A Look Ahead

As February 1^st gets closer and student athletes from the class of 2012 decide where they will play their college football those from the class of 2013 are beginning their time in the recruitment process.  Although colleges follow the talents of some young players since their freshman year (and sometimes before) what players do on the field during their junior year is when they really grab their attention.  Many believe that the earlier you can target a player the earlier they can build a relationship, the earlier they can offer a scholarship and the earlier a player can commit, hoping that other schools back off; again, until the letter is signed more than halfway through their senior year they can change their mind.

At 6’6”, 305lbs and a 5.02 40 yard dash speed Steve Elmer is an offensive lineman that as a junior would easily grab the attention of most college programs.  During his sophomore season he posted strength numbers of a 515lb squat, 700lb dead lift, and a bench press of 275lbs.  Elmer, a Michigan native was recruited and offered scholarships from programs including Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Stanford Steve committed to Notre Dame on September 17^th 2011 (Michigan State Game Weekend).  By recruiting Elmer the Irish continue to make the offensive line a priority for the future.  Even though he has over a year to make visits and explore other options the fact that Elmer has been to South Bend four times during the 2011 season leads me to believe that he likes it and is becoming comfortable with the Notre Dame surroundings.  He has also used these visits to build relationships with recruits from the class of 2012. Elmer also seems to be a prototype Notre Dame student with a sophomore year 4.33 GPA, and a 31 equivalent to a pre-ACT and is active in the Catholic Church and student council.   Elmer was recently named to the MaxPreps 2011 U.S. Air Force Junior All American Football Team. 

To be sure the Irish are and have been hot in the trail of hundreds of high school football players from the class of 2013.  To my count the Irish currently have made offers to 38 juniors.