Updated 04/06/2009
The 2010 class for Notre Dame looks to feature 24+ athletes based on my scholarship breakdown.
Quarterback (1-2)
After passing on taking a QB in the class of 2009, the Irish will look to take two (2) QBs out of the class of 2010. At this point Jake Heaps (WA), Nick
Montana (CA) and Austin Hinder appear to be the main targets. There's some speculation(hope) that Nick Montana may commit at the Blue and Gold game.
Targets: Jake Heaps (WA), Nick Montana (CA), Austin Hinder (CO)
Commits: None
RB/FB (2-3)
A program can never have enough quality runningbacks. Even after hauling in 4 and 5 star RBs the past couple years the Irish have still not found that
"go-to" every down back they desire. In all due fairness to the backs, the offensive line shares most of the blame. With only one (1) fullback (and
part time James Aldridge) on the current roster I look for Notre Dame take two (2) rb and one (1) fb in the class of 2010.
Targets: Giovanni Bernard (FL), Michael Dyer (AR), Jordan James (CA), FB Zach Zwinaka (MD)
Commits: None
Wide Receiver (3)
A position of strength for the Irish, the Irish look to bring in three (3) more quality athletes. With Robby Parris, George West and Barry Gallup likely going
into their last season in 2009, Notre Dame needs to maintain the current level of depth and even increase the quality.
Targets: Kadron Boone (FL), Brandon Coleman (MD), Corey Cooper (IL), Bennet Jackson (NJ), Tai-ler Jones (GA), Justin McCay (KS), Kyle Prater
(IL),
Commits: Daniel Smith (video)
Tight End (0-1)
Another position of strength. Whether or not players such as Jake Golic and Tyler Eiffert actually end up at Tight Ends may determine where the staff wants to
go with this position. I would recruit hard for one elite Tight End, if unable to secure a legit 4-5 star Tight End I believe it would be wise to save this
scholarship for another position.
Targets: C.J. Fiedorowicz (IL)
Commits: None
Offensive Line (4)
With three (3) players with starting experience (Young, Duncan and Olson) moving on after the 2009 season, I believe it would be wise to stock up on as many
quality OL as possible. I'm saying AT LEAST four (4) in the class of 2010. OT Seantrel Henderson out of MN looks like the francise LT that the Irish are
looking for.
Targets: Brent Benedict (FL), Chaz Green (FL), Seantrel Henderson (MN), James Hurst (IN), Matt James (OH), Erik Kohler (CA), Brandon Linder
(FL), Mark Shuman (VA), James Stone (TN).
Commits: Christian Lombard
Defensive Tackle (2)
With no DTs moving on after the 2009 season, the Irish look to stockpile more unproven talenent at the DT position. I believe the Irish need to hit a homerun
and make sure at least one of the DTs in the class are in that 5-star "elite" category. With the loss of Denzel McCoy I don't see another DT
target with an offer currently.
Target:
Commits: None
Strongside Defensive End (2-3)
With Morrice Richardson, Kallen Wade and Paddy Mullen all potentially being gone after 2009, Notre Dame needs to bring in at least 2 strongside DE type players
to back up and compete with Ethan Johnson.
Targets: Darryl Baldwin (OH), T.J. Clemmings (NJ), J.R. Ferguson (MD), Jackson Jeffcoat (TX), Corey Lemonier (FL), Blake Lueders (IN), Brandon
Willis (SC),
Commits: None
Weakside Defense End (1-2)
Current commit Chris Martin looks like the ideal candidate to become a dominant player at this position. With all due respect to Manti Te'o, if/when Martin signs or enrolls at Notre Dame, this will be the biggest defensive impact player ND has recruited in years. Aside from Martin I would like to bring in (1-2) other player at this position
Targets: Chance Carter (IL), Corey Miller (SC), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (OR), Prince Shembo (NC), Dakota Royer (PA),
Commits: Chris Martin (CA)
Outside Linebacker (2)
There's a lot of unproven talent on this roster at the OLB position, aside from moving Brian Smith to OLB, it could be hit or miss at OLB for the 2009
season. With his overall athletic ability, Anthony Barr could be the dream prospect at this position.
Targets: Anthony Barr (CA), V.J. Fehoko (HI), Khairi Fortt (CT), Jordan Hicks (OH), Tony Jefferson (CA), Shaun Lewis (TX),
Commits: None
Inside Linebacker (2)
It will be interesting to see if the Irish can land a big time player to compete 2-3 years down the road with Te'o.. With a lot of talented underclassmen
and only junior Brian Smith being a proven player, it would be wise to continue to bring in more competition at the ILB position.
Targets: Caleb Lavey (TX), Jeff Luc (FL)
Commits: None
Corner (2)
With Rasheon McNeil moving on after 2009 and even though Blanton, Slaugheter, etc. show a lot of potential, you can never have enough corners. I would bring in
at least two (2) corners in the class of 2010.
Targets: Spencer Boyd (FL), Lamarcus Joyner (FL), Cody Riggs (FL), Lo Wood (FL),
Commits: None
Safety (1-2)
With Sergio Brown and Kyle McCarthy playing out their eligibility after 2009, it really hurt losing out on both Moore and Starling to USC. Without at least (2)
freshmen S coming in for the 2010 season, the Irish will be very light at the S position with Harrison Smith and Dan McCarthy being the only real options.
Targets: David Amerson (NC), Sean Parker (CA)
Commits: None
Special Teams (0)
With a K, P and Long Snapper in the 2009 class I would hold off a year or two recruiting special teams.
Targets: None
Commits: None
* This list is fluid and will be updated as more information is gathered.....and updated here.
