What landing Ethan Johnson means

[scooper]

He is Bellweather recruit. This is the guy. This is the biggest fish landed in the Weis era. Why him over Clausen? Because we were always going to get the QB's anyway. This is the cream of the crop at a position of need and at a position where we have had troubles getting the elite for years. He is the most highly regarded defensive player landed in the Weis era. He was landed in spite of no recent history of solid defense. He was stolen from the clutches of the poodle. JC was fun. This one may be more important. Plus, he'll hurt more skunkbears and condems than JC ever will.

[rdrdreamer]

Great summation scooper. This is HUGE for us. Coach Weis was surely going to attract a top 5 QB each year...but now Coach Brown has laid the bricks for us to get back on the path to an eventual NC...

[SpanishElite]

I agree 100%. I think getting a non Chicago, non New Jersey, big time defensive line recruit is huge. It is well documented that we DIDNT have the greatest luck recruiting true DL. But of course now its all changing. Also its a win against USC who is of course known for their recruiting. So it is a all around HUGE pick up for ND.

[scooper]

I agree 100%. I think getting a non Chicago, non New Jersey, big time defensive line recruit is huge. It is well documented that we DIDNT have the greatest luck recruiting true DL. But of course now its all changing. Also its a win against USC who is of course known for their recruiting. So it is a all around HUGE pick up for ND.

You bring up a good point-geography. Him being a west coaster makes it that much bigger of a get. He has all along been my favorite recruit of this class. Now I'm ecstatic.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Huge pickup...no question. The question I have, is how many recruits will we end up with. 22 seems unlikely at this point. 23, or 24 even?? Obviously, it depends on who/position we get to commit. But I think the last week or so will alter somewhat CW's thoughts on what he originally intended to do.

[IrishCalves]

He is Bellweather recruit. This is the guy. This is the biggest fish landed in the Weis era. Why him over Clausen? Because we were always going to get the QB's anyway. This is the cream of the crop at a position of need and at a position where we have had troubles getting the elite for years. He is the most highly regarded defensive player landed in the Weis era. He was landed in spite of any recent history of solid defense. He was stolen from the clutches of the poodle. JC was fun. This one may be more important. Plus, he'll hurt more skunkbears and condems than JC ever will.

Hmmm... I can buy into that. I mean, who were the two schools that ND had to worry about the most? USC, and Michigan. Perhaps the latter's interest was just trumped up with crackpot journalism from GBW, but there is no denying we beat out our top rivals for him. And the majority of people thought he was a great prospect, top 50 caliber. Rivals = 48th overall. Ethan Johnson = 24. Went into the Michigan summer camp and took away MVP honors. This guy is a defensive studmuffin, at an area that we've had terrible recruiting success with since the last recruit of that caliber, in Victor Abiamiri.

The only person I could debate this one on is Omar Hunter. He's not as highly thought of - he's more or less an "ND fit", a guy that would be good in other schemes, but is perfect as a NT for us. Reason I mention him is he was also a national caliber recruit, who was an even bigger upset than Ethan Johnson. He basically came up north thinking he was going to commit to UM, and had to be talked into visiting South Bend. He hits the campus, Corwin probably greets him at the door, and WA-LA! A childhood fan of a rival and a heavy UM lean picks their rival at the last second.

So, I guess if I wanted a recruit that truly signaled, "The tide has turned", I'd point to Hunter. If I wanted a recruit that I could really hang my hat on, I'd go with Ethan Johnson.

[scooper]

On the field, Hunter could ultimately have a bigger impact than anybody in this class. It obviously remains to be seen, but I would not be surprised. My post was meant more as an indication of the state of ND recruiting and what Johnson means in that regard. The Hunter upset was great, but we beat out another midwestern power (though they were his childhood favorite) for a kid out of the deep south. In Johnson, we beat out THE recruiting powerhouse and our biggest rival for a kid from their end of the country.

That's not to say Hunters wasn't a huge get. I just think Johnson is bigger as far as national implications go.

[SpanishElite]

Huge pickup...no question. The question I have, is how many recruits will we end up with. 22 seems unlikely at this point. 23, or 24 even?? Obviously, it depends on who/position we get to commit. But I think the last week or so will alter somewhat CW's thoughts on what he originally intended to do.

