And then there were three.

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.

Independence

It’s easy to argue that it may now be time for Notre Dame to join a conference or be left out in the cold.  Let’s cover what we know - no National Championship since 1998, no Heisman Trophy winner since 1987 (Tim Brown), no big bowl victory against a ranked opponent since 1994 (Cotton Bowl over #6 Texas), no NBC television contract past 2015, no back to back double digit win season since 92 and 93, so there is no doubt the echoes are not just sleeping; they may actually be hibernating of perhaps in a coma.

With meetings of conference presidents and Jack Swarbrick discussing payoffs and teams moving from one conference to another, many feel now would be the time for Notre Dame to align itself with one of the power conferences to ensure their future relevance.   It looks like we will be working with a four team playoff slate for at least a few years (hopefully, eventually expanding to eight), so positioning will be everything.

Fans from rival schools in any conference may deny it, but they would all give their right arm (and left, for that matter) to get the Irish.  The Big 10, The Big 12, The ACC, The Pac 12, even the SEC would benefit from what the boys from South Bend would bring to the table - a huge fan base (thank you Catholics, Irish immigrants and subway alumni), national influence (thank you NBC), unmatched tradition and history (thank you Rockne, The Four Horseman and the Gipper), along with a football identity recognized everywhere (thank you Golden Dome and a bookstore that puts a logo on EVERYTHING).  Not to mention great academics.

It seems that Irish fans want to stay independent, which of course makes sense since tradition loves tradition.  On the other hand, most radio sports talk show hosts are convinced that they need to and will join a conference sooner than later.  This is an important time for Jack Swarbrick and Notre Dame President Reverend John Jenkins. The future depends on making the right decision.  Either way, the Notre Dame Football program has to return to greatness, and that lies at the feet of one man - Brian Kelly.

I am my brother’s keeper

Although I am not thrilled with the recruiting class of 2013’s self-imposed Irish Mob title, I do like how they are coming together.  Thanks in part to technology and social media, it is a lot easier for high school recruits to communicate and keep in touch than it was is the past.  These players are building relationships with kids they have never met face to face all over the country.  Many of these elite athletes have run into each other at one camp or another over the past couple of years but probably not made a connection until committing to the Irish.  Even if they have never met or spoken and the fact there are over one million kids playing high school football, with the explosion of the way information is shared, top players know each other by name and how many stars are attached to it. 

Aside from positions and skills, Notre Dame needs kids who are loyal and understand the true concept of team.  Having Read dozens of articles and interviews with the class of 2013, each kid seams to have the South Bend “IT.”  I use the word “kid” a lot because it is important to keep things in perspective.  These are high school juniors – ages 15, 16 and 17, and no age group changes their minds more frequently and easily than teenagers.  The talk is easy, “I just want to help the team,” “We want to bring the program back to prominence,” “We want to win a National Championship,” and so on.  The walk has proven to be a little harder.  I am sure past recruiting classes did not come in saying; “We hope to go 3-9,” We are coming to South Bend to underperform,” “We are hyped but will not live up to expectations,” and so on.

Starting next week, the members of the class of 2012 will be reporting to campus not as visitors but as incoming freshmen.  The time for talk is over and this is where the rubber will hit the road for the first time.  Even though they won’t see pads or get their first college hit for weeks, I am sure Paul Longo’s strength and conditioning program will give them a proper welcome. 

This weekend, South Bend played host to number of Irish Mob 13 members and two prospects who have not given a verbal commitment but both have invitations to next year’s 2013 U.S. Army All American Bowl Game. First, Alex Anzalone (who also has a spot on the 2013 Under Armour Game Roster), a four-star 6’ 2” 220 lb. linebacker from Pennsylvania who de-committed from Ohio State who holds offers from the likes of Alabama, USC, Michigan and Ohio State. Next is 5’11” 175 lb. cornerback MacKensie Alexander from Florida, who has his own list of impressive suitors including Miami, LSU, Wisconsin and Oklahoma.  Both will be on hand to see the how the Irish commits interact with each other.  This may be a better recruiting tool than the campus, coaches and current players put together.   With recruiters like quarterback Malik Zaire (who has an invitation to the Elite 11 Competition), tight end Mike Heuerman, athlete (wide receiver) James Onwualu (who has received an invitation to Nike The Opening), athlete Rashad Kinlaw, offensive lineman Hunter Bivin (who has a spot on the 2013 Under Armour Game Roster), tight end Jacob Matuska and super linebacker / defensive end / running back Jaylon Smith (who holds an invitation to the 2013 U.S. Army All American Bowl Game), the staff in South Bend should have an easy weekend relaying to Anzalone and Alexander what Notre Dame is about.  Guys like Bivin who fit in at Notre Dame should be able to connect with peers like Anzalone and MacKensie Alexander to convey what he and his fellow “Mob” members want in their future teammates and why they committed to the Irish.

