2011 Signing Day Wrap Up

For recruitniks, Christmas Day has come and gone. But not without the requisite drama that always seems to accompany the end of the recruiting year. For the Irish, the results were generally positive, with Coach Brian Kelly landing a consensus Top 10 class in his first full recruiting cycle.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Everett Golson
Myrtle Beach, SC (Myrtle Beach)

Scout: 4-star, #15 QB
ESPN: 4-star, #25 ATH
Rivals: 3-star, #16 Dual Threat QB
(#12 Player in SC)
Offers: UNC, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson

Golson flipped from North Carolina to the Irish in early December. His HS stats are eye-popping – as a junior he completed almost 63% of his passes for over 3,500 yards with 47 TDs and only 3 INTs. He missed a good chunk of his senior season due to injury, but returned to lead his team to a second straight state title, knocking off Jadeveon Clowney’s Rock Hill squad in the title game. Golson’s highlight videos are amazing, and he gives Brian Kelly the dual-threat weapon behind center that isn’t on the roster at the present moment. The fact that Golson has enrolled early makes the QB derby very interesting this spring.

Ceiling: Golson’s experience in the spread offense and his athleticism make him a near perfect fit in Kelly’s system. An illustrious career with at least one invite to a Heisman ceremony is not out of the question at all.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: The concern with Golson is his size, which explains his low(er) rankings. As much as I would like to see Golson push hard for significant playing time early, I expect that some combination of Crist and Rees will be the starter for the USF game, and beyond. Having said that, I can’t see a redshirt here, and I imagine that Kelly will have some packages for installed for Golson. He’ll be seriously challenging for the starting job in 2012.

RUNNING BACK

Cam McDaniel
Coppell, TX (Coppell)

Scout: 3-star, #33 RB
ESPN: 3-star, #49 RB
Rivals: 3-star
Offers: Stanford, Iowa, Cincinnati

McDaniel might not look like much, but he rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons (1,906 his senior year) against some of the best competition Texas had to offer. Tough and versatile, he may not stick at RB, but I wouldn’t bet against him making contributions to the Irish at some point during his career.

Ceiling: A jack-of-all trades 3rd down back/slot WR/specials teams stud

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Likely redshirt, though he could perhaps see some immediate time on special teams. This just seems like one of those guys you can’t keep off the field. He may end up developing into a 4th or 5th WR (ala Roby Toma) late in his career.

TIGHT END

Ben Koyack
Oil City, PA (Oil City Senior)

Scout: 5-star, #1 TE
ESPN: 4-star, #3 TE
Rivals: 4-star, #7 TE
(#82 in Rivals 100, #1 Player in PA)
Offers: USC, LSU, OSU, PSU, Oklahoma

Big kid with great receiving skills, Koyack will probably need some time in the weight room to bulk up, particularly in the lower body. Impressed during the week of practice at the Under Armour All American Game.

Ceiling: He’s not Kyle Rudolph, but Koyack has the raw physical talent to put together a few All-American type seasons.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: The depth chart at TE is pretty solid right now, with good numbers and talent. Eifert seems to have a pretty solid lock on the starting job for a few years, but the backup spot will be interesting to watch. With Mike Ragone apparently set for a 5th year, Koyack will probably end up as a redshirt. Koyack will battle Welch and others for backup snaps in 2012.

WIDE RECEIVER

DaVaris Daniels
Vernon Hills, IL (Vernon Hills)

Scout: 4-star, #23 WR
ESPN: 4-star, #12 WR
Rivals: 4-star, #21 WR
(#178 in Rivals 250, #2 Player in IL)
Offers: Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Nebraska

The son of Washington Redskin DE Phillip Daniels made plays all over the field on both offense and defense for Vernon Hills HS. He’ll be coming to ND as a WR, most likely to serve as the understudy to Michael Floyd in 2011. Played in the UA All American Game.

Ceiling: He might not be able to recreate Michael Floyd’s production on the outside, but he becomes the most explosive big-play threat in the WR corps from 2012 until his graduation.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: In a perfect world, he redshirts and learns at the knee of Floyd this year. He’ll be in a dogfight for the outside WR role after Floyd’s departure. His main competition would appear to be Daniel Smith, and Daniels will have every opportunity to play quickly and play quite a bit in 2012.

George Atkinson III
Livermore, CA (Granada)

Scout: 3-star, #30 RB
ESPN: 3-star, #40 ATH
Rivals: 4-star, #7 ATH
(#126 in Rivals 250, #8 Player in CA)
Offers: USC, Alabama, Oregon, Miami

GA III and his brother Josh continue the recent “bloodline” trend at ND. The brothers and their father, Raider great George Atkinson, have bought into the ND system, and although George played safety during the Army All American game, he’ll be making his mark at ND on the offensive side of the ball. As a senior, George averaged over 9.5 yards per carry and over 25 yards per catch. He’s a big play waiting to happen every time he puts his hands on the ball.