I think no less than 22. But you have to think if we get 23 or 24 or even the max at 25 they will be 5* or high 4* Blue Chip recruits. (Patchan, A. Brown, Hale) I think we will have enough room for Filer, Floyd, Butler, either McCarthy or J. Brown would put us at 22. Then we leave the 3 open for the 5* guys. And I dont worry about having a HUGE class this year and a smaller class next year, because if Coach Weis and Coach Brown think they kids can play at a high level then that what will be best for ND. Plus if we can get more in the class of 08' they will be on campus faster! :)

[NDgrandson]

Calves, you beat me to it. Hunter is also a huge get, based on geography though. While we have raided Georgia pretty well, getting D lineman from the south is another story. Last year we could not even get guys like Blackwell to visit. D line studs often come from the south and if we can tap into that, it is a huge win. Another obstacle we have faced is eligibility. This year, EJ and OH happen to be eligible for ND. Next year, guys of that caliber might not. Lastly IMO, recruits want to come to a place where there is opportunity to play early. ND had a gaping hole in the front 7. In a few years, when no such hole exists, I hope we continue this type of a haul.

#s- If we do take about 24, there will be fewer spots for recruits in the next 2 years (figure 8 on offense, 8 on defense for 09 and 10). The good news there is that we can be very selective. Taking 24, maybe 2 more than most thought, may also just in case we have any Greg or Chris (was that his name?) Littles. To quote "The Who" CW won't be fooled again.

CW at LOI day last year...:mad:

CW at LOI day this year...:D

[rontdtarchala]

Because we recruite nationally getting major players out of the south and out of the west is big big big...thats what made Lou so successful...look how many big time kids he was able to get out of Texas mmmtimbrown...for one. In three years and with the addition of CB we are starting to show good signs of muscle flexing in sec, acc, and pac 10 country. This is big folks! and I don't want to minimalize the rest of the staff either they are all doing one heck of a job....think not how do we all feel right now....I can hardly contain my exuberance, we are truely looking at one of the best hauls we've ever had. Who's the most important get...hell every last one of them...

[KMac151993]

I am going to wait till he actually signs and shows up on campus before I pass judgement.

[scooper]

I am going to wait till he actually signs and shows up on campus before I pass judgement.

You could say that about every commit to every school. Or at the very least, please go remind us of this by posting the same thing in every committed player's thread.

I know what happened in February sucked, but ND fans need to learn to enjoy this. More often than not, the kids keep their word. Much more often.

[KMac151993]

I know, I just think too many people look way too much into these things. Most of us have been 17/18 once and know how often kids that age change their mind.

[scooper]

I know, I just think too many people look way too much into these things. Most of us have been 17/18 once and know how often kids that age change their mind.Sure some change their minds. But a great majority of them don't. It's just that the ones who do get more pub. And last year for some reason, ND got bit more than usual, which doesn't happen often.

[irishunclebill]

You could say that about every commit to every school. Or at the very least, please go remind us of this by posting the same thing in every committed player's thread.

I know what happened in February sucked, but ND fans need to learn to enjoy this. More often than not, the kids keep their word. Much more often.

Plus they now have to sign with their blood that their first born child becomes the property of Notre Dame before CW let's them verbally commit.;)

Yes, that is a joke.

[scooper]

Yes, that is a joke.

kind of ;)

[Grady]

If I'm CW, and I'm not, then I would not be afraid to take 24-25 in case 1 or 2 change their minds by February. After last year, I would do everything possible to avoid dropping to 20 or below this year, when the recruits are just pouring in. If that creates some issues for next year (too few slots available), then CW will just deal with them next year -- after another year's worth of time to evaluate the current players, including the fifth years.

[SpanishElite]

I agree. The thing is if we limit the scholorships this year and MAYBE sign more kids next year we will have to wait for 2 years until they can play. I think if Coach Brown and Coach Weis think the kid is worthy of an offer we should take as many as we can because that means they will be playing for Notre Dame that much sooner.

