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With Robert Blanton committing to Notre Dame, the 2008 Fighting Irish recruiting class now stands strong at 15 commitments. Blanton's verbal commitment puts Notre Dame's 2008 committed scholarship total at 82, just 3 shy of the NCAA maximum 85 scholarship limit, assuming each fifth year senior returns to play for the Irish in 2008.
Granted, the likelihood of all seven fifth year seniors returning is low, but let's make the assumption for the sake of this discussion. For those that don't know the process, the fifth year process is quite different then the traditional redshirt process in place at most schools around the nation.
When wanting to come back for a fifth year, two things must happen. First, the coaching staff needs to invite you back. Second, you must apply to the Graduate Studies program and be accepted. Simple enough, right?
While the coaching staff has been generous with bringing back fifth year seniors over the past couple seasons due to the lack of numbers and depth at many positions, I think they will become very selective in who will be offered a fifth year of eligiblity, especially as they work towards building consistent class balance and depth.
One more caveat to consider is the possiblity of a transfer, which is currently a hot topic with sophomore quarterback Zach Frazer looking to do just that. In addition to Frazer, there could be a few fellow members of his 2006 Recruiting Class looking for greener pastures as they may be buried on the depth chart as he was.
So let's take a look at how the 2008 Fight Irish roster will look in terms of players that are on scholarship:
Scholarship Breakdown: 2008 Total Scholarhips (82)
Fifth Year Senior 2008 (7)
RB Junior Jabbie
DE Justin Brown
LB Maurice Crum Jr, Anthony Vernaglia
CB Terrail Lambert, Leo Ferrine
LS J.J. Jansen
Senior 2009 (14)
QB Evan Sharpley *
RB Asaph Schwapp **
WR David Grimes, D.J. Hord **
OT Paul Duncan, Mike Turkovich
DT Patrick Kuntz, Derrell Hand *
LB Steve Quinn, Scott Smith, Kevin Washington *
S David Bruton, Ray Herring, Kyle McCarthy *
Junior 2010 (28)
QB Zach Frazer *, Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris *, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart * , Matt Carufel *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart
Sophomore 2011 (18)
QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker
Freshman 2012 (15)
QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OT Lane Clelland
C Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny
OLB Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton
Clear as mud now, right? Good, let's continue on!
Current Recruiting Class
I've always felt the Class of 2008 would hold 22 recruits, and I still feel strongly that the class will end up at that magic number. Taking 22 recruits in the class would leave room for three of the seven fifth year seniors and/or walk on players to be on scholarship, which is a reasonable number in my opinion. Additionally, if Frazer does end up leaving, his scholarship could be used for an additional fifth year/walk on player and then open up for the 2009 recruiting class, which we will discuss later on.
Having 15 commitments this early in the recruiting year means the Irish staff can really focus on those last five to seven recruits. The Irish already appear done at several positions including quarterback, tight end and the offensive and defensive lines. They can now hold out for those blue chippers, much like the way Mack Brown at Texas handles his recruiting.
Anticipated Position Breakdown
The breakdown seen below is a well balanced class, with the Irish loading up at positions of need including the defensive line, linebacker and at wide receiver -- if they can find any talented wideouts willing to take a scholarship.
QB (1) Dayne Crist
RB (1) None
WR (3) John Goodman
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (4) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DL (4) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB (4) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
DB (3) Robert Blanton
While we've got a good idea of how our class will end up already (man, it feels good, doesn't it?), we'll probably have a great idea of our final class by late August or early September, when quite a few of the prospects being recruiting have planned to announce so they can focus on their senior football seasons.
2009 Recruiting Class - A Potentially Sticky Situation
After the 2008 class is settled, the Irish could be faced with a potentially sticky situation in recruiting come 2009. Assuming that we end up with 22 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class and all 6 fifth year seniors come back in 2009, the Irish will have only 11 open scholarships in 2009.
However, much like 2008, it's doubtful that all 6 fifth year seniors would be invited back, but even with none of them returning, that would only allow us a class size of 17 recruits. Let's take a look at how this would break down:
2009 Total Scholarships (77)
Fifth Year Senior 2009 (6)
QB Evan Sharpley
RB Asaph Schwapp
WR D.J. Hord
DT Derrell Hand
LB Kevin Washington
S Kyle McCarthy
Senior 2010 (28)
QB Zach Frazer *, Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Matt Carufel, Chris Stewart *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart
Junior 2011 (18)
QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker
Sophomore 2012 (15)
QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OT Lane Clelland
C Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny
OLB Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton
So there you have it. This is a glimpse into the next two years of Fighting Irish recruiting and what the Irish coaching staff will (or won't) have to work with. Talent development is going to become absolutely crucial over the next 24 months, especially as we continue to transition into the new 3-4 defensive scheme. One thing is for sure -- it's going to be one fun ride!
ASTERISK LEGEND
* = Player may be eligible for 5th year of eligibility
** = May be granted medical redshirt
URL: State of the Union: Irish Recruiting - Gold Helmet
Granted, the likelihood of all seven fifth year seniors returning is low, but let's make the assumption for the sake of this discussion. For those that don't know the process, the fifth year process is quite different then the traditional redshirt process in place at most schools around the nation.
When wanting to come back for a fifth year, two things must happen. First, the coaching staff needs to invite you back. Second, you must apply to the Graduate Studies program and be accepted. Simple enough, right?
