. What about Kuntz? I like the kid and I think the staff likes his effort. He'll be a year older and stronger and probably the most experienced player on the line. I'd like to see Kuntz slide over to end. Physically, he's a better fit there. So-

Ends: I see Kuntz manning one end but receiving a lot of help from the rotation. The other will be a fight between Mullen/Wade/Johnson/whoever sticks on D from Nwanko-Nuss. One of Nwanko-Nuss will stay there as there will simply not be enough experienced DL in 08. Wade actually probably has the most athletic upside of the group, he just needs one more year of building himself to hold down that position. I see him working in on passing situations, at the very least. Johnson will play. Cwynar/Williams may. We shall see. Both are strong kids.

Overall, what I think we'll see at end in 08 is a lot of guys getting reps and this is how it should be from here on out. Moreso than any other position on the field, a rotation at DL can make you much more effective. The great Miami defenses always sent waves of talented fresh bodies crashing into the offenses.

[IrishCalves]

Talking 08? I'll bite. Our incoming class will be very talented along the front-moreso than the returners, but they will be freshmen. Most freshmen, no matter how big and strong and talented just lack that physical maturity when they first arrive. Not to mention the adjustment period to the speed of the game. Cliche? Yes, but it's true.

I should have mentioned when they'll land the spot(s) - don't know why I didn't in retrospect. I definitely agree that it'll take time for them to get up to speed. The best case scenario I could see for any of the DL recruits would be a platoon situation where there's an incumbent who is starter 1, and the freshman is more or less 1a, where they split PT 60/40. But even that is a pretty big stretch of the imagination.

[irish21]

Reps to anyone who can guess my avatar.

[domerdude]

The Todd

[irish21]

Reps to you DomerDude.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=880&CID=694915#instincts

----Rivals Linebacker category rankings out with only Filer being in it as the 5th best LB in "Insticts"

[IrishKnight1023]

I'm not gonna lie. I got home I'd say about 45 minutes ago and somehow wound up watching E.J. Manuel's Rivals highlight video. I have to say that I was pretty impressed with his arm strength, mobility and just overall skill. I was very critical of him getting 5 stars, but Rivals were the first to do it. I have said time and time again that Rivals is by far the only recruiting service rankings that are tolerable and for the most part very accurate. Like all sites, there are flaws like having Kabongo the 8th best DT in the country in front of Omar Hunter but for the most part they are pretty good. I just thought I'd throw that out there because I'm bored and that's what I made this thread for.

[IrishKnight1023]

As everyone knows Sam K-Fed McGuffie has verballed to Michigan and give them 12 committments overall now. My opinion honestly is that I don't think he will be a factor on the college level. Even if he had a nice offer list i just don't get the vibe from watching his 2,000 10 minute long films that he has much elusiveness or tackle breaking ability. He has speed that's for sure and can leap over HS kids but I just don't see that happening on the college level. He's an athletic freak, but non the less I am less than worried about facing him the next few years. Not an ND kid and definently one I'd want to face as well. It should be a fun 4 years seeing him in pain, since Michigan makes their athletes take Nintendo 101 maybe he'll get to really live his dream out in becoming a rapper after college.

Want my K-Fed prediction against ND?........PAINNNN

Scout profile: http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=2750610

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54392&sport=1

[dyrtdogg]

Want my K-Fed prediction against ND?........PAINNNN

Scout profile: http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=2750610

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54392&sport=1

Reps for the Rocky III/Mr. T reference.

[IrishKnight1023]

OSU picked up a verbal today from TE Nic DiLillo. Now this guy has my vote for Barksdale of the year......KEEP IN MIND HE'S DONE THIS ALL BY LATE JULY IN THE RECRUITING PROCESS. First he committed to Clemson, then he committed to Pitt, now he commits to O$U. Well 3 decommittments by July is quite a feet that not many can acheive. Who thinks from now until LOI day that he decommits at least one more time? LOL

[YoungIrish]

I will say he decommits 2 more times..and on Barksdale..I heard hes have a rough time at the University of LSU...seems like he broke his jaw awhile back..and now there moving him to O-line b/c of depth on the d-line...and this is the same guy who ragged on guys that had to move from d to o-line..saying only guys with slow feet get moved to offense..