[tedwick]

If I'm CW, and I'm not, then I would not be afraid to take 24-25 in case 1 or 2 change their minds by February. After last year, I would do everything possible to avoid dropping to 20 or below this year, when the recruits are just pouring in. If that creates some issues for next year (too few slots available), then CW will just deal with them next year -- after another year's worth of time to evaluate the current players, including the fifth years.Given the size of last year's class, and given the dearth of scholarships we have to offer (anywhere from 25 MAX to only 18 if all 7 5th year seniors stay), dropping to 20, or even below, isn't the end of the world. I mean, if we take more, so be it, but we shouldn't just be taking bodies for insurance.

I think CW said something to this effect when he was talking about balancing class size. I mean, in theory he'd like to have 20-22 guys in every class. but some years, there are going to be 24 excellent players that you just can't turn down, and other years, there are only going to be 18. However, if this is a 18-20 year, we shouldn't be taking 22 or 24. Not with the kind of future this team has, and the ability this coaching staff has to recruit blue chip guys.

[Grady]

I agree. The reason we shouldn't be afraid to take 24-25 is because this class could be that good. So take them now while we can, and let next year sort itself out next year.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Well.....If we are talking high 4 (or 5) star rated fellas, I think CW will do all he can to add those types. I agree with having balance, but the fact is that our needs are deep right now. The sooner we address them, the sooner we can start looking at balanced classes.

[tedwick]

Well.....If we are talking high 4 (or 5) star rated fellas, I think CW will do all he can to add those types. I agree with having balance, but the fact is that our needs are deep right now. The sooner we address them, the sooner we can start looking at balanced classes.agreed. i see this class at about 21 or 22 guys. we've got 17 right now. throw in McCarthy or Brown, Filer, and Floyd, all of whom are looking pretty good right now, and you've got 20. Throw in 1 or 2 "grab bag" 4 or 5 star guys that aren't totally on the radar right now (Baldwin! Sabino! Patchan! I'm talkin to YOUUUUUU.), that allows 3 or 4 5th years to come back, and we're up at 85 schollies for the first time in a while.

If the 1 or 2 grab bag guys don't surface, we shouldn't be taking insurance guys in case people jump ship. we're fine at 83 schollies. i guess that was my point.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Honestly, If only Crum comes back, I wouldn't mind too much. Maybe one other.

[rontdtarchala]

you took the words right outa my mouth stoney...in with the new out with the old....

[untitledproject]

Although the system in which they play in will ultimately determine their value next season. As it stands Crum and Lambert are easily the first 2 I want back.

[HoffVir]

Although the system in which they play in will ultimately determine their value next season. As it stands Crum and Lambert are easily the first 2 I want back.

ditto, unless Vernaglia goes ape shit this year, those are the top 2

[IrishCalves]

I'm in agreement with project on this one. Crum and Lambert get invites at this point. After that... it was fun while it lasted I suppose. Though we'll see if the both of them would rather move on to greener pastures.

So that leaves how many? When Frazer transfers, we're left with 14 + 26 + 18 + 2 5th years + Bemenderfer = 24 spots tops?

22-23 seems most realistic. But its a looong way to go 'til NSD. All in good time.

[LOVEMYIRISH]

He is Bellweather recruit. This is the guy. This is the biggest fish landed in the Weis era. Why him over Clausen? Because we were always going to get the QB's anyway. This is the cream of the crop at a position of need and at a position where we have had troubles getting the elite for years. He is the most highly regarded defensive player landed in the Weis era. He was landed in spite of no recent history of solid defense. He was stolen from the clutches of the poodle. JC was fun. This one may be more important. Plus, he'll hurt more skunkbears and condems than JC ever will.

Being able to land Top D and Top O...that's what we have not had in so damn long. You are spot on man.

[IrishKnight1023]

If Justin Brown has a good year I'd expect him to come back because we are desperate for any type of upperclassman experience on the DL.

[IrishCalves]

If Justin Brown has a good year I'd expect him to come back because we are desperate for any type of upperclassman experience on the DL.

A nice point. I remember hearing how the staff was disappointed with him (with some "pointed" commentaries), but I suppose he could be a late bloomer.