page 2 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, February 2, 2012 Commentary Kelly unveils 2012 recruits Despite all the talk, it’s too early to judge

Disappointing? Yes. But a includes five players who will disappointment? Absolutely enter camp as defensive backs, not. and that depth is what is im- Notre Dame’s recruiting portant. class of 2012 was not all it And while defensive back could have been, but it should was highlighted as the posi- certainly not be considered a tion to watch as early as last failure. February, the most immediate Judging the pending suc- concern for most Irish fans cess or failure of a player as is the position, he moves from and the Irish nabbed one of to the NFL is difficult enough. the best. Gunner Kiel fits in Judging the same as a player perfectly with Kelly’s system moves and should complete for the from high starting job immediately as an school to early enrollee. college is But it is very difficult to intelligent judge players at this stage. guesswork According to Rivals.com, Notre at best. Dame signed just two players That is in the top-100. According to not to say ESPN, they signed three. But National what does this mean? Signing Eric Prister Arguably the best quar- Day is not terback in recent memory at important. Senior Sports Notre Dame, Brady Quinn, was Recruit- Writer a three-star prospect coming ing is an out of high school, nowhere invaluable part of the college near the top-100. Tyler Eifert football process and should be was also a three-star recruit. treated as such. But to claim Jeff Samardzija was as well. Notre Dame failed because Rankings are meaningless it did not rank higher on an until a coach gets his hands on GRANT TOBIN/The Observer analyst’s list of top classes is the players. Receiver recruit Irish coach Brian Kelly discusses Notre Dame’s 2012 recruiting class with the media Wednesday ludicrous. Justin Ferguson is rated the at the Guglielmino Complex. The Irish added 16 recruits and one transfer in the recruiting haul. The Irish missed out on 14th-best receiver by ESPN a few opportunities, losing and the 58th-best receiver by By CHRIS MASOUD late to Notre Dame because we propriate messages on Twit- receiver Deontay Greenberry Rivals.com. Which is right, or Assistant Managing Editor don’t want you to get here, and ter. in the eleventh hour to Hous- is either? Only time will tell. you’ve signed a letter of intent, “[Social media has] opened ton and highly touted defen- Kelly said Wednesday that No pleasant surprises and and it wasn’t the right fit. You up the eyes of everybody, and sive back Ronald Darby a few Notre Dame did exactly what no 11th-hour recruiting coups just got sold a bill of goods.” in particular what you say weeks earlier. But to claim it set out to do this year, and — National Signing Day 2012 The lone surprise of the day tracks you. I think that’s ap- these losses signal a down- for now, there is no reason to simply turned out a group of was the fax that never came propriate … I think social me- ward spiral for the state of the doubt him. Certainly there solid football in. Wide dia is definitely a window in football program is absurd. were some slip-ups, and things players. Irish r e c e i v e r which we can see more about a Last season, Notre Dame hit did not go exactly according to coach Brian D e o n t a y young man. Sometimes it’s just a home run, signing defensive plan. But to judge the success Kelly added one Green- being silly, but the recognition lineman Aaron Lynch and or failure of a coaching hire transfer stu- berry, the that it does track you, it is very Stephon Tuitt, along with line- based on the whims of one or dent and 16 high No. 7 wide important and it’s a point that backer Ishaq Williams, who at two 18-year-olds is bordering school seniors to “I think we painted the r e c e i v e r we made this year. I brought the time was considered to be on certifiable insanity. the 2012 football picture ... clearly about ranked by in a specialist this year to talk on their level. Irish coach Brian Notre Dame football is roster, including what we were about, and Scout.com about social media and the im- Kelly went into the recruiting moving in the right direction. 10 skill players, we made sure that this and a ver- plications of that. We’re going process knowing he needed to It may not be going there as four power play- is what you’re going to bal com- to have to continue to teach solidify his defensive front, and quickly as some would like, ers, one big skill get at Notre Dame.” mitment and educate.” he did just that. and Kelly’s third year prob- player and one up until Transfer Amir But the impact of Tuitt and ably will not bring a national specialist. Wednes- Carlisle, defensive lineman Lynch was not just on the field. championship. “Today we Brian Kelly day, signed Sheldon Day, defensive back Certainly they played well There certainly have been have a class that Irish coach with Hous- Tee Shepard and Kiel enrolled this season, but they provided setbacks, the loss of Green- represents the ton in- at the University in Janu- much-needed depth on the de- berry potentially being one of needs that we stead. ary and have already started fensive line, and that was their them, just as the loss to South had in our foot- Kelly taking classes. Kelly said the greatest contribution this year. Florida at the beginning of last ball program,” said con- coaching staff has maintained Kelly did not hit that same season undoubtedly was. Kelly said versations constant contact with the ear- home run this year. He said But Brian Kelly has a plan, Wednesday. “As that took ly enrollees to ease the transi- at last year’s National Signing and if he says things are mov- you know, last year our need place between last night and tion process. Day press conference that after ing according to it, who’s to say base relative to our class was this morning indicated Green- But Kelly quickly dashed recruiting well on the defensive he’s wrong? centered around the power berry had changed his mind. any implications of coddling, interior, this year’s focus would position. I thought we did a “I think we painted the pic- adding he expects each recruit be the exterior. The home Contact Eric Prister at great job of addressing that. ture … clearly about what we to push incoming players for run would have been signing [email protected] This year was about that skill were about, time on the corners Tee Shepard, Darby The views expressed in this level, and especially at the de- and we made field. and Brian Poole. On signing column are those of the author fensive backfield and the wide sure that this “In the day, only Shepard belongs to and not necessarily those of receiver position, and we feel is what you’re r e c r u i t i n g the Irish. But the class of 2012 The Observer. like we have addressed those going to get at process we needs within our program for Notre Dame. “In the recruiting process clearly tell the 2012 class that we’re an- For me it’s we clearly tell our our fresh- nouncing.” hard to be freshmen, ‘You better men, ‘You Among the 16 high school d isappointed be ready to compete,’ better be recruits, defensive lineman about some- whether it’s Gunner ready to Jarron Jones, quarterback thing you’ve c o m p e t e , ’ Gunner Kiel, running back never had or Kiel or Sheldon Day whether it’s KeiVarae Russell and defen- you’ve never or Tee Shepard.” Gunner Kiel sive back Elija Shumate were coached,” or Sheldon selected for the U.S. Army All- he said. “I’m Brian Kelly Day or Tee American Bowl. Kelly and his more excited Irish coach Shepard … staff crisscrossed 13 states, about the guys If you think visiting recruits and their that signed you’re go- families from the Midwest, because they ing to come the South and both coasts to are the right in and get secure National Letters of In- kind of guys.” a free year tent. Unlike previous years, Kelly and red shirt, [that’s] some- “It starts with making sure said social media emerged as where else,” Kelly said. “Come that we talk about our dis- a factor in the recruiting pro- to Notre Dame if you want to tinctions and not shy away cess. Originally recruited by compete.” from them,” he said. “We talk Notre Dame and Michigan, Spring football practices be- about a faith based educa- Yuri Wright com- gin March 21. tion; we talk about, ‘You got mitted instead to Colorado af- to live in the dorms.’ We talk ter being dismissed from his Contact Chris Masoud at about those things as they re- high school by posting inap- [email protected] Thursday, February 2, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 3