While the coaching staff has been generous with bringing back fifth year seniors over the past couple seasons due to the lack of numbers and depth at many positions, I think they will become very selective in who will be offered a fifth year of eligiblity, especially as they work towards building consistent class balance and depth.
One more caveat to consider is the possiblity of a transfer, which is currently a hot topic with sophomore quarterback Zach Frazer looking to do just that. In addition to Frazer, there could be a few fellow members of his 2006 Recruiting Class looking for greener pastures as they may be buried on the depth chart as he was.
So let's take a look at how the 2008 Fight Irish roster will look in terms of players that are on scholarship:
Scholarship Breakdown: 2008 Total Scholarhips (82)
Fifth Year Senior 2008 (7)
RB Junior Jabbie
DE Justin Brown
LB Maurice Crum Jr, Anthony Vernaglia
CB Terrail Lambert, Leo Ferrine
LS J.J. Jansen
Senior 2009 (14)
QB Evan Sharpley *
RB Asaph Schwapp **
WR David Grimes, D.J. Hord **
OT Paul Duncan, Mike Turkovich
DT Patrick Kuntz, Derrell Hand *
LB Steve Quinn, Scott Smith, Kevin Washington *
S David Bruton, Ray Herring, Kyle McCarthy *
Junior 2010 (28)
QB Zach Frazer *, Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris *, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart * , Matt Carufel *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart
Sophomore 2011 (18)
QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker
Freshman 2012 (15)
QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OT Lane Clelland
C Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny
OLB Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton
Clear as mud now, right? Good, let's continue on!
Current Recruiting Class
I've always felt the Class of 2008 would hold 22 recruits, and I still feel strongly that the class will end up at that magic number. Taking 22 recruits in the class would leave room for three of the seven fifth year seniors and/or walk on players to be on scholarship, which is a reasonable number in my opinion. Additionally, if Frazer does end up leaving, his scholarship could be used for an additional fifth year/walk on player and then open up for the 2009 recruiting class, which we will discuss later on.
Having 15 commitments this early in the recruiting year means the Irish staff can really focus on those last five to seven recruits. The Irish already appear done at several positions including quarterback, tight end and the offensive and defensive lines. They can now hold out for those blue chippers, much like the way Mack Brown at Texas handles his recruiting.
Anticipated Position Breakdown
The breakdown seen below is a well balanced class, with the Irish loading up at positions of need including the defensive line, linebacker and at wide receiver -- if they can find any talented wideouts willing to take a scholarship.
QB (1) Dayne Crist
RB (1) None
WR (3) John Goodman
TE (2) Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OL (4) Lane Clelland, Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DL (4) Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB (4) Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny, Darius Fleming
DB (3) Robert Blanton
While we've got a good idea of how our class will end up already (man, it feels good, doesn't it?), we'll probably have a great idea of our final class by late August or early September, when quite a few of the prospects being recruiting have planned to announce so they can focus on their senior football seasons.
2009 Recruiting Class - A Potentially Sticky Situation
After the 2008 class is settled, the Irish could be faced with a potentially sticky situation in recruiting come 2009. Assuming that we end up with 22 recruits in the 2008 recruiting class and all 6 fifth year seniors come back in 2009, the Irish will have only 11 open scholarships in 2009.
However, much like 2008, it's doubtful that all 6 fifth year seniors would be invited back, but even with none of them returning, that would only allow us a class size of 17 recruits. Let's take a look at how this would break down:
2009 Total Scholarships (77)
Fifth Year Senior 2009 (6)
QB Evan Sharpley
RB Asaph Schwapp
WR D.J. Hord
DT Derrell Hand
LB Kevin Washington
S Kyle McCarthy
Senior 2010 (28)
QB Zach Frazer *, Demetrius Jones *
RB James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt *
WR George West, Richard Jackson, Rob Parris, Barry Gallup *
TE Konrad Reuland, Will Yeatman
OT Sam Young, Bartely Webb *
C Dan Wenger *
OG Eric Olsen, Matt Carufel, Chris Stewart *
DE John Ryan, Kallen Wade *
DT Paddy Mullen *
LB Toryan Smith, Morrice Richardson
CB Darrin Walls, Raeshon McNeil
S Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Leonard Gordon *
K Ryan Burkhart
Junior 2011 (18)
QB Jimmy Clausen
RB Armando Allen, Robert Hughes
WR Duval Kamara, Golden Tate
TE Mike Ragone
OT Matt Romine, Taylor Dever
OG Emeka Nwankwo
DE Kerry Neal
DT Ian Williams, Andrew Nuss
LB Aaron Nagel, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith
CB Gary Gray
S Harrison Smith
K Brandon Walker
Sophomore 2012 (15)
QB Dayne Crist
WR John Goodman
TE Kyle Rudolph, Joseph Fauria
OT Lane Clelland
C Mike Golic, Braxston Cave
DE Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams
DT Omar Hunter, Brandon Newman
ILB Anthony McDonald, Paul Posluszny
OLB Darius Fleming
CB Robert Blanton
So there you have it. This is a glimpse into the next two years of Fighting Irish recruiting and what the Irish coaching staff will (or won't) have to work with. Talent development is going to become absolutely crucial over the next 24 months, especially as we continue to transition into the new 3-4 defensive scheme. One thing is for sure -- it's going to be one fun ride!
ASTERISK LEGEND
* = Player may be eligible for 5th year of eligibility
** = May be granted medical redshirt
URL: State of the Union: Irish Recruiting - Gold Helmet
