National Signing Day 2017

[Legacy]

Sheldon OL Cody Shear signs with Oregon Ducks football after last-minute offer (Eugene Register Guard)

Kid grew up in Eugene and gets to play there.

Shear grew up just a few houses down from Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and will reunite with his former Sheldon teammate with the Ducks. Shear’s uncle, Tim, starred at Junction City and played linebacker at Oregon for two seasons before retiring in 1998 because of concussions.

“One of the biggest things that played into this is that my whole family can show up for the games, and I can make it to some of my brother’s high school games,” said Shear, whose brother, Michael, is a sophomore for the Irish.

Nice logo for Sheldon h.s.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Unusually tame NSD with almost no big surprises. Very few kids flipped at the last minute and no "Oh HECK, I didn't see that coming" moments. Just about everyone went where expected.

 

[Irish#1]

Sheffield signs with FSU at the last second (VIDEOS)





Sheffield is ranked as the 65th RB and is the fourth RB in their class. The others - Cam Akers (#1 RB), Kalan Laborn (#4), Zaquandre White (#10)

The lure of suiting up for FSU over playing for a second tier school was just too much. With the depth, his chances to see meaningful playing time don't look good unless one or two of those RB's have a craving for crab legs.

 

[arrowryan]

Slightly drunk, but really happy with this class. #11 ranked and we went 4-8 with a head coach everyone knows won't be here past 2017. This class should be ranked like #34. ND really does sell itself.

Ehh. Debatable. If they win 9 games I think he is back.

 

[NDShark]

So, we're still sitting at #11 in the 247 sports rankings. I remember reading a few posts predicting we'd end up around #15. Does that mean there are uncommitted recruits out there expected to sign with the top classes, or am I missing something?

 

[IrishLion]

So, we're still sitting at #11 in the 247 sports rankings. I remember reading a few posts predicting we'd end up around #15. Does that mean there are uncommitted recruits out there expected to sign with the top classes, or am I missing something?

I think most were predicting a finish anywhere between 15-20, based on the fact that three of our last-minute commitments weren't really on the radar as potential adds until things became more clear over the past week.

Two or three weeks ago, it was easy to think that Owusu might be our only NSD commitment. Armstrong wasn't a true threat to flip yet, Genmark-Heath hadn't been talked about hardly at all, and Wardlow was a mystery. I don't think anybody was talking about Tagovailoa in a serious sense until the past few days, when it became clear USC probably wasn't sending him an offer.

Factor in the expected slow finish based on what the news looked like three weeks ago, and combine it with the fact that most top-10 teams/classes make several big additions on NSD, and it was easy to think that several teams could jump ND in the recruiting rankings.

 

[Domina Nostra]

They need to pursue a grad-transfer CB.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

They need to pursue a grad-transfer CB.

Where do we sit at Scholarship wise? Would be nice if we could add a grad CB and maybe a DT or DE? Can never have enough bodies on the DL. I think on offense we are fine maybe could use another body at WR depends on the health of Mckinley.

 

[zelezo vlk]

They need to pursue a grad-transfer CB.

I agree, but Cody Riggs seems more like the exception rather than the rule. How many grad transfer CBs are out there? Other than the one we already lost.

Where do we sit at Scholarship wise? Would be nice if we could add a grad CB and maybe a DT or DE? Can never have enough bodies on the DL. I think on offense we are fine maybe could use another body at WR depends on the health of Mckinley.

Somebody on ISD has 86 as the current number.

 

[NDohio]

In an interview between Eric Hansen and BK, BK said they were looking deep into the grad transfer market and thought they were looking good with a D secondary player. Might know in next 2 weeks.

They need to pursue a grad-transfer CB.

Yep. Hope to hear some good news on this front soon.

 

[connor_in]

In an interview between Eric Hansen and BK, BK said they were looking deep into the grad transfer market and thought they were looking good with a D secondary player. Might know in next 2 weeks.

They need to pursue a grad-transfer CB.

Where do we sit at Scholarship wise? Would be nice if we could add a grad CB and maybe a DT or DE? Can never have enough bodies on the DL. I think on offense we are fine maybe could use another body at WR depends on the health of Mckinley.

Following up to my post yesterday (above)...

In the recorded interview played on WSBT Radio's SportsBeat show just after 5:30pm last night Hansen asked about if they would look into the grad transfer market. BK responded as stated above that not only looking there, but felt good about where they stood with a particular guy that he obviously couldn't get into detail about. He couldn't be specific as to if it was a CB, but that was what Hansen had asked about and it seemed BK was alluding to just that. BK also stated that they had set aside a scholarship for that possibility. So in his mind, he is going to be just fine on scholarships.