Nick Baratti Chris Brown S, ***, 210 pounds, 6-2 WR, ****, 180 pounds, 6-2 Klein Oak High School Hanahan High School Spring, Texas Hanahan, S.C. Nick Baratti features a deadly com- While the Irish have churned out bination of acceleration and size com- plenty of solid possession receivers, the ing out of Texas, one of the country’s offense has lacked a pass-catcher with premier football states. Considered by blazing speed. Enter Chris Brown and many a three-star recruit, the Irish ex- his 40-yard dash time of 4.44. pect Baratti to play safety in order to Brown shot up recruiting boards utilize his ball skills, great closing speed across the nation toward the of his and explosiveness in and out of cuts. high school career. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he has a Though he missed half of his senior build nearly exactly copying that of out- campaign because of a broken collar- going safety Harrison Smith, but he also bone, Brown still had a productive high runs a 4.48 40-yard dash. school career, including a junior season Baratti was primarily used in a run- in which he recorded 52 catches for ning back and quarterback combina- 1,105 yards and 16 touchdowns. tion while also posing as a dangerous Brown has tremendous athleticism; receiving threat in high school. In his in addition to his top-end speed, he has junior year the Spring, Texas, native great jumping ability. threw for 1,873 yards and 13 touch- Brown has the versatility to play downs while rushing for 1,267 yards in the slot or on the outside for Notre and 17 touchdowns. Dame. Photo courtesy of James Clancy Photo courtesy of Hanahan High School

