Signed, Sealed and Delivered ND Commits – Quarterback

The Irish signed only one quarterback and he is already on campus as an early enrollee.  Currently, it appears Notre Dame should be set at quarterback for several years to come with Everett Golson.  After leading the Irish to the National Championship Game and an undefeated season, and with three years of eligibility left, Golson looks to be the incumbent for the next couple of seasons.  With experienced Tommy Rees as a proven backup and leader and Redshirt Senior Andrew Hendrix there is a solid stable of quarterbacks even with rumored transfer of Gunner Kiel.

Malik Zaire is Everett Golson version 2.0 for Brian Kelly.  At 6’1” 190+lbs., Zaire has many similarities to Golson, and by some accounts, may have more ability and potential.  Zaire looks to be a better pocket passer than Golson, seems to be just as good on his feet and can extend plays.  Zaire had a solid high school career (2012 passing for 1990 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 1120 yards and 9 touchdowns, 2011 passing for 729 yards and 5 touchdowns while rushing for 1093 yards and 15 touchdowns), but lifted himself to another level by making the Elite 11.  Zaire was a bit of a surprise invite to the camp but by the end of the competition he proved he was among the best.

See for yourself

Like Golson, Zaire has the talent to see the field sooner than later, but also like Golson, there is no need to learn the college game and burn a year of eligibility on the field.  Malik should and most likely will redshirt and develop his abilities on the scout team.  Also like Golson, Zaire he could eventually be in Heisman conversations.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered ND Commits – Tight Ends

Notre Dame’s official Signing Day page has two recruits listed for their incoming class - Mike Heuerman and Durham Smythe.  Although both of these young men should have solid collegiate football careers, I would not be surprised to see a few other of their incoming teammates end up seeing some time at the tight end position at some point during their time in South Bend.  I’m not saying they will, but Brian Kelly brings in football players and goes from there. 

Corey Robinson should add height and weight to his 6’5” 195 lb. frame and he will continue to learn the art of receiving, so don’t be shocked to see him line up at tight end before he leaves Notre Dame.  I wouldn’t expect him to be a full-time tight end, but more like a reverse Tyler Eifert; where his was a tight end who split out, Robinson would be a receiver who moves in.  Jacob Matuska is coming to the Irish as a defensive end, but he had a solid high school career on the offensive side of the ball playing tight end.  Chances are there will be little need to bring Jacob back over to play tight end, but you never know.  Lastly, Mike McGlinchey stands out to me as a future tight end.  Currently, he stands somewhere between 6’8” and 6’9” just over 280 lbs., and I just don’t know if he can fill out his tall frame to be a legitimate offensive tackle. 

Mike Heuerman has the potential to see the field sooner than later, pushing through the unproven or underperforming current stable of tight ends.  Heuerman is a decent blocker and an above average receiving tight end.  Heuerman’s first offer came from the Irish and he seems to have a special commitment to Notre Dame, and as an early enrollee, he will have an opportunity to participate in spring practice and show what he has to offer early.

See for yourself.

Durham Smythe committed to Notre Dame later in the process, but at 6’6” 230 lbs., he will be a welcomed addition to Tight End U.  Smythe needs to add weight but does not need to see the field right away.  He could redshirt to learn and grow into a dominant tight end in South Bend.  But with Alex Welch having injury issues and Ben Koyack not developing into what the Irish had been hoping for, Durham may get an early opportunity to crack the depth chart.

See for yourself