Signing Day in the rearview mirror

After navigating the NCAA recruiting process, signing day went off without a hitch, topped off with a bonus five-star defensive tackle from California.  Every verbal commit signed on the dotted line as expected, with the exception of Folston (who we knew was planning on signing in the afternoon) by 10:30 am EST.  The only hiccup was that Notre Dame released Eddie Vanderdoes as a signed commit, and then retracted it long before his official announcement.

Each year (often throughout the year), fan(atic)s follow the progress of high school athletes reviewing their highlight films, find out about their family connections to different colleges, all the while cheering or jeering their choices.  Last year, Notre Dame had a couple of late de-commits who decided to go elsewhere and were cursed by Irish fans, whereas this year, South Bend picked up two Five-Star USC de-commits who were praised.  My favorite outlook this year comes from an article from Her Loyal Sons website.

There were a couple of prospects out there that could have jumped on board at the last minute, mostly long shots, but we could have had some jump off as well.  Overall, I would give this year’s signing day an 8 ½ out of 10 and a significant improvement over last year.  Brian Kelly and his staff, which goes beyond the coaching staff (admissions, academic and of course the compliance department), should be proud of their work recruiting this class from Steve Elmer (first verbal commit) to Eddie Vanderdoes (last commit and signed LOI).  Truth be told, the players themselves also deserve some credit in the success of this class as they reached out to fellow recruits to help build relationships.

We will take time to review these young men starting with the five who are already on campus and who will take part in spring practice.  Some will be expected to make an impact and play this upcoming fall while others will be expected to redshirt and develop, but as history has shown, anything can happen.  Anything from injuries (seemingly half of the defensive backfield), transfers (Aaron Lynch) to a spectacular preseason, can project a freshman into action with a wide range of results, not to mention with the kind of players Kelly recruits, players may take a side of the field in a position they were not even recruited to play (Troy Niklas and KeiVarae Russell).

A quick snapshot shows a relatively balanced class in terms of positions and talent.  Commits represent 15 states, 10 defensive players (three D-linemen, three linebackers and four defensive backs) and 14 offensive players (five O-linemen, four wide receivers, two tight ends, two running backs and one quarterback).  In addition to the two dozen scholarship athletes, the Fighting Irish also picked up two preferred walk-ons; punter Andrew Antognoli and kicker John Chereson.

The one thing I can say with some relative certainty is that this group is close and feels a special connection with each other, evident with the self-imposed tag of Irish Mob 13.  For now, let’s sit back and be happy with what we’ve got, but not for too long. The class of 2014 is getting ready for their shot.  And if you don’t believe me, be aware that Notre Dame has already nearly 100 offers out to current high school juniors with four commitments.

Our Two Cents with a Quarter Back

Here is what I expect to unfold with the quarterback position in the upcoming year.  There will be no quarterback controversy or really a competition, at least for the starting role.  Everett Golson has proven himself and will be the starter for the Irish.  Although there were some growing pains in 2012, he has grown and developed under Kelly’s leadership and I expect he will continue to do so in 2013.  In no way, shape or form is Golson done growing physically or mentally.  Everett will continue to work on his physical development along with every other player in South Bend, but I expect his mental development will show the biggest jump next fall.  Understand that Golson was an early enrollee and spent a spring, summer and full season on the scout team before facing Navy in Ireland. However, being able to work this offseason with a year of game experience should pay off in solid dividends next season.

I don’t think Golson will be looking over his shoulder for Tommy Rees as he did last season, but Rees will be the step-in if Golson needs to come out during a game.  Rees will not be the number two on the depth chart, but should be the next man in during an emergency (i.e. equipment issue, injury, etc.).  Tommy has the experience and composure to jump in at the drop of a hat but with only one year of eligibility left, Kelly would need to give any meaningful back-up time to someone else. 

Gunner Kiel will be the official back-up and will be put in between games if needed and go in for meaningful clean-up game duty snaps.  The clock will begin running on Kiel’s eligibility in 2013 and as the number one rated quarterback coming out of high school, sitting on the practice squad is okay (even for an early enrollee) for one year, but after that he probably needs to see the field with a legitimate chance to show what he’s got, or he’s got to think about going somewhere else.

Andrew Hendrix will be utilized for possible mop-up and emergency use (meaning everyone else is hurt and the game situation is not important enough to burn a year of eligibility for Malik Zaire).  He may get it on some specific running situations.  Do not feel overly sorry for Andrew though; he is pre-med and will leave South Bend with nice degree from a pretty prestigious institution of higher learning.

Finally, Malik Zaire will be redshirted.  Much like Golson, Zaire has enrolled early and will get a head start on his college experience.  From all accounts, Zaire is Golson 2.0, but is a little taller and a little better passer.