Day of Reckoning

On Wednesday, college football coaches all over the country will feel like the high school students they have been recruiting - not unlike an upperclassman who has asked someone out and is waiting to see if they show up on prom night.  For months they have seen seniors visit, commit, de-commit, promise to be a part of their program and then change their minds.  Things will probably go as planned for the most part, but it is those last minute decisions that keep things exciting.  Seemingly out of nowhere, wide receiver recruit Deontay Greenberry announced he was taking a visit to Houston this weekend.  I believe that the Irish have lost all the commits that are going to change their minds, leaving those who are undecided to give Notre Dame a last minute boost.  An all-world lineman recruit is rumored to announce Sunday afternoon, but until the letter of intent is signed, sent in and confirmed, anything can and will happen.

Currently there are three commits in South Bend as early enrollees - quarterback Gunner Kiel, defensive tackle Sheldon Day and defensive back Tee Shepard (it has always been thought Shepard’s cousin Greenberry would come as a package deal). 

Most of the verbal commits should sign Wednesday with little concern.  Among others I have little to no doubt will become members of the Notre Dame football program include lineman Jarron Jones, running backs Keivarae Russell and William Malone, defensive backs Elijah Shumate, C.J. Prosise, and John Turner, offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Mark Harrell, along with wide receiver Justin Ferguson.

Last year, Brain Kelly and his team pulled out some late signees who help push the freshman class to one of the best in the country.  There are several targets out there that could do the same for Kelly and his crew this year.  More realistic prospects include former commit Ronald Darby, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, wide receiver Davonte Neal, cornerback Armani Reeves and cornerback  Anthony  Standifer.  Some longer shots that could help propel this recruiting class through the ceiling include dual threat quarterback Devin Fuller, current Mississippi State athlete commit Will Redmond, cornerback  Donaldven Manning, monster 6’9” 330lb offensive lineman Zach Banner (my biggest hope)  and of course, Arik Armstead (who I could care less about).

There are also several players who are waiting until Wednesday to announce their college plans, who have shown little to no interest in playing for Notre Dame that I will be watching to see where they end up.  Of course, if any of these want to surprise us all by going to South Bend, that would be fine.  Many services have 6’6” 220lb 4.47 forty time wide receiver Dorial Green-Bekham, and the nation’s number one high school prospect  but the Irish are not in his top five (maybe the locking up of Gunner Kiel , fellow Army All-American will change things).  Offensive tackle Kyle Murphy will probably play in South Bend but most likely for an opposing team.  The same can be said about Andrus Peat (both players are 6’7” and five-star recruits).

Of course, feel free to visit any of the dozens of recruiting services sites to get your own perspective; Scout, Rivals, Max Preps, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Bleacher Report are just a few to start with.