Ceiling: Special teams ace and a multi-year contributor as the 3rd WR

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Kelly would probably love to redshirt him next year, but he might be the best kick returner the moment he steps foot on campus. He seems like the ideal fit for the slot, and Theo Riddick’s potential move back to RB could free up some snaps for him.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Matt Hegarty
Aztec, NM (Aztec)

Scout: 4-star, #11 OT
ESPN: 4-star, #5 OT
Rivals: 4-star, #6 OT
(#70 Player in Rivals 100, #1 Player in NM)
Offers: USC, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Oregon, FSU

Perhaps the jewel of the offensive class, Hegarty was one of the most highly sought-after offensive line recruits on the West Coast this year. He disappointed a bit in the Army game this year, partly because of a bum knee, but probably also due to the significant talent on the East team’s defensive line. Hegarty looks great in space and will be the heir apparent to the LT spot.

Ceiling: Even if Hegarty is as good as advertised, its tough to see him displacing Zack Martin on the left side. But the RT position will be wide-open beginning in 2012, and Hegarty will be in a battle with a bunch of others for the starting role. His ceiling is definitely a multi-year starter at the tackle position.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Almost certain redshirt for 2011. He and Tate Nichols battle for the RT spot in 2012, and he slides over to the left side after Martin graduates following the 2012 season (assuming Martin surrenders his final year of eligibility and heads to the league).

Conor Hanratty
New Canaan, CT (New Canaan)

Scout: 3-star, #31 OG
ESPN: 3-star, #52 OG
Rivals: 3-star, #38 OG
(#3 Player in CT)
Offers: FSU, Clemson, BC, Stanford, Iowa

Hanratty is the son of former ND great Terry Hanratty and is the only recruit (currently) on the interior line, an area which is becoming somewhat concerning. He’s also a bit of a project, and Paul Longo probably can’t wait to get his hands on him this fall.

Ceiling: There are some more talented guards on the depth chart in front of him, but if Hanratty works hard, he could definitely work his way into a rotation by the end of his career.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Redshirt. Some pretty legit programs exhibited some serious interest in Hanratty, including schools like BC and Iowa with the reputation of developing diamond-in-the-rough type guys into NFL talents. I still think Hanratty is a long-shot to start at ND, but if there are any injuries on the interior line in the next 2 years, Hanratty is going to be one of the first in line for PT.

Nick Martin
Indianapolis, IN (Bishop Chatard)

Scout: 3-star, #39 OT
ESPN: 3-star, #38 OT
Rivals: 3-star, #66 OT
(#8 Player in IN)
Offers: Kentucky, BC, Tennessee, Stanford, South Carolina, Michigan

The long-time Kentucky verbal flipped to the Irish in December when Kelly informed him that his offer was no longer conditional. The brother of current Irish LT Zack Martin has been called a “smoother” version of his brother, but he exhibits a similar mean streak with highlight videos showing him maintaining blocks 20 and 30 yards downfield.

Ceiling: If he’s anywhere near as good as his brother, this is a great pickup for the Irish, and ND could have bookend Martin tackles for years to come.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Redshirt, so that Longo can redistribute some of Nick’s baby fat. With Zack Martin, Nichols, Christian Lombard and Hegarty, the Irish are in decent shape at the tackle spot. Nick Martin could be ticketed for an interior spot depending upon need. But here’s guessing he stays outside to take advantage of his solid athleticism.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Brad Carrico
Dublin, OH (Dublin Coffman)

Scout: 3-star, #64 OT
ESPN: 3-star, #89 DE
Rivals: 3-star, #52 SDE
(#38 Player in OH)
Offers: Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, WVU

The first commit in the class, Carrico played on both sides of the ball in HS. He represents the versatile “power” type of recruit that Kelly is looking for on the lines. An early enrollee, Carrico is already on campus and will be getting the Longo treatment in short order.

Ceiling: Tough to say, given we’re not entirely sure just where Carrico is going to end up. But based upon the extensive talent surrounding him on the DL, the ceiling seems like a rotation DT or maybe a run-stopping DE. Or perhaps a rotation interior OL towards the tail end of his career.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Redshirt. After Kelly and Co. figure out the numbers issues, Carrico moves into the mix at either offense or defense, providing the Irish with valuable depth.

Tony Springmann
Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)

Scout: 3-star, #65 DE
ESPN: 3-star, #42 OT
Rivals: 3-star, #39 SDE
(#7 Player in IN)
Offers: BC, Stanford, Purdue

The second of Kelly’s Midwestern, versatile “power” guys, Springmann hails from Bishop Dwenger of Fort Wayne, also home to current Irish pass-catchers Tyler Eifert and John Goodman. Though he was initially targeted for the DL, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Springmann end up on the offensive line before its all said and done.

