Although I am not thrilled with the recruiting class of 2013’s self-imposed Irish Mob title, I do like how they are coming together. Thanks in part to technology and social media, it is a lot easier for high school recruits to communicate and keep in touch than it was is the past. These players are building relationships with kids they have never met face to face all over the country. Many of these elite athletes have run into each other at one camp or another over the past couple of years but probably not made a connection until committing to the Irish. Even if they have never met or spoken and the fact there are over one million kids playing high school football, with the explosion of the way information is shared, top players know each other by name and how many stars are attached to it.
Aside from positions and skills, Notre Dame needs kids who are loyal and understand the true concept of team. Having Read dozens of articles and interviews with the class of 2013, each kid seams to have the South Bend “IT.” I use the word “kid” a lot because it is important to keep things in perspective. These are high school juniors – ages 15, 16 and 17, and no age group changes their minds more frequently and easily than teenagers. The talk is easy, “I just want to help the team,” “We want to bring the program back to prominence,” “We want to win a National Championship,” and so on. The walk has proven to be a little harder. I am sure past recruiting classes did not come in saying; “We hope to go 3-9,” We are coming to South Bend to underperform,” “We are hyped but will not live up to expectations,” and so on.
Starting next week, the members of the class of 2012 will be reporting to campus not as visitors but as incoming freshmen. The time for talk is over and this is where the rubber will hit the road for the first time. Even though they won’t see pads or get their first college hit for weeks, I am sure Paul Longo’s strength and conditioning program will give them a proper welcome.
This weekend, South Bend played host to number of Irish Mob 13 members and two prospects who have not given a verbal commitment but both have invitations to next year’s 2013 U.S. Army All American Bowl Game. First, Alex Anzalone (who also has a spot on the 2013 Under Armour Game Roster), a four-star 6’ 2” 220 lb. linebacker from Pennsylvania who de-committed from Ohio State who holds offers from the likes of Alabama, USC, Michigan and Ohio State. Next is 5’11” 175 lb. cornerback MacKensie Alexander from Florida, who has his own list of impressive suitors including Miami, LSU, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Both will be on hand to see the how the Irish commits interact with each other. This may be a better recruiting tool than the campus, coaches and current players put together. With recruiters like quarterback Malik Zaire (who has an invitation to the Elite 11 Competition), tight end Mike Heuerman, athlete (wide receiver) James Onwualu (who has received an invitation to Nike The Opening), athlete Rashad Kinlaw, offensive lineman Hunter Bivin (who has a spot on the 2013 Under Armour Game Roster), tight end Jacob Matuska and super linebacker / defensive end / running back Jaylon Smith (who holds an invitation to the 2013 U.S. Army All American Bowl Game), the staff in South Bend should have an easy weekend relaying to Anzalone and Alexander what Notre Dame is about. Guys like Bivin who fit in at Notre Dame should be able to connect with peers like Anzalone and MacKensie Alexander to convey what he and his fellow “Mob” members want in their future teammates and why they committed to the Irish.
There were also a few prospects from the class of 2014 on campus. Inside Linebacker Clifton Garrett, who received an offer from the Irish on May 30th, got to visit South Bend in a hurry. 2014 prospect Jimmy Byrne, a 6’4” 285 lb. offensive lineman who played on powerhouse Saint Ignatius’s State Championship team, joined fellow rising junior Garrett on campus.
Assuming that the staff get players who fit the character and mold to South Bend, and admissions ensures that the academic standards stay at a high level, there are certain positions and skills the Irish need to fill with this recruiting class. Of course, the M.O. of Brian Jelly and his staff is to get great athletes and football players and the right position will work itself out. With the exception of another running back for insurance purposes, the offensive side of the ball is in pretty good shape. With the recent commitments of Jaylon Smith and Isaac Rochell, momentum is building for defensive prospects, talent wants to play with talent. With only three verbal commits listed as defensive players, the numbers tell the story of need.