Scott Daly Sheldon Day LS, **, 210 pounds, 6-2 DE, ****, 280 pounds, 6-2 Downers Grove South High School Warren Central High School Downers Grove, Ill. Indianapolis, Ind. Long snappers are rarely noticed One of the highest-rated prospects in until they make a mistake, but Scott the Irish recruiting class, Day is ranked Daly’s performance earned him the among the nation’s top defensive tackles by recognition of a Notre Dame schol- most recruiting services. The 280-pound arship. lineman from Indianapolis drew a slew Playing for the Irish has been Da- of impressive scholarship offers from ly’s top goal from the beginning of around the country. Other offering pow- the recruiting process, and he ac- erhouse programs including Arkansas, cepted a scholarship offer just sec- Michigan, LSU, Penn State, Virginia Tech onds after Irish coach Brian Kelly and Wisconsin, but he chose to stay in his offered it. home state and play for the Irish. The Downers Grove, Ill., resi- Day joins an already-loaded Irish front dent made the trip for five of Notre and will likely figure into the rotation in Dame’s six home games this fall the middle of the Irish defensive line im- and has made several visits to cam- mediately. He is smaller than current pus during the winter. Irish nose guard Louis Nix, but has been Daly’s consistency and work ethic an active force against the run and the at the position are unrivaled, and pass at Warren Central High School, with his quickness will be an asset in nine sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his punt coverage. senior season. Photo courtesy of Irish Sports Daily Photo courtesy of Warren Central High School Capsules by Observer Sports staff page 4 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, February 2, 2012

Justin Ferguson Mark Harrell WR, ***, 205 pounds, 6-2 OL, ***, 270 pounds, 6-5 Flanagan High School Charlotte Catholic High School Pembroke Pines, Fla. Charlotte, N.C. With the departure of the most ac- Mark Harrell is a versatile prospect complished in Notre who will be able to contribute at a Dame history, Justin Ferguson will be number of positions for the Irish. At one of the players hoping to emerge 6’ 5” and 265 lbs, he has the athleti- as a threat in the Irish passing game cism and length to excel at guard but in 2012. also the drive and competitiveness to Ferguson brings good size to the be a force in the middle. It is not yet position and his game is fundamen- determined where on the offensive tally reliant on outmuscling defensive line he will end up, but he is primed backs. However, Ferguson’s impres- to succeed in Notre Dame’s spread of- sive power is coupled with consider- fense, which places a premium on big, able agility and speed. He figures athletic linemen who can both protect to line up primarily on the outside the quarterback and get to the second where he will have the ability to get level on runs and short passes. behind defenses and extend the field. While he still has to add bulk to The Florida native is athletic and his frame, the senior from Charlotte, talented, and if he is able to improve N.C., and Charlotte Catholic High his technique he could develop into School should be a force when his an important player in Notre Dame’s body catches up to his skills and natu- field of young receivers. ral size. Photo courtesy of Flanagan High School Photo courtesy of Charlotte Catholic High School

Jarron Jones Gunner Kiel DE, ****, 290 pounds, 6-6 QB, *****, 215 pounds, 6-4 Aquinas Institute Columbus East High School Rochester, N.Y. Columbus, Ind.

A two-way lineman in high school, Originally committed to Indiana, Kiel Jarron Jones is expected to play on the switched to LSU in December before cap- defensive side of the ball at Notre Dame, ping off a roller coaster recruitment by adding even more youth to a line deep finally choosing the Irish hours before with potential. the start of the second semester. He is ranked as a four-star recruit The quarterback is one of three early by most major recruiting services, is a enrollees and will compete for the start- member of the ESPNU 150, and played in ing job in spring practice. He joins an the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. already crowded quarterback position 7. Jones, who has a scary combination of that struggled to provide consistency size, strength and athleticism, is an in- last season. Expectations for Kiel range telligent player who shows a good ability from earning the starting job to redshirt- to read and react on defense. He initially ing his first year on campus, similar to committed to Penn State in April, but the blueprint used in 2011 for freshman then decommitted in July before com- quarterback Everett Golson. mitting to the Irish in late August. Kiel, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, car- As a junior, Jones had 68 tackles, 10 ries good size and above average skills on sacks and an . During his se- the ground. Due to his arm strength and nior season, he recorded 71 tackles and accuracy, Kiel was tabbed the top-rated Photo courtesy of Lakiescha Titus-Jones five sacks. quarterback prospect in the nation. Photo Courtesy of Andrew Laker/The Republic