Link to the show archived online: Weekday Sportsbeat 02/01/17 – WSBT Radio

Starts at about 32:21 into the recording

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Not only did the new staff hold the class together - they actually moved up on NSD from #13 going in, to finish at #11 with the 3 new commits. After bottoming out with 15 commits, they got 6 new commits in 6 days, 5 of them flips.

Lots of the criticism recently is deserved but this new staff have established positive momentum and has given everyone reason to be optimistic. 2018 recruiting should be fun to follow.

You realize that the offense had the guys they wanted, except at WR, which was all about getting Armstrong. In my opinion Armstrong was very undervalued. This kid is 6-2, 200lbs, shows good at contested catches, and has blazing speed, maybe two extra gears at the top end. Maybe he was a deal because he didn't show explosive. But a combination of training to improve footwork, and route running, with a good weight program, and this kid has a Michael Floyd ceiling, doesn't he?

On defense, not only was each pick significant, but each improved the position group, and most importantly, each was an Elko/Lea defensive pick.

• I believe we could have had a couple of other highly rated, four star linebackers, but there was no room for them in the future of the program.
• What Elko/Lea did was get solid defensive line recruits, at end, and inside, each with explosiveness, in other words, finally some kids with the skills and traits to get to the quarterback!
• They got their perfect and prototype Rover.
• When Kelly said these Safety recruits were different than the 'two flatfooted safeties that ND employed in the past, that may have been the most understated comment of the day!

 

[koonja]

I'd personally prefer a legitimate rush DE grad transfer over a CB grad transfer.

Among Nick Watkins, Donte Vaughn, Troy Pride, Ashton White, Nick Coleman, Julian Love, and Shawn Crawford we're fine for this year.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'd personally prefer a legitimate rush DE grad transfer over a CB grad transfer.

Among Nick Watkins, Donte Vaughn, Troy Pride, Ashton White, Nick Coleman, Julian Love, and Shawn Crawford we're fine for this year.

When is the last time that anybody ever had a legitimate rush DE as a grad transfer? Considering that 2 of that list of 7 may be moved to safety, that leaves 5 corners, with 1 of them coming off of 2 season-ending injuries. They really needed corners in the class.

 

[Dizzyphil]

I'd personally prefer a legitimate rush DE grad transfer over a CB grad transfer.

Among Nick Watkins, Donte Vaughn, Troy Pride, Ashton White, Nick Coleman, Julian Love, and Shawn Crawford we're fine for this year.

This and moving to a 4-2-5 (allegedly) I agree, some pass rushers would be best suited.

 

[NDdomer2]

I'd personally prefer a legitimate rush DE grad transfer over a CB grad transfer.

Among Nick Watkins, Donte Vaughn, Troy Pride, Ashton White, Nick Coleman, Julian Love, and Shawn Crawford we're fine for this year.

2 coming off surgeries (1 of them his second, both to knees). bunch of sophomores.

If we can add a grad transfer cb we should be taking them.

 

[dublinirish]

2 coming off surgeries (1 of them his second, both to knees). bunch of sophomores.

If we can add a grad transfer cb we should be taking them.

for leadership purposes too, most definitely.

 

[Irish_Mickey]

Recruiting ranking summary

Recruiting ranking summary

Here is a summary of how we finished. Rankings can be skewed by # of recruits, so I included how we fared against 2 teams (PSU and Auburn) that finished with the same # of recruits. I'm not thrilled with the class, but considering PSU were Big 10 Champs and our, ahem, coaching situation, we did alright all things considered.

Scout
Overall: 13th
By Average Star: 15th
4 Stars: 11
3 Stars: 10
Average Stars: 3.52

Notes: We finished 1 spot above PSU, 2 spots below Auburn. Stanford was tied for 4th in average star ranking (but had only 14 recruits).

Rivals
Overall: 13th
By Average Star: T-16th
4 Stars: 8
3 Stars: 12
Average Stars: 3.33

Notes: Finished 1 spot below PSU, 1 spot above Auburn. Stanford 3rd in average stars.

24/7
Overall: 11th
By Average Star: 12th
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 10
Average Stars: 3.5 (89.17)

Notes: Finished 4! spots above PSU, 2 below Auburn. Stanford 4th in average rating.

 

[IrishLion]

Stanford signed 14(!) players and still ended up with a top-15 class. That's what bookend tackles and franchise QB does for a class I guess haha.

It's crazy that they can essentially recruit small classes like that in a 5-year cycle, as opposed to signing ~20-player classes on the 4-year cycle. That 5th year culture is ingrained. ND needs a mole in those offices to figure out how to tap into that a bit more.

