Coming into this recruiting season, I think the biggest areas of need were the offensive and defensive lines. It was also necessary to get some depth at QB, but I would argue that quality linemen are more important.
The Irish have brought in a lot of talent at Linebacker the past few classes, and the defensive backfield should continue to be a strength of the defense. The D-Line, however, has typically been a spot where Notre Dame has struggled to land, (at least enough of) the elite prospects. This recruiting season has been a pleasant surprise for D-Line recruiting thus far, with both depth and star power at DE, (I'm especially excited about Chris Martin), and potential at DT (with encouraging news recently about J.R. Ferguson).
The O-Line really needed some Tackles, but it looks like the Irish have whiffed on most of their top targets. I was hoping that the Irish could snag Seantrel Henderson, but he appears to be favoring programs that are a little further along, (Ohio State, USC, Florida). They also missed on Hurst, who I thought would naturally show more interest being from Indiana. I know they have a commitment from Christian Lombard, but I'm scared that Matt James will pick Cincinnatti, and Erik Kohler looks like he'll go to Washington. Brandon Linder is still on the board, but it's too early to tell where he's leaning. Is anybody else worried about O-Line recruiting? I think this is a really important position. The Irish are loaded at the offensive skill positions, but they won't be able to showcase that talent without a solid Offensive Line.
The Irish have brought in a lot of talent at Linebacker the past few classes, and the defensive backfield should continue to be a strength of the defense. The D-Line, however, has typically been a spot where Notre Dame has struggled to land, (at least enough of) the elite prospects. This recruiting season has been a pleasant surprise for D-Line recruiting thus far, with both depth and star power at DE, (I'm especially excited about Chris Martin), and potential at DT (with encouraging news recently about J.R. Ferguson).
The O-Line really needed some Tackles, but it looks like the Irish have whiffed on most of their top targets. I was hoping that the Irish could snag Seantrel Henderson, but he appears to be favoring programs that are a little further along, (Ohio State, USC, Florida). They also missed on Hurst, who I thought would naturally show more interest being from Indiana. I know they have a commitment from Christian Lombard, but I'm scared that Matt James will pick Cincinnatti, and Erik Kohler looks like he'll go to Washington. Brandon Linder is still on the board, but it's too early to tell where he's leaning. Is anybody else worried about O-Line recruiting? I think this is a really important position. The Irish are loaded at the offensive skill positions, but they won't be able to showcase that talent without a solid Offensive Line.