William Mahone RB, ****, 205 pounds, 5-11 Fitch High School, Austintown, Ohio

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Laker/The Republic A strong and well-built running back, Will Mahone hopes to step in as Notre Dame’s primary physical back and fill the void created by Jonas Gray’s graduation. In his senior season at Fitch High School in Austintown, Ohio, Mahone averaged 7.3 yards per carry and reeled off several long touchdown runs. He also contributed as a for Fitch, creating two forced and snatching four . Mahone’s size makes it difficult for defenders to tackle him, as he is powerful enough to drive through defenders. He is not ex- actly a speedy running back but possesses a quick initial burst and has the ability to change direction with ease.

Romeo Okwara LB, ***, 235 pounds, 6-4 Ardrey Kell High School, Charlotte, N.C.

Beamer Sports Photo Add another impressive young pass-rushing talent to the Irish front seven — Romeo Okwara, a 6-foot, 4-inch, 225-pound defensive end from Charlotte, N.C., spent last season tirelessly chasing dwn opposing quar- terbacks en route to nine sacks and 70 tackles. Okwara has been a solid commitment for Notre Dame since before the 2011 season and took in multiple Irish games this past fall, both in South Bend and on the road. Okwara was in attendance for the Oct. 22 loss to USC before taking in wins over Wake Forest and Maryland. As a menacing presence for Ardrey Kell High School, he caused havoc in the opposing backfield with a knack for causing turnovers. He carries a 3.5 grade-point average into Notre Dame.

Capsules by Observer Sports staff Thursday, February 2, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 5

C.J. Prosise KeiVarae Russell S, ***, 205 pounds, 6-2 ATH, ****, 170 pounds, 6-0 Woodberry Forest High School Mariner High School Woodberry Forest, Va. Everett, Wash. C.J. Prosise, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound Running back KeiVarae Russell chose defensive back, should provide much- the Irish over his home-state Washing- needed depth at the safety position for ton Huskies on Dec. 29. Russell, who also the Irish. received offers from USC and Cal, among He picked Notre Dame over offers others, rushed for at least 1,200 yards in from schools such as Wisconsin, Vir- each of his sophomore, junior and senior ginia Tech and Penn State. seasons, including 1,850 yards as a junior Prosise finished his senior season and 1,293 yards as a senior, despite miss- with 51 tackles, six interceptions and ing three games due to injury. 10 pass breakups. He also should fac- Russell, who participated in the U.S. tor into the nearly nonexistent Notre Army All-American Bowl in January, pro- Dame punt return game, as Prosise vides versatility with his ability to catch returned four punts for touchdowns passes out of the backfield and can play in last year. the slot if necessary. Russell’s elusiveness The Central Virginia Defensive and change of pace ability also provides Player of the Year possesses 4.55 a nice complement to fellow Irish signee speed, yet has the size needed to be a running back Will Mahone’s more power- PhotoElaine courtesy Alexander/Woodberry of Flanagan High School Forest High School safety in college. ful Elainerunning Alexander/Woodberry game. Forest High School Photo courtesy of Mariner High School

Tee Shepard Elijah Shumate CB, ****, 180 pounds, 6-1 S, ****, 205 pounds, 6-1 Washington Union High School Don Bosco Prep Fresno, Calif. Ramsey, N.J. The first commitment to Notre This four-star recruit was a huge Dame’s class of 2012, doing so all the recruiting coup for a depleted Irish way back in March, Tee Shepard is secondary. While receiving offers one of three members of the class from Oklahoma, South Carolina and who enrolled early for the spring se- Michigan among others, Shumate mester. chose Notre Dame in early January The fourth best cornerback pros- at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl pect in the country according to after a late-December visit while rivals.com, Shepard has great size being heavily recruited by defensive and length for cornerback and im- coordinator Bob Diaco. pressive football instincts, which Shumate played linebacker in makes him a potential lockdown de- high school, but is expected to make fensive back for the Irish. the switch to strong safety for the Shepard sat out his senior season Irish. due to an eligibility issue after trans- The Don Bosco product is the No. ferring high schools, but competed 4 overall recruit coming out of New in the Semper Fidelis All-American Jersey and is known for his jarring AP Elaine Alexander/Woodberry Forest High School Bowl in January. hitsElaine and Alexander/Woodberry tremendous Forest closing High School speed. Photo courtesy of Dave Rubel/NJ Sports Media