Ceiling: See – Brad Carrico.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Redshirt. Another nice depth piece for either the offensive or defensive line.

Chase Hounshell
Kirtland, OH (Lake Catholic)

Scout: 3-star, #97 DE
ESPN: 3-star, #84 DT
Rivals: 3-star, # 59 OT
(#52 Player in OH)
Offers: Florida, Wisconsin, MSU, Iowa, BC

The third big body from the Midwest, Hounshell was initially a Florida commit, until the combination of a firm ND scholarship offer and Urban Meyer’s “retirement” led Hounshell to flip to the Irish in January. Though the Gators saw Hounshell as an offensive tackle, the Irish are apparently going to try him out as a big run-stopping DE.

Ceiling: As a big body with a nasty streak, Hounshell has the potential to become a bigger version of Sean Cwynar.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Probably another guy that will get a redshirt early. By 2012 or 2013, he should start seeing some chances to make contributions in the DE rotation.

Aaron Lynch
Cape Coral, FL (Island Coast)

Scout: 5-star, #2 DE
ESPN: 4-star, #3 DE
Rivals: 4-star, #3 SDE
(#28 in Rivals 100, #19 Player in FL)
Offers: FSU, Alabama, Florida, OSU, Auburn

Lynch has been one of the strangest stories of this year’s recruiting cycle. A long-time verbal to ND, particularly after a visit to campus to spread his grandfather’s ashes in ND Stadium, Lynch flipped to Florida St. amid stories that the FSU coaches were telling Lynch that ND was “too hard,” academically, for him. ND stayed in the picture, however, and at the Army All-American weekend in San Antonio, Tony Alford and other staff members worked on Lynch and his family, eventually convincing him to visit ND the following weekend. Lynch decommitted from FSU and ended up as an early enrollee at ND.

A pass rushing dynamo, Lynch brings the type of speed and athleticism to the ND defensive line that’s been lacking since Victor Abiamiri and Justin Tuck took their talents to the NFL.

Ceiling: Not sure that he’s got one. Tim Prister of Irish Illustrated compared Lynch favorably to Irish legend Ross Browner, which is high praise for anyone that puts on the gold helmet. Even if he only stays for 3 years, he’s got a chance to make a run at every sack record in the books. All-American, early-round draft pick-type talent.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Some analysts have pegged Lynch as a 4-3 DE guy who might be out of place in Diaco’s 3-4 defense. But he’s got the frame to put on some more weight while maintaining his lethal speed. He plays immediately against USF in pass rushing situations and becomes the starting WDE whenever KLM decides he’s ready for the NFL.

Stephon Tuitt
Monroe, GA (Monroe Area)

Scout: 5-star, #10 DE
ESPN: 4-star, #10 DE
Rivals: 5-star, #2 SDE
(#22 in Rivals 100, #1 Player in GA)
Offers: Georgia Tech, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU

Kelly clearly identified the DE spot as a vital one to target during this recruiting cycle, and with Tuitt and Lynch, he nabbed two of the best in the country. Tuitt is a bigger body who can play on the strong-side of the line right away.

Tuitt’s was another drama-filled recruitment – he shockingly committed to the Irish after an official visit and stayed strong even after taking a visit to Auburn and during the course of the Army All-American weekend. He flipped to Ga Tech briefly after taking a visit in January, but the Irish coaching staff (including Kelly, Diaco and Chuck Martin) were able to get him back into the fold less than 48 hours later.

Ceiling: Similar to Lynch, the possibilities are nearly limitless. His game is more power than speed, and he’s equally effective against both the run and the pass. He’ll have a death grip on that SDE spot until the day he leaves campus. Potential All-American for sure.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Immediately goes into the SDE rotation with Ethan Johnson and Hafis Williams, and he’s sure to see quite a bit of playing time in 2011. After Johnson’s departure, Tuitt will likely become the starter in 2012.

Troy Niklas
Anaheim, CA (Servite)

Scout: 4-star, #8 OT
ESPN: 3-star, #19 TE
Rivals: 4-star, #24 OT
(#221 in Rivals 250, #26 Player in CA)
Offers: USC, Stanford, Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska

I’m throwing Niklas in with the DE group, though there’s certainly a great possibility that he could end up on the offensive line. The recruiting services seem to think that’s his ultimate destination, and both Scout and Rivals think pretty highly of his abilities at OT. ND beat out SC for the Servite star, who remained pretty mum on the process until committing to the Irish on Signing Day.