Clemson may be going the same direction, as they also only signed 14 yesterday. It's even more surprising if Clemson can move to the 5th-year cycle, considering all the studs they sign.

 

[NDShark]

Stanford signed 14(!) players and still ended up with a top-15 class. That's what bookend tackles and franchise QB does for a class I guess haha.

It's crazy that they can essentially recruit small classes like that in a 5-year cycle, as opposed to signing ~20-player classes on the 4-year cycle. That 5th year culture is ingrained. ND needs a mole in those offices to figure out how to tap into that a bit more.

Clemson may be going the same direction, as they also only signed 14 yesterday. It's even more surprising if Clemson can move to the 5th-year cycle, considering all the studs they sign.

Someone recently posted about Clemson's OL recruiting and how few highly rated recruits they've had at that position group. Seems then that their strategy is focused more on player retention and development (if only at that position). Of course, difference makers on the DL and skill positions helps win games too.

 

[NDdomer2]

Stanford signed 14(!) players and still ended up with a top-15 class. That's what bookend tackles and franchise QB does for a class I guess haha.

It's crazy that they can essentially recruit small classes like that in a 5-year cycle, as opposed to signing ~20-player classes on the 4-year cycle. That 5th year culture is ingrained. ND needs a mole in those offices to figure out how to tap into that a bit more.

Clemson may be going the same direction, as they also only signed 14 yesterday. It's even more surprising if Clemson can move to the 5th-year cycle, considering all the studs they sign.

also puts a premium on injury prevention, we all know how good stanford is at that

 

[Wingman Ray]

It is all about development and expectation management.

If you develop well, 3 stars play like 4-5 stars in year 3,4,5. If you dont develop, you have to pray for developed HS players that can come in and save your program because the coaches cant do their job with what they have.

Also, if you are doing this, players expect to play in their later years and not immediately. They also focus on their degrees and not just football.

 

[connor_in]

It is all about development and expectation management.

If you develop well, 3 stars play like 4-5 stars in year 3,4,5. If you dont develop, you have to pray for developed HS players that can come in and save your program because the coaches cant do their job with what they have.

Also, if you are doing this, players expect to play in their later years and not immediately. They also focus on their degrees and not just football.

Dude, this isn't the ND Basketball thread...

 

[zelezo vlk]

It is all about development and expectation management.

If you develop well, 3 stars play like 4-5 stars in year 3,4,5. If you dont develop, you have to pray for developed HS players that can come in and save your program because the coaches cant do their job with what they have.

Also, if you are doing this, players expect to play in their later years and not immediately. They also focus on their degrees and not just football.

This has been a huge issue with both recruiting and the coaching. Due to piss poor recruiting and equally terrible player development on the lines, players that should have been redshirted and kept in the weight room for years to grow into beasts with man-strength have had to play their freshman season and have subsequently stunted their growth.

Everyone knows Okwara, but Daniel friggin' Cage, a guy that the staff didn't know that they were getting until NSD in '14, should have spent at least a year in the weight room but was instead holding down the 1 technique as a freshman. Then you have '15 with Tillery needed to play Nose to spell Cage. Now there's this year, with Kareem and Okwara burning their redshirts for practically nothing. These are the guys that need the extra year so they can dominate the O lines as physically developed juniors, seniors, and 5th years. Instead their developments are stunted and we never see their potential actualized at ND.

/rant

 

[connor_in]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A possible grad transfer and a united front add to <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly">@CoachBrianKelly</a>'s signing day exuberance: <a href="https://t.co/olox31LDkR">https://t.co/olox31LDkR</a> <a href="https://t.co/4yFXkGVlMr">pic.twitter.com/4yFXkGVlMr</a></p>— Eric Hansen (@EHansenNDI) <a href="https://twitter.com/EHansenNDI/status/826999351981518849">February 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A possible grad transfer and a united front add to Brian Kelly's signing day exuberance | Notre Dame Insider Football | ndinsider.com

Shortly after recruit No. 21 — Washington D.C., defensive end Kofi Wardlow — gave him a trifecta of National Signing Day mojo, Kelly revealed addition No. 22 could soon be coming from the grad-transfer market.

“We’ve put a scholarship aside,” Kelly said on Wednesday night’s Weekday SportsBeat radio show on WSBT. “We think we’re in a very good position with one right now that we’ll be able to close on within the next couple of weeks.”

Kelly declined to identify precisely what position that player might line up as, but eliminated him being an offensive or defensive lineman, tight end or linebacker.

