Looking for context as you measure the quality of Notre Dame’s 2013 recruiting class? The Rivals250 -- the final grades for the recruiting class set to ink this February -- have been finalized, and as you’d expect, Notre Dame has put together a terrific class.
The Irish have recruits all over the top 250, with linebacker Jaylon Smith ranked as the third best player in the country, the highest ranking for an Irish prospect since Jimmy Clausen topped the 2007 rankings. In all, here are the Irish recruits that were ranked.
Rivals Top 250
3. Jaylon Smith, OLB
50. Alex Anzalone, ILB
56. Steve Elmer, OT
65. John Montelus, OL
95. Cole Luke, CB
111. Malik Zaire, QB
124. Isaac Rochell, DE
126. Doug Randolph, LB
171. Hunter Bivin, OT
181. Torii Hunter Jr., WR
223. Will Fuller, WR/DB
For those keeping track of athletes the Irish are still chasing, Notre Dame is after some of the elite players in the country. Take a look at some of the names that are still considering the Irish.
10. Laquon Treadwell, WR
16. Greg Bryant, RB
24. Max Redfield, DB
32. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT (USC commit)
39. Mackensie Alexander, CB
97. Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE
105. Priest Willis, CB
183. Tarean Folston, RB
226. Ebenezer Ogundeko, LB
241. Sebastian Larue, WR (USC commit)
Notre Dame would accept the commitment of Treadwell, Bryant, and Redfield in a heartbeat, and all reports point to the Irish being in great shape with Redfield, while we’ll know more after Bryant’s visit to South Bend. While Muhammad hasn’t made any noise publicly, it’s also believed that he’s a strong Irish lean, giving Notre Dame another strong edge player, and another potential elite talent.
How Notre Dame makes things work with cornerbacks Mackensie Alexander or Priest Willis is anybody’s guess, but the Tempe native has the Irish near the top of his list, and Alexander has played things close to his vest, and where the Irish stand won’t likely be known until closer to Signing Day.
The Irish coaching staff are incredibly high on Tarean Folston, and running backs should be taking a very close look at the Irish, especially with the way the offense has molding itself into a power running, spread team. You’d have to imagine that the Irish would only take one of the remaining running back prospects on board, and you could say the same thing about linebackers, with Ogundeko maybe the biggest defensive reach on this board.
Looking at the remaining wide receiver prospects, Treadwell has been a prospect the Irish just won’t give up on, but it’s hard to see him pulling the trigger for Notre Dame. If a national championship run and a young exciting quarterback don’t do it for him, I’m not sure what will, but that hasn’t stopped Chuck Martin from putting in the time. Larue has also expressed interest in taking an official visit to Notre Dame, but there might be a few academic hoops he needs to hop through before he’s able to do it.