There were also a few prospects from the class of 2014 on campus.  Inside Linebacker Clifton Garrett, who received an offer from the Irish on May 30^th, got to visit South Bend in a hurry.  2014 prospect Jimmy Byrne, a 6’4” 285 lb. offensive lineman who played on powerhouse Saint Ignatius’s State Championship team, joined fellow rising junior Garrett on campus.

Assuming that the staff get players who fit the character and mold to South Bend, and admissions ensures that the academic standards stay at a high level, there are certain positions and skills the Irish need to fill with this recruiting class.  Of course, the M.O. of Brian Jelly and his staff is to get great athletes and football players and the right position will work itself out.  With the exception of another running back for insurance purposes, the offensive side of the ball is in pretty good shape.  With the recent commitments of Jaylon Smith and Isaac Rochell,  momentum is building for defensive prospects, talent wants to play with talent.  With only three verbal commits listed as defensive players, the numbers tell the story of need. 

Big Fish

Brain Kelly and his crew have reeled in their biggest prospect commit for the class of 2013 in Jaylon Smith.  As Notre Dame’s lucky 13 verbal commit for the class of 2013, Smith, a 6’3” 220 lb. outside linebacker (also has played defensive end and cornerback) with 51 tackles (18 for a loss) and eight sacks, who also rushed for over 1300 yards and had 25 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball during his junior year, is rated as a five-star recruit.  Jaylon, who is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a 4.44 40 time and is ranked the #4 overall recruit for 2013 by rivals.com. Jaylon has already made it pretty clear he will be a recruiting recruit, hopefully luring other talented players to South Bend.  Names being circulated as those Smith may attract include CB Vernon Hargreaves III, LB Alex Anzalone, and LB Michael Hutchings.  All are very important as this class is already pretty set on the offensive side of the ball.  I feel comfortable with his commitment to Notre Dame and we will see him suited up for the Irish in the fall of 2013.  Smith cites his comfort level at the school and the family atmosphere for his decision.  Smith was high on the coaching staff as he told ESPN, "Every (Notre Dame) coach has the same stand character wise," Smith said. "Other coaches tell you what you want to hear, and I saw that with my brother" (his brother attends OSU).  I may think that the self-imposed nickname the 2013 recruiting class has - “IrishMob13” is not up to South Bend Class, but I do like the team spirit this group has with each other.

Back for a Fifth Year

When the Irish begin the 2012 season, seven players will be graduates after being asked back for a fifth year.  Having this kind of experience and maturity in the locker room and on the practice field can be a real asset.  As far as being able to contribute and translating that maturity and experience into production and wins, that may be a little more of a gray area.  If the high talent level was there, they most likely would have moved on to the next level by now.  Coaches have to balance slots of incoming freshmen potential and returning fifth year experience.  This year’s crop of fifth years will not only contribute, but several will compete for starting roles.

Thanks to an injury his freshman year where he saw very little and short lived action as a long snapper, Braxton Cave is coming back to retake his starting role at center.  Cave has played in 35 games in his career with 22 starts.  Braxton brings experience, leadership and strength to the middle of the offensive line. 

Mike Golic Jr. played the backup role at center for two and half years and stepped in for Braxton Cave when he went down last year with an injury.  Golic will either back up Cave again or compete for time at guard.  Mike is a talented lineman who would be starting on almost any other program’s line and the Irish are fortunate to have him in the ranks.

John Goodman needs the 2012 season to prove he is as talented as people have been saying since he came to South Bend.  John never seemed to live up to his supposed potential and after last year’s problems receiving punts, I was a little surprised to see him back.  With his speed, hands, experience and size along with the team’s need for a leader at wide receiver, 2012 could the season in which John could shine. 