 

[BobbyMac]

Here is a summary of how we finished. Rankings can be skewed by # of recruits, so I included how we fared against 2 teams (PSU and Auburn) that finished with the same # of recruits. I'm not thrilled with the class, but considering PSU were Big 10 Champs and our, ahem, coaching situation, we did alright all things considered.

Scout
Overall: 13th
By Average Star: 15th
4 Stars: 11
3 Stars: 10
Average Stars: 3.52

Notes: We finished 1 spot above PSU, 2 spots below Auburn. Stanford was tied for 4th in average star ranking (but had only 14 recruits).

Rivals
Overall: 13th
By Average Star: T-16th
4 Stars: 8
3 Stars: 12
Average Stars: 3.33

Notes: Finished 1 spot below PSU, 1 spot above Auburn. Stanford 3rd in average stars.

24/7
Overall: 11th
By Average Star: 12th
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 10
Average Stars: 3.5 (89.17)

Notes: Finished 4! spots above PSU, 2 below Auburn. Stanford 4th in average rating.

First of all. Thanks for doing the recap, I'll put it in the OP and credit you.

Secondly, an 89.17 is a 3.9. On the Comp side, a .8917 is a 4 star

Some other notes:

Signing a kicker cost ND a Top 10 finish on the APR ranking.
A. Who cares, great move.
B. It was that close.

If ND would have signed two more players, (any players) they would have finished 9th on 247's rankings.
* Who cares, same ranking saying Bama & UGa had hihger ranked classes than OSU.

ND is sitting at 86 scholarships for the Fall. Thoughts:

- MVG's "back" will force him into "medical retirement" Book to hold
- Is it best for Bivin to come back?
- Any transfers at the glut positions?

- Currently there's no room for a Grad Transfer. BK said they are in the market and have a target. He has to shed 2 players to take this player.

- They must have some idea of "shed-able" players because they were willing to take two more players in Yeast & Harris which would have put them at 88 right now, needing to shed 3 players for the '17 season.

Lots of moves to be made.




.

 

[dublinirish]

btw yes im updating some of the 2017 recruit threads with their final landing spots, ignore them if you don't care

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">He committed to Maryland from "space" yesterday, but 4-star RB Cordarrian Richardson signed with UCF today <a href="https://t.co/Pq3elesFIN">https://t.co/Pq3elesFIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Eg9L6H6kTp">pic.twitter.com/Eg9L6H6kTp</a></p>— Woody Wommack (@RivalsWoody) <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsWoody/status/827185090837020672">February 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> lol

 

[stlnd01]

First of all. Thanks for doing the recap, I'll put it in the OP and credit you.

Secondly, an 89.17 is a 3.9. On the Comp side, a .8917 is a 4 star

Some other notes:

Signing a kicker cost ND a Top 10 finish on the APR ranking.
A. Who cares, great move.
B. It was that close.

If ND would have signed two more players, (any players) they would have finished 9th on 247's rankings.
* Who cares, same ranking saying Bama & UGa had hihger ranked classes than OSU.

ND is sitting at 86 scholarships for the Fall. Thoughts:

- MVG's "back" will force him into "medical retirement" Book to hold
- Is it best for Bivin to come back?
- Any transfers at the glut positions?

- Currently there's no room for a Grad Transfer. BK said they are in the market and have a target. He has to shed 2 players to take this player.

- They must have some idea of "shed-able" players because they were willing to take two more players in Yeast & Harris which would have put them at 88 right now, needing to shed 3 players for the '17 season.

Lots of moves to be made.

.

If we have 85, or even 83, players on scholarship by the Temple game, I'll eat my hat. My oldest and nastiest hat. For better and for worse, the numbers always seem to work out just fine.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Stanford signed 14(!) players and still ended up with a top-15 class. That's what bookend tackles and franchise QB does for a class I guess haha.

It's crazy that they can essentially recruit small classes like that in a 5-year cycle, as opposed to signing ~20-player classes on the 4-year cycle. That 5th year culture is ingrained. ND needs a mole in those offices to figure out how to tap into that a bit more.

Clemson may be going the same direction, as they also only signed 14 yesterday. It's even more surprising if Clemson can move to the 5th-year cycle, considering all the studs they sign.

Clemson Football Scholarship Breakdown | TigerNet

Based on this site, it looks like there are over 35 players on their roster next year -41.6%- have been redshirted and that % jumps to 50% if you eliminate the class they signed yesterday.

Also note worthy is that their OL had 9 players who have been redshirted out of 13 returning players, DT is 4 of 7, DE is 5 of 6 and TE is 6 of 6. So of the players that are typically on the LOS, Clemson has 32 returning players and 24 had been redshirted at some point.