2007 Linebacker Recruiting - Where do we stand?

[EnviedOne]

Assuming everything goes as planned and as reported, the Irish have said they planned on taking 4 linebackers in this recruiting class, likely 2 outside linebackers and 2 inside linebackers. With the on-the-spot commitment of Steve Paskorz yesterday, we now have 2 of those 4 linebackers already in the class of 2007.

Both Paskorz and fellow Irish verbal Aaron Nagel both look to translate (physically) to outside linebackers on the next level. Both play running back primarily in high school and both have similar 6-1/6-2, 210-220lb frames. They both are very versatile, have good speed, so they probably could also play running back, fullback and safety. For the purpose of this discussion, we'll look at them both as outside linebackers.

Right now, there are still two outstanding linebacker offers in ILB Chris Galippo and OLB prospect Martez Wilson. Galippo is current verbaled to Southern Cal, but Weis is still recruiting him hard (per his permission) while Martez Wilson is just enjoying the whole recruiting process and picking up new offers what seems like daily.

In taking a look at the available prospects still available and including the two outstanding offers, here is how the linebacker recruiting currently looks:

Inside Linebackers

Chris Galippo (Offered, Southern Cal verbal)
Brian Smith
Steve Sloan
Ben Graeff
Kyle Jackson

Obviously the crown jewel of the class is Chris Galippo, who is currently verbaled to Southern Cal. If you have seen his video, there is no way you didn't come away impressed as he just flat out plays football like it should be played. That said, I don't see him wavering from USC as he has said depth isn't a concern and staying close to home was a deciding factor in his recruiting.

Out of the guys left on the board, Brian Smith make the most sense to me. He absolutely punishes people, he's smart, and he has ties to Notre Dame. Some are concerned about his speed, but I don't think it is that big of an issue. I think he would pull a Paskorz and verbal upon receiving an offer.

That leaves one more inside linebacker position spot to fill, and just a couple prospects that are on the radar. Of everyone, I like Kyle Jackson and Steve Sloan the best, giving the nod to Jackson over Sloan. Unfortunately, Jackson is currently working behind the eight ball as he doesn't have much video available, so getting an offer is going to be difficult and the fact he is not going to make the Notre Dame camp in June.

While I'd like to have balance, this year is a sub par year for inside linebacker prospects, so we may be forced to go with more hybrid backers who have the versatility to play multiple positions, then hit this position hard next year.

Outside Linebackers

Martez Wilson (Offered)
Andrew Dailey
Casey Matthews
Devonte Campbell
Chris Walker
Chris Donald

Obviously, with 2 outside linebackers on board, these guys look like the odd men out. However, with my mention of the inside linebacker position being weak this year, I think you'll see another outside backer in this class. I also believe you'd have a hard time telling Martez Wilson he didn't have a spot anymore if he wanted to give his verbal. Of the available players, I prefer Martez Wilson and Andrew Dailey, with Wilson holding the edge of Dailey.

I guess we'll have to wait and see, but here is how things could end up looking at the position by the time everything is said and done. We could also possibly sneak a 5th backer into the class if we cannot get the 4 defensive tackles like the coaching staff is wanting to do.

2007 Linebacker Class

ILB - Brian Smith
OLB - Aaron Nagel
OLB - Steve Paskorz
OLB - Martez Wilson or Andrew Dailey

[jiggafini19]

2007 Linebacker Class

ILB - Brian Smith
OLB - Aaron Nagel
OLB - Steve Paskorz
OLB - Martez Wilson

Done and done. I'd take these four in a heartbeat.

Svoboda, I have to believe Harrison Smith factors in here somewhere too. He could be a safety as well.

[EnviedOne]

Originally Posted by jiggafini19

Done and done. I'd take these four in a heartbeat.

Svoboda, I have to believe Harrison Smith factors in here somewhere too. He could be a safety as well.

I fully believe Smith will be safety, but he too could play outside linebacker. I think versatility is the key word Weis looks for in players. If you can play multiple positions, you can play at Notre Dame.