[napoleonbuck]

I'll just say that Buckeye fans won't be shedding any tears for Barksdale over his position switch. He told our coaches on numerous occassions that he was coming here, even to the point that we stopped recruiting a few DTs on our board.

He's getting his just deserts.

As for Dilillo. I THInk it's just been a series of weird events for him. Clemson supposedly pressured him into comitting, saying that if he didn't take his spot then, that they would pull it. He really didn't like how far away it was, so he comitted to Pitt. Then his dream offer came after Koger chose Michigan, and he switched. It's kind of like that linebacker you took from Iowa last year, minus the seedy Southern school pressuring him to commit.

[jfschellcrna]

just desserts describes it to a tee........................

[IrishKnight1023]

USC picked up its 12th committment yesterday from Armond Armstead who is a (4* and 5.8 on Rivals) and 3* on Scout. Looks like he has alot of baby fat on him and not much solid muscle. It's a decent pickup for them and he didn't have an impressive offer list, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say they can take chances on alot of kids who may have some upside and develop them while the current 5* Jr's start.

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=62790

Scout Profile: http://usc.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=8&c=1&nid=3056515

[YoungIrish]

how many players are USC taking this year...I think we are going to beat them out this year...we should be around 4.0 and they will be close by..

[tedwick]

USC picked up its 12th committment yesterday from Armond Armstead who is a (4* and 5.8 on Rivals) and 3* on Scout. Looks like he has alot of baby fat on him and not much solid muscle. It's a decent pickup for them and he didn't have an impressive offer list, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say they can take chances on alot of kids who may have some upside and develop them while the current 5* Jr's start.

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=62790

Scout Profile: http://usc.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=8&c=1&nid=3056515usc is heaven for fat kid running backs. just ask lendale white.

[HoffVir]

I'll just say that Buckeye fans won't be shedding any tears for Barksdale over his position switch. He told our coaches on numerous occassions that he was coming here, even to the point that we stopped recruiting a few DTs on our board.

He's getting his just deserts.

As for Dilillo. I THInk it's just been a series of weird events for him. Clemson supposedly pressured him into comitting, saying that if he didn't take his spot then, that they would pull it. He really didn't like how far away it was, so he comitted to Pitt. Then his dream offer came after Koger chose Michigan, and he switched. It's kind of like that linebacker you took from Iowa last year, minus the seedy Southern school pressuring him to commit.

Brian Smith decommited once, right?

Anyway, as far as Nic goes, you gotta love a kid with a Mohawk (Zibby). But a Mohawk with a A&F shirt is just funny.

[NDGirlzRock]

Brian Smith decommited once, right?

Anyway, as far as Nic goes, you gotta love a kid with a Mohawk (Zibby). But a Mohawk with a A&F shirt is just funny.

Couldn't agree more!

[IrishKnight1023]

usc is heaven for fat kid running backs. just ask lendale white.

----He is coming in as a DT.

[IrishKnight1023]

In an interesting development Michigan has just received ANOTHER verbal committment at RB today in Mike Cox. He is a 2* on rivals and not even rated by Scout (Who has him as a Point Guard with a football profile I might add.) He had offers (I'm listing from Scout so take it with a grain of salt) Maryland, BC, UConn and Duke. Rivals has him as the 9th best player in the state of Conn. Wonder how the fans of Michigan will react to this one, he's a hidden gem maybe? Interesting since they just landed McGuffie and had a shot at Jonas Gray (Althought not among his favorites.)

Scout Profile: http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=3211270

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=64703

[napoleonbuck]

Looks like he will be a defensive back, or even a fast Will linebacker.

[IrishKnight1023]

Thank God we have this "No shit" policy this year because I couldn't take this kind of quote this year...

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with Michigan, but I'll still probably look at other schools," said Cox. "I am going [to officialy visit] for the Ohio State game."

[Fishin'_Irish]

That almost made me puke.

