My understanding is that Kelly is getting a few academic exceptions a year. He is getting more than any coach since Holtz. Thus the reason Daniels was admitted, which turned out to be a problem. I believe Weis had a total of zero exceptions a year.
That's been my impression as well.
I'm sure there are success stories that we don't hear about (because, really, unless he loses eligibility over it, what business is it of ours how a kid does in school?). And some of the headaches haven't been academic problems (here's looking at you, Gunner).
But I also think the staff has learned that - between academics, distance, competition and cultural fit - there are only so many things you can reach on. You don't see us going after so many Lynches and Shepards these days: Highly-rated, from far away and an academic background that might not have prepared them for Notre Dame. Maybe a few recruits fall in that camp, but not as many as we took in the early Kelly years. And more of those who might seem like a reach in some ways - like Tillery - are really bright young men who want to be at Notre Dame.
It's true: That approach hasn't landed us a Top 25 recruit since Jaylon Smith, and we might lack the on-field athleticism of the most elite teams that get those kids. But we've drawn a lot of really quality ballplayers, and built more good depth than we've had in a long time, without having to backfill lots of transfers and washouts. Not so bad. And, with good coaching, I think we can win that way.