Notre Dame Fans couldn’t be happier to have a 6’4” 305 lb. defensive end who has played in 32 games with 29 starts returning to the lineup.  Kapron Lewis-Moore was another lineman whose season was cut short last year due to injury and will be looking to finish off a solid career in South Bend is dominating fashion.

Dan McCarthy’s experience and leadership will be needed desperately in the defensive backfield this season, although most of McCarthy’s play (appearances in 24 games) has been on special teams and as a back up

Along with Braxton Cave, Jamoris Slaughter may the best and most important fifth year the Irish have.  With 16 starts and 36 games played, Jamoris may be the most experienced defensive back the Irish have.

Normally a 6’7” 300+lb. 5^th year offensive lineman would be a probable starter, or at least in the rotation.   This is not the case for four year walk-on Dennis Mahoney who saw his first ever game action last year against Air Force.  I not sure how or why he’s coming back for another year, but after reading his story I have some idea.

Ready or not here they come

The Irish redshirted a number of freshmen last season which allowed them to become acclimated to the college game while preserving a year of eligibility.  Some were redshirted because they may have needed to develop their football skills and others were redshirted because their services were not needed last season.  No matter the reason, the clock is now ticking on their four years of game action.  Most will be eased onto the field and will not see significant action for at least a year or two.  Either way, performing at a high level is important now if they want to break into the depth chart sooner than later.

At 6’1”, 200 lbs., cornerback Jalen Brown has good size to play in a Division I defensive backfield and the second year player out of Texas will need to provide help on the field or at least motivate others to keep their starting roles at the start of the 2012 season.

Offensive lineman Brad Carrico will not crack the starting lineup this season, but if he wants to play in the future, he needs to work to move up the depth chart and make his presence seen as the O-line is beefing up for years to come with young talent.

Ben Councell had a great spring practice and an impressive showing at the linebacker position that should get him on the field regularly in 2012.  With good size, talent and potential, Ben is being counted on by the Irish to be a solid contributor for years to come.

Darvaris Daniels joins a number of Irish receivers who are defined as inexperienced but have good to great potential.  Daniels comes with a NFL pedigree (his father had a 15-year NFL career at defensive end).

Matthias Farley  came to South Bend as a receiver after only two years of high school football experience (played soccer his freshman and sophomore years).  Farley has been moved to safety to help bulk up a depleted defensive backfield and showed his natural athletic ability this spring and is a quick learner, but it will be very interesting to see how his college career plays out.

Everett Golson made the most of his redshirt year, being chosen the 2011 Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year.  Many Irish fans are anxious to see this kid on the field, as he was so highly touted coming out of high school.   His six foot listing may be a little exaggerated and as a supposed running / scramble running back at 185 pounds, can he fend off injuries at his level?   He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and should be excited to show what he can do in a game.

Jarrett Grace is another linebacker looking to back-up Te’o, Fox and Calabrese, and probably will see game action to gain experience and develop in addition to special teams work.

Safety Eilar Hardy gave Kelly little choice in redshirting him as he was recovering from a knee injury.  Hardy will have to perform soon to help shore up a suspect defensive backfield.

6’5” 305 lb. offensive lineman Conor Hanratty will work to get onto the depth chart this season and push starters.  Hanratty would be working on a starting role at this point with many other programs, but with Notre Dame’s strong line he will have to work very hard.

Matt Hegarty game to Notre Dame with an impressive resume and stat sheet, including being a finalist for the Anthony Munoz lineman of the year.  I look for Hegarty to be a contributor in the next couple of seasons.

Nick Martin is competing for not only playing time but possibly a starting position this year.  Nick is hoping to follow the blueprint of his older brother Zack who made his presence felt his second year after redshirting his freshman year.

Nate Nichols is entering his third year of college football but has yet to see game action so I will put him is this group.  At 6’8” and 320 lbs. he is a mountain of a young man and should contribute this season, but with such a stable of talent for the O-line it may or may not be as a starter.  I compare him to Golson in the sense that I am very anxious to see this kid play.

Flip flopping from committing to Notre Dame, then signing with Florida State, then transferring to Notre Dame, Jordan Prestwood was a highly recruited lineman out of high school and now must show why.  He will definitely add depth and see the field this season.

Linebacker Anthony Rabasa turned heads this spring and will get his opportunity to back up the starting crew of linebackers and position his career for the future.