[IrishKnight1023]

Look at Michigan celebrate since it was announced around late 6 O'clock NOT ONE compliment except one from a BC fan haha. Just kind of like uh well how does this mess all of our other sh*t up?

http://michigan.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=39&tid=97940321&mid=97940321&sid=883&style=2

[GhostSpirit]

Butler to USC... I know nobody heard that. ;)

[IrishKnight1023]

Today Michigan State picked up a verbal committment from WR Fred Smith. The great thing about his committment to MSU was that Michigan once again thought they had him locked up. If you are seriously losing recruits to MSU you've got some problems. He is a solid 4 star all around and should be good for the Spartans.

Scout Profile: http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=2966706

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61267

[mlcspinner]

That is the only time I will rout for MSU, beat Michigan in football and recruiting

[GhostSpirit]

That's awesome news. And funny.

[IrishCalves]

Even a Buckeye fan or two I know thought he was UM bound, so it is a surprise to people even outside of Ann Arbor. Ahh, the plight of the Skunkbear, I'm so busted up inside. :)

As I put on my "stretch of the imagination" cap, I hope this doesn't come back to bite us. If Smith pledged to UM, that would have been one less space for Jonathan Baldwin and/or Dieon Walker. But we'll see how it goes.

[IrishKnight1023]

Even a Buckeye fan or two I know thought he was UM bound, so it is a surprise to people even outside of Ann Arbor. Ahh, the plight of the Skunkbear, I'm so busted up inside. :)

As I put on my "stretch of the imagination" cap, I hope this doesn't come back to bite us. If Smith pledged to UM, that would have been one less space for Jonathan Baldwin and/or Dieon Walker. But we'll see how it goes.

-----I'm not worried about Baldwin going there because they have a slot open. If he likes ND the most he'll come here, if not he'll suffer there.

[IrishKnight1023]

Even a Buckeye fan or two I know thought he was UM bound, so it is a surprise to people even outside of Ann Arbor. Ahh, the plight of the Skunkbear, I'm so busted up inside. :)

As I put on my "stretch of the imagination" cap, I hope this doesn't come back to bite us. If Smith pledged to UM, that would have been one less space for Jonathan Baldwin and/or Dieon Walker. But we'll see how it goes.

-----I'm not worried about Baldwin going there because they have a slot open. By the time NSD rolls along every team will have taken the # of receivers they needed for this year most likely and he'll have a spot anywhere. If he likes ND the most he'll come here, if not he'll suffer there.

[YoungIrish]

Yea I dont really worry about Baldwin...Scum losing recruits to MSU..wow

[IrishKnight1023]

Texting ban to remain the way it is. This will hurt ND alot. Ianello is probably the most upset of any coach in the country.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2007/08/09/texting.ban.ap/index.html

The NCAA's board of directors took no action Thursday toward overriding a text messaging ban it approved in April, simply sending it back to the membership for another vote at January's annual NCAA convention. Until then, the rule that went into effect Aug. 1 will remain in place.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&vidtype=amp&vidid=2765

-------I think Keith Wells' mom has to show a LITTLE more emotion.

[NDgrandson]

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&vidtype=amp&vidid=2765

-------I think Keith Wells' mom has to show a LITTLE more emotion.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ddwfwVDyGTs Hercules! Hercules!

Mama so proud. Wells actually seems like a good kid.

[GhostSpirit]

Minnesota was on the raw end of a deal with a decommitment as Kevan Walker decided to go to UCLA instead. Walker is a *** WR prospect. UCLA now has five WRs.

[GhostSpirit]

Penn State received a commit from the tough and speedy **** RB Michael Shaw. He's from Ohio but the Buckeyes never offered, they most likely had bigger fish to fry. He looks pretty solid however.

[irishunclebill]

Damion Square, a Houston Texas DT, who has a family connection to both Notre Dame & Miami pulled a bit of a surprise by committing to Alabama over the weekend.. Square who is the cousin of former ND linebacker Derek Curry camped at ND in late June and was hoping to get an offer from the Irish. However that never materialized and it was believed that Square who had verballed earlier in the year to Texas A&M was leaning toward Miami where his uncle John Square played DE for the Hurricanes. In the end though Square selected Alabama, but the question has to be posed as to whether he will change his mind again.

Damion is a 3 star on Rivals, who list him as the #50 DT in the nation. On the other hand Scout has him as a 4 star ranked as the #4 SLB in the nation and the #68 player overall. Interesting #68 overall in the country, or only the #50 DT in the country. I wonder if the guys who put together these 2 analyses were looking at the same player.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2007/08/hart_wowed_by_sam_mcguffie.html

-----An article on Mike Hart drooling over K-Fed and wanting to ask him to marry him.

He's going to be a great player here, a great player. I talk to him all the time. I want to try to see him succeed."

---I also find it funny how the slanted article mentions how McGuffie is the "#1 RB in the nation by Rivals.com". UH you forgot to mention it's ALL PURPOSE BACK, your boy isn't the #1 back.

[NDGirlzRock]

But IK you know all of the scUM fans are going to be saying that he is the next coming of....who? They have never had a TE worth much of anything! Uncle Lloyd wouldn't throw to a TE even if he had 4 of them on the field at the same time. Too bad we don't have scented computer screens, cause all of the scUM fans need smelling salt scented ones!

[IrishKnight1023]

Michigan picked up it's 14th commitment today in TE/LB prospect Christian Wilson. I would assume he will be playing LB due to the fact that they have now taken 2 TE's in this and the last class already. Decent pickup for he is a 4 star according to both Scout and Rivals. In LB terms he's ranked 4 spots behind McDonald (Rivals). In TE terms he's ranked 7 spots behind Fauria (Scout.)

Scout Profile: http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=2842444

Rivals Profile: http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=57743

Rivals Video on his commitment to Michigan: http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=961&CID=704053

[Tommy]

They can have him we got who we came for ( not counting my chicks before they hatch )

[IrishKnight1023]

http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=705280

---Rivals Recruiting Race---

---Who's number 1? ND IS

The Irish will host at least one official visitor next weekend when they open the season at home versus Georgia Tech, as Frostproof (Fla.) scatback Carlton Thomas has set his trip to South Bend for Labor Day weekend. The 5-6, 160 pounder who ran for 2,283 yards and 25 TDs as a junior, recently narrowed his list to five and it includes Notre Dame, West Virginia, Iowa, Auburn and Georgia. Thomas plans on taking officials to all five schools and making his decision shortly thereafter.

[daytonirish]

Just listened to a replay of his interview on IE power hour. Said tradition, education, team cemistry,and chance to play for Nat'l championship were important to him.

[domerdude]

Carlton Thomas to pull the trigger Sept 1st!!!!! Not sure if its true or not just fun to say. I think he is ours to lose tho.

[NDGirlzRock]

Carlton Thomas to pull the trigger Sept 1st!!!!! Not sure if its true or not just fun to say. I think he is ours to lose tho.

For as small of a guy, the kid has a deeeeeep voice. Makes me believe the bench and squat #s this kid has posted.

[IrishKnight1023]

Well well well USC picked up another WR commit today in Joe Adams and that now makes 14 committments for this class. This guy comes all the way from Arkansas. Their national recruiting has to stop. They have probably the 2nd best (behind Florida) recruiting hot bed state in the country and they lock that down, but enough of cherry picking the rest of the country. He is rated right around where our beloved John Goodman is. I'm just puzzled on why all of these WR's are in such a rush to sit the bench at SC. I mean did you not just notice a fellow 6.0 RR recruit that just is now transferring from there?

Rivals Profile: http://usc.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=1&pr_key=54451

Scout Profile: http://usc.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=8&c=1&nid=2761106

[GhostSpirit]

Emmanuel Moody transfered to Florida. Reason: They give the playmakers the ball.

....Duh

[Akron Irish]

Well well well USC picked up another WR commit today in Joe Adams and that now makes 14 committments for this class. This guy comes all the way from Arkansas. Their national recruiting has to stop. They have probably the 2nd best (behind Florida) recruiting hot bed state in the country and they lock that down, but enough of cherry picking the rest of the country. He is rated right around where our beloved John Goodman is. I'm just puzzled on why all of these WR's are in such a rush to sit the bench at SC. I mean did you not just notice a fellow 6.0 RR recruit that just is now transferring from there?

Rivals Profile: http://usc.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=1&pr_key=54451

Scout Profile: http://usc.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=8&c=1&nid=2761106

He heard that the Bush estate was available for rent