2007 Defensive End Recruiting - Where do we stand?

[EnviedOne]

If everything goes as planned and New Jersey Don Bosco Prep star Justin Trattou gives his verbal to Notre Dame on June 2nd, the Class of 2007 recruiting for the defensive end position will almost be complete. It has been understood that the Irish look to take 3 defensive ends in this class to compliment Kallen Wade and John Ryan in last year's class.

Over the last 10 years, Notre Dame has struggled at the defensive end position, with just a few legit NFL prospects. With the new staff came a new defensive philosophy, which is what many other programs have know for years... speed kills. On top of speed, Coach Weis and Coach Minter also love versatility, and this defensive end incoming class will not disappoint.

Kerry Neal (6-3/225/4.7)

Most likely a weakside defensive end, Kerry Neal will come to Notre Dame with very little fanfare. A hidden gem, Neal was discovered by Charlie Weis with only scholarship offers from local schools Wake Forrest and Eastern Carolina. Shortly after a Notre Dame offer, other college coaches jumped on the Neal bandwagon, but it was too late as the Bunn High School product jumped at the chance to play for Notre Dame.

Rumored Commitment

Justin Trattou (6-4/230/4.8)

With his announcement just a couple days away, Trattou is going to make his selection between local school Penn State, defensive juggernaut Ohio State, and his rumored favorite, Notre Dame.

Coach Weis loves Jersey kids (not a big surprise there) and has been actively recruiting Trattou hard since last season. Looking like his hardwork will payoff on June 2nd, Trattou would be penciled in as a strongside defensive end. With his larger frame, Trattou could eventually develop into a defensive tackle prospect, so that versatility is doubly enticing to the Irish coaching staff.

Other Irish Defensive End Prospects

Ben Martin (6-5/220/4.5)

Big, athletic and fast, Martin has the size, skill and ability of the prototypical strongside defensive end. While he claims no favorites currently, it has been rumored that Martin seems to be a 50/50 coin flip between in-state power Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Simply looking at the depth charts, it looks like Notre Dame should have the edge, but you can never count out the Buckeyes. While there are a couple other defensive end prospects on the radar, if Notre Dame does lose out on Martin, I think they use this spot in another area, possibly a hybrid DE/DT like Charlie Hatcher, or possibly a 5th linebacker that could play multiple positions.

2007 Defensive End Class

Weakside Defensive End - Kerry Neal
Strongside Defensive End - Justin Trattou
Strongside Defensive End - Ben Martin