Ceiling: Again, this depends upon where he ends up – if he sticks at DE, could be a rotation-type guy who plays primarily in run situations, likely towards the end of his career. If he moves to OT, he’s got the feet and the size to become a multi-year starter at tackle.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Another likely redshirt candidate. This will be a guy to keep an eye on throughout this year once the depth chart on both the offensive and defensive line finally shakes out. I think he probably end up at tackle, and battling guys like Nick Martin, Tate Nichols and Christian Lombard for a starting tackle spot by 2013 or so.

LINEBACKERS

Jarrett Grace
Cincinnati, OH (Colerain)

Scout: 4-star, #14 OLB
ESPN: 3-star, #46 OLB
Rivals: 3-star, #24 ILB
(#25 Player in OH)
Offers: Ohio St., Tennessee, Michigan, Stanford, MSU

The most likely of the LB commits to end up playing on the inside, Grace had some serious interest from Alabama after giving his verbal commitment to the Irish. A tackling machine at Colerain HS, Grace is a hard-nosed player who will need to improve his lateral movement at the next level.

Ceiling: Multi-year starter at ILB with the potential to become a leading-tackler candidate during his time in South Bend.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: There’s probably enough depth on the current roster to allow Grace to take a redshirt in 2011. Grace’s future depends, in part, upon whether Te’o decides to go to the League after next year. If he does, Grace will likely battle Calabrese, Kendall Moore and others for a starting job in 2012. If Te’o stays, Grace may have to wait until 2013 for some serious PT.

Ben Councell
Asheville, NC (AC Reynolds)

Scout: 3-star, #32 OLB
ESPN: 4-star, #19 OLB
Rivals: 4-star, #5 WDE
(#91 in Rivals 100, #19 Player in NC)
Offers: Auburn, UNC, South Carolina, Georgia Tech

Councell was flying under the radar a bit until the NC/SC Shrine game where he showed off his outstanding OLB instincts amassing 13 tackles. Many analysts, including Mike Farrell at Rivals, felt Councell should have been the defensive MVP of the game. His performance during that game vaulted him up the Rivals rankings, from way outside the Rivals 250, all the way up to the #91 player in the country.

At ND, Councell will be in the “Dog” or “Drop” LB spot, occupied by Kerry Neal last year. His coverage skills and instincts are outstanding and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him threaten for some playing time right out of the gate.

Ceiling: Multi-year starter at the Dog spot, perhaps even a dark-horse All-American candidate.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: With Neal graduating, the Dog spot is wide open. Given the intricacies of the position, there should be a good battle. ND fans would love to see guys like Prince Shembo or Steve Filer line up opposite Darius Fleming, but I think its more likely that Dan Fox gets the starting nod. If guys like Shembo and Filer can put it together, Councell probably gets a redshirt. If not, he might see some early playing time, either at OLB, or on special teams.

Anthony Rabasa
Miami, FL (Columbus)

Scout: 3-star, #49 DE
ESPN: 4-star, #12 DE
Rivals: 3-star, #11 WDE
(#55 Player in FL)
Offers: Miami, Florida St., LSU

A pass-rushing DE in high school, Rabasa is likely heading for Fleming’s “Combo” OLB spot. A Miami legacy who surprisingly committed to Kelly at the end of July, Rabasa has remained firm to ND even after getting some heavy interest from the Hurricanes and the other Florida schools.

Ceiling: Multi-year starter at OLB and a special teams coverage ace.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: The “Cat” or “Combo” LB is chock full of talent this year, though both Fleming and Filer will be gone after this year. A redshirt wouldn’t be a surprise, but Rabasa seems like a guy who could see some immediate time on coverage units. After 2011, Rabasa will be in a war with the likes of Shembo and Ishaq Williams for playing time in 2012.

Ishaq Williams
Brooklyn, NY (Abraham Lincoln)

Scout: 5-star, #4 DE
ESPN: 4-star, #6 DE
Rivals: 5-star, #2 WDE
(#16 in Rivals 100, #1 Player in NY)
Offers: Penn St., Florida, Alabama, USC, Miami, Ohio St.

Williams completes the amazing triumvirate of defensive line talent in this class. Ishaq was a pass-rushing monster during the Army All-American week, and his performance bumped him up to the #16 player in the country per Rivals.

The Williams family provided another great story for the 2011 recruiting class. Ishaq was scheduled to announce his commitment during the Army game, but cancelled the announcement because of some apparent concerns relating to a coaching staff. He then set up a visit to Happy Valley, only to have Irish DC Bob Diaco show up at his family’s house at 4:30 AM on the morning of the visit. After that meeting, Williams committed to the Irish and cancelled the PSU visit.

Ceiling: Again, almost unlimited. He loves harassing the QB, and Diaco’s system will likely have him wreaking havoc from the “Cat” LB spot. Just like Lynch and Tuitt, Williams has All-American, NFL-type talent.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: He’s too good to keep off the field, even with a crowded depth chart at the OLB spot. Pass rushing and special teams monