Class of 2013, who is on the Irish Radar?

Although the classes of 2013 are finishing up their sophomore years some cream has already risen to the top.  As you will see by some of their numbers there are good reasons why big name schools including the Irish are interested already.

At 6’6 and 297lbs Steven Elmer from Midland High School would be big for college senior linemen.  Maxpreps list his stats at a bench of 275lbs. squat of 515lbs, and a dead lift of 700lbs, when he gets into a serious strength program he could be dangerous.  On a pre-ACT he scored equivalent to a 31, he is involved in student council and his church (Catholic) making him a potential perfect fit in South Bend.  Watching video on this kid you can see he is a man-child on the field.

Adam Breneman is a 6’5” 220lb Tight End prospect from Camp Hill PA with offers on the table form Alabama, Virginia, Boston College, Michigan and Notre Dame to name a few many more should be coming so the Irish better put their best foot forward.  During his sophomore campaign Adam had 59 receptions for 863 yards and 8 touchdowns.  With two years to add some weight to his tall frame he could fit in very nicely to a Brian Kelly offense. 

From Yulee High School in Florida Derrick Henry at 6’3, 225lbs and a 40 time of 4.5 as a sophomore this recruit is high on talent now and his upside could be off the charts.  And if you think his size is impressive for a sophomore wait until you see his game numbers.  Freshman year Derrick ran for 2,475 yards and with 26 touchdowns, moving onto sophomore season he ran for 2,788 yards (one service listed 2,689 and an average of 8.9 yards a carry) and 39 TD’s (and I have to believe defenses were looking to key in on him and stop the run).  Getting talent out of the state of Florida is going to be no easy task for any out of state college.

A kid by the name of Poet Tomas from Beverly Hills MI who was a blip on the screen with not on a lot information on recruiting sites really impressed me when I watched film of him.  http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/2013-recruiting-profiles/60804-13-mi-dt-poet-thomas.html  Besides being a big guy at 6’6” 295lbs this defensive tackle seems to hustle, shed double teams and pursues down field. 

Also on the defensive side of the ball is Taco Charlton a 6’6” 235lb inside linebacker out of Pinkerton Ohio.  Beside having a great sports name Taco he has a bench max of 315 and a squat of 345 as a sophomore.  In addition to the Irish he has drawn attention form Ohio State, LSU, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.  The Irish have an in since they have Central High teammate Eilar Hardy coming to play football this fall.  Taco also can play defensive end and wide receiver.  Great another athlete that can play multiple positions for Brian Kelly.

Finally as a teaser remember the name Sony Michel.  Sonny was a freshman this past season for Fort Lauderdale Florida who already has offers from Florida State the University of Miami and Notre Dame.  He is listed at 5’11”, 195lbs and a 40 time of listed between 4.3 to 4.5. Wow and only 15 years old.   As a freshman he rushed for 1730 yards (averaging almost 7.6 yards per carry) and 22 touchdowns.  Just so you know as a freshman defenses did key on him since her ran for over 1800 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 8^th grade on varsity.  He finds and gets to the hole quick, then he can cut on a dime break it outside and run up field for the big gains.  http://www.gridironstuds.com/detail.php?id=637&ret=1 In track he runs a 10.71 100 meters, in the class room a 4.1 G.P.A, oh yeah he also returns kick offs (2 last season for touchdowns).