When 5 star class of 2013 recruit Jaylon Smith committed to the Irish, it put the wheels in motion for other top-rated defensive players to follow suit. Although the current collection of upper classmen linebackers in South Bend include the likes of Manti Te’o, Dan Fox, Carlo Calabrese, as well as up and comers like Jarrett Grace, Kendall Moore, Justin Utupo and Prince Shembo, big programs like Notre Dame need to reload, not rebuild. The linebacker class of 2013 started out with a bang and has continued to show promise.
With a 6’5” 225 lb. frame as a junior as well as a sports pedigree of having a father who played college football, a brother who played for Washington State and Uncle Donny Baseball; Danny Mattingly’s commitment to the Irish at the linebacker position firms up the defense for the future. Most services have him ranked as a 3-star linebacker and many have him ranked higher as a tight end (the position for which Oklahoma offered him a scholarship). Of course, he is an accomplished baseball player as well. Overall, Mattingly seems like a good fit for the Irish; athletic talent, well-rounded and good character.
Watching Michael Deeb’s highlight films, you can’t help being impressed with this kid’s head for the ball and apparent love of hitting. As impressive as Davonte Neal’s highlight films were from an offensive standpoint, Deeb puts you in the same kind of awe on the defensive side of the ball. It’s no surprise Deeb has offers from Florida State, Penn State, Boise State, Pitt and others. The more I see of this kid, the more I like what I see.
The final piece of this class’s linebacker recruiting plan is Alex Anzalone. The Irish are definitely in the hunt for Anzalone’s services.
Note: The 16 verbal commits of the 2013 class come from 13 different states. The power of national recruiting.
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