Ronnie Stanley John Turner OL, ****, 285 pounds, 6-6 S, ***, 195 pounds, 6-1 Bishop Gorman High School Indianapolis Cathedral High School Las Vegas, Nev. Indianapolis, Ind. Ranked as the top recruit in Nevada, John Turner will be a key piece of Ronnie Stanley committed to Notre Notre Dame’s secondary-heavy class, Dame after making an official visit in bringing both talent and a tradition of December, selecting the Irish over Ar- winning to the Irish defense. kansas and Nebraska. As a cornerback at Cathedral High A three-year starter for powerhouse School in Indianapolis, Turner led his Bishop Gorman High School in Las school to two state championships. His Vegas, Stanley’s solid play on the line lean frame and imposing wingspan helped his team capture three consecu- caused most opposing offenses to shy tive state championships and deliver a away from throwing to his side of the 43-3 record over the last three years. field, and his coverage skills will allow Stanley’s 6-foot-7 frame and agility him to challenge for time on defense gives him a strong mix of size and ath- and special teams immediately. leticism, which should play well in Irish Turner made the short drive to coach Brian Kelly’s spread offense. He South Bend for several games this sea- is still seen as raw and needs more son, and spoke to other interested re- time in the weight room but has great cruits about the benefits of playing at PhotoElaine courtesy Alexander/Woodberry of Bishop Gorman ForestHigh School High School upside. NotreElaine Dame. Alexander/Woodberry Forest High School Photo courtesy of Cathedral High School Capsules by Observer Sports staff page 6 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Thursday, February 2, 2012 Admissions discusses early enrollment process Notre Dame has admitted 24 early enrollees to its football program since creating the policy seven years ago