Third year running back Cameron Roberson was redshirted his freshman year and was recovering from a knee injury last season, so he has ground to make up time in a hurry.  I am not sure how Roberson will fit into the backfield this season, but we do need to remember he did receive the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year award as a freshman.

In state talent Tony Springmann  should have a solid year and see the field throughout the season, rotating in to give Nix and Schwenke a break.

Overall, there is some good potential becoming available for the Irish although most will serve as special team help and in back up roles saving a year of eligibility, giving these athletes and the team an opportunity develop and to contribute for four more years as opposed to three.

I suspect the defensive backfield players may see more action sooner as depth is needed there.  Wide receivers will be shuffled in to try to figure out how to fill the gap left by Floyd and of course depending on who the quarterback is, the style of play may contribute to who plays and who plays most.  Offensive linemen, although talented, are trying to compete with a very talented and experienced pool.

Help on the Horizon

Graduation, transfers, injuries and arrests have all taken their toll on the Notre Dame Football team.  As I have mentioned before, it’s important to focus in on who we have and not who we do not have.  There has been a lot of discussion of who has moved on to the NF (congratulations); those who have transferred (good luck - or good riddance for you spiteful types) ; injuries (get well soon); arrests (shape up or ship out - most likely the latter).

Looking forward, reinforcements are on their way.  We have over a dozen players coming to South Bend on June 17^th as freshmen getting ready for the fall.  Although I am not expecting too many of the incoming freshmen to contribute at a high level right away, and several may not compete seriously for a starting role until their junior season, there is light on the horizon.

Here is a quick look at my predictions for the timelines of the incoming freshmen.  Please note that I am a believer in redshirting whenever possible.

*Gunner Kiel - hopefully will redshirt, because although he is physically developed now, he can and should take the year to learn the college game.  He will be ready for the field next year.

*Sheldon Day - had a great spring and should get reps this fall.

Davonte Neal - he had one of the best if not the best high school highlight film I have ever seen.  He is needed for the fall and will be able to contribute.

Elijah Shumate - the Irish need to add depth in the defensive backfield and he definitely has the skills and talent to take the field in the fall in a backup and special teams role.

Keivarae Russell  - after Woods and Atkinson, the Irish thin out a bit at running back and Russell can help add depth.  It would be minimal though, so I hope Kelly is able to redshirt him.

Jarron Jones - a big fish in a little pond, much like Ishaq Williams coming out of New York State (which is not known as a football powerhouse), Jones should redshirt and learn how to use his 6’7” 300+lbs. at the college level.  Although he was recruited as a defensive lineman, don’t be surprised to see him end up on the O-line.

Ronnie Stanley - great talent and good size would have him working early but with starting and back up roles set by the fall and a big and talented incoming class of offensive lineman behind him, he will redshirt and then better battle for a backup spot in 2013.

Romeo Okwara - even with the departure of Aaron Lynch, the defensive line does not need Okwara to jump in right away.  I look for Okwara to redshirt and could be another of Kelly’s athletic recruits who is moved to a position of need.

C.J. Prosise - not unlike Elijah Shumate, the Irish do need to add depth in the defensive backfield.  However, but he is not quite at the same level and should redshirt, but he may see action.

Justin Ferguson - Notre Dame already has a lot of potential and inexperience at wide receiver, so burning a year of eligibility to add one more won’t help in 2012.

Chris Brown - similar to Justin Ferguson we need to save eligibility and build our young receiver corps for the future.

Nicky Baratti - being so versatile, it may take a year for Kelly to decide where to play him, so he will likely redshirt him.  He ran the wildcat at quarterback at high school, but will probably end up on the defensive side of the ball.

William Mahone - like Keivarae, redshirting would be best but being thin at running back in 2012 could thrust him on the field early especially if injuries hamstring the Irish.

Mark Harrell - another decent lineman recruit being sandwiched between the current solidified offensive line and the 2013 O-line all star recruits.  I say he redshirts next year and fights for time in 2013.

John Turner - good player out of high school that would redshirt at most programs to become a very good player at the next level.  South Bend will be no exception, look for him in 2013.

Scott Daly - most scholarship specialists as good as Daly usually start on special teams right away. However, since that was true for current Irish Long Snapper Jordan Cowart, he may either split punt and field goal/extra point duties or redshirt for a year and take over when Cowart leaves.

*Denotes early enrollee