By ANDREW OWENS in 2009 and an all-time high that they need to buy into that.” Associate Sports Editor of 141 in 2010. No total has yet Of Notre Dame’s 24 early en- been released for 2012. rollees, eight have graduated, More than six years ago, with “In general, when there is a two have transferred and 13 the number of high school play- shift in access policies by the are still enrolled at the Univer- ers opting for early enrollment NCAA, we’re always going to sity. Safety Chris Badger has skyrocketing, Notre Dame real- have to look at those issues to been on a two-year mission and ized it was at a competitive dis- make sure it fits what we do at is expected to return to school advantage unless it instituted a Notre Dame and it also keeps this summer. similar policy of its own. the programs competitive with Because Notre Dame has So that’s exactly what the what’s going on out there,” As- such a small sample size at this University did. sociate Vice President for Un- point, it is too early to notice With three early enrollees dergraduate Enrollment Don any trends, Bishop said. already taking classes at Notre Bishop said. “But it has to serve “We have not seen any con- Dame this semester, only six both purposes. It has to be a cerns as to retention issues. If weeks after they were in sitting reasonable accommodation you look at normal retention in high school classrooms, the to a change in the competitive patterns, they fit within that, total the University has admit- environment that’s out there in although you’re only looking ted in seven years is 24. recruiting, but also it still has at how many have now gone “We were approached at the to fit with what Notre Dame through graduation, especially time about this possibility of does. It’s never going to be just with five-year eligibility now enrolling students in essence one side.” being in play, so it’s a little ear- early after three-and-a-half Bishop said the decision of ly to be talking about trends,” years of high school and it whether to accept an early en- he said. “With that said, what clearly was a reflection of the rollee is a collaborative effort we’ve seen with the progress changing world of particularly between the admissions office, of student-athletes, academi- football recruit- the foot- cally, socially, on campus, their ment,” Director ball pro- desire to remain in-state, suc- of Admissions gram and cessful, is all fine. Bob Mundy said. the athlet- “Is there an advantage these “So we obviously “We were approached ic depart- students benefitted from as far agreed that we at the time about this ment. as athletically on the field, or would consider possibility of enrolling “ W e GPA-wise or graduation? [We] it and it’s been students in essence early take real haven’t seen enough of that to a pretty modest after three-and-a-half care, as say yes to that, but we haven’t number here. years of high school does the any problems, either. Rest as- “It’s a challenge and it clearly was a f o o t b a l l sured, if we see problems, we for students. Stu- office, inare willing to make corrections dents in high reflection of the changing that we into any future decision-mak- school have to be world of particularly interv iew ing process.” planning this in football recruitment.” these stu- advance so that dents. A shift in transfer policy? they meet all the Bob Mundy We really In August, freshman offen- graduation re- Director of Admissions look them sive lineman Jordan Prestwood quirements.” in the eye transferred from Florida State Former Georgia and talk to Notre Dame, becoming the quarterback Eric to them first scholarship transfer the Zeier is regarded about life Irish have taken in decades. Bishop, who cannot discuss been given is where we already as one of the first high-profile in college and at Notre Dame,” Notre Dame, who had re- individual cases, said the addi- knew them pretty well through players to enroll early out of Bishop said. “So this is not just ceived Prestwood’s commit- tion of the two players did not the process. They went through high school, a move he made a football decision they’re mak- ment during the recruitment represent a shift in the transfer the whole process.” in 1991. There was no NCAA ing; it’s an academic, it’s a per- process before he ultimately policy. Mundy said admissions policy against early enroll- sonal and an athletic decision. flipped to the Seminoles, did “While we had not had [mid- meets with a recruit during the ment, but the practice did not “We give that feedback back not wait decades before ac- year scholarship transfers] be- process, reviews high school gain much momentum until the to the coaches. I’ve been im- cepting its next transfer. USC fore, when we were asked this, transcripts, test scores and se- early 2000s. pressed by the quality of the freshman running back Amir we employed nior sched- According to USA Today, 15 people we’ve been meeting … Carlisle transferred from the the same treat- ules and players from BCS conferences I think that the kids that are rival Trojans to Notre Dame ment to these tells the foot- enrolled early in 2002, 53 in coming here are coming with in January and enrolled at the transfer kids “While we had not had ball program 2006 (the first year Notre Dame a very specific sense that Notre University for second semester that we would [mid-year scholarship whether they implemented the policy), 110 Dame is a unique place and classes. to any non-ath- transfers] before, when can continue lete request- to recruit the ing it,” he said. we were asked this, athlete. “We just didn’t we employed the same “If that feel they should treatment to these student com- be singled out transfer kids that we mits to an- and not given would to any non- other place, the same ac- athlete requesting it.” he’s not go- cess that other ing to ap- students did. Don Bishop ply to Notre “I can’t speak Dame, so we to why it wasn’t Associate Vice President for never had asked for [by Undergraduate Enrollment the opportu- the football nity to admit program] be- him, but the fore, but when implication it was asked for and we looked clearly is that we would have.” at our policies, we said, ‘Yes. Bishop said it is unlikely that We do this. We do take mid- the Admissions Department year transfers.’” would be unfamiliar with a Mundy said the University football player looking to trans- often receives calls during the fer because of how widely Notre summer or after a semester Dame seeks out players during from students regretting the recruitment. decision not to attend Notre “The football program is so Dame. If the student had been thorough that they’ve engaged previously admitted to Notre every student-athlete in the Dame, their case is reviewed if country who has reasonable the University has open spots. academics for Notre Dame, While football recruits typi- who is a high talent,” Bishop cally do not officially apply to said. “They don’t miss those. I a school until they are commit- don’t know if there will ever be ted, the admissions office has a case where they will present completed a vetting process somebody that was not recruit- with all players considering ed, who was not a part of a pro- Notre Dame, Bishop said. cess with us. … They already “If we were unfamiliar with know the top kids in the coun- them completely and there try, they’re already recruiting wasn’t much information avail- them.” MACKENZIE SAIN/The Observer able, then no, we would not Irish freshman defensive end Aaron Lynch chases Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien in Notre be moving forward on them,” Contact Andrew Owens at Dame’s 45-21 victory on Nov. 12. Lynch enrolled early at Notre Dame in January 2011. he said. “The only cases we’ve [email protected] Thursday, February 2, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 7 After early surge, ‘12 recruiting finishes slowly

By ALLAN JOSEPH ceiver class. I like all the guys Sports Editor there,” Frank said. “I think one highly underrated player When Irish recruiting expert is KeiVarae Russell … He’s a Mike Frank considers recruiting guy that can get moving in a classes, he uses three all-impor- hurry, and he’s exactly the type tant criteria for evaluation. of player they’ve been lacking. “The first thing you want to “I think Chris Brown brings a do is make sure you fill all your lot of good size and speed. He’s needs, and the second thing you a guy that can stretch the field want to do is make sure you and get behind the secondary.” get some quality depth,” said Despite a solid group of re- Frank, who runs the ESPN- cruits, Frank said there were affiliated Irish still a few Sports Daily. weakness- “The third thing es in the is that you’ve incoming got to get some group of impact players. freshmen. You’ve got to get “The first thing you want “ T h e y guys that when to do is make sure you fill really you watch them all your needs, and the needed an- on film, you look second thing you want to other cor- at them and you do is make sure you get ner — they say, ‘Okay, that some quality depth.” m i s s e d PAT COVENEY/The Observer guy is going to there,” Irish recruiting coordinator Chuck Martin discusses the team at Media Day on August 16. Martin, who play here. I have Frank said. previously coached Notre Dame’s defensive backs, will take over as the offensive coordinator in 2012. no doubt that Mike Frank “I think he’s going to be a Irish recruiting analyst they need- “[Last year,] people looked at cruits look for when they’re sive line is huge,” Frank said. player here.’” ed at least it and said, ‘Well, Brian Kelly’s considering schools. One is good “They’re going to have to get five Based on those one more turning this around. This is a football, one’s a good social life [linemen], and they’re going to criteria, Frank o f f e n s i v e program on the rise, and I want and one is a good education — need to get some guys who can said Notre Dame’s lineman. I to jump aboard,’” Frank said. and I think play already … 2012 class was really like “This year, ups and downs for a lot of These guys know a good class, al- the two all throughout the season, these guys, how to evaluate though not a spectacular one they have … they definitely and unfortunately the last two it’s in that offensive line tal- like the 2011 signing class. needed one more, and maybe games didn’t go their way … I o r d e r , ” ent. I’ve been re- “I think it was a solid class,” another, and unfortunately they think what you’re seeing now is Frank said. “This year, ups and ally impressed Frank said. “Last year they got missed there. just perception. These recruits “ N o t r e downs all throughout the with that they’ve a number of [impact players.] “I think they would have liked are having a little pause, say- Dame has season, and unfortunately done so far in This year, they’ve got quite a to have another running back ing, ‘I thought this was turn- a l w a y s that area.” few, but it’s not as many as last other than Will Mahone … I Like ing around but maybe it’s not.’ been able the last two games didn’t All in all, Frank year. They got some key players, Will Mahone, but I just think they “I don’t think it was any lack of to land go their way ... I think said Kelly and his though, at need positions.” would have liked to have another effort. I think Notre Dame’s staff elite play- what you’re seeing now staff did a good Despite California receiver different type of running back.” really worked hard to get these ers from is just perception.” job recruiting. Deontay Greenberry’s surprise Frank said the late-season players, but they came out just a all across “They got a lot commitment to Houston over surge the Irish had on the field bit short.” the country Mike Frank of really good the Irish, Frank said he was still in 2010 helped the 2011 signing Frank said Notre Dame relies when they Irish recruiting analyst players. They pleased with the receivers who class, while the late-season in- on winning football games to play good did a good job,” signed letters of intent. consistency in the 2011 season recruit most effectively. f o o t b a l l . Frank said. “Overall, I really like the re- hampered the 2012 class. “There are three things re- T h e y ’ v e “Unfortunately, never had a they’re about two problem. or three impact “When players away they were winning enough from this being a great class … games, kids were lining up to They were so close on so many come here. They were turning of these guys.” kids away.” As Frank looked ahead to the For more information on Notre class of 2013, he pointed out a Dame recruiting, check out Mike number of positions the Irish Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com. will need to fill, including in- Email Mike at side linebacker, running back [email protected] and and defensive end. One position, tell him The Observer sent you. however, stood out more than any other. Contact Allan Joseph at “Without a question, offen- [email protected]

GRANT TOBIN/The Observer Irish coach Brian Kelly discusses the 2012 recruiting class at a press conference Wednesday. The class, Kelly’s second full haul at Notre Dame, consists of 16 recruits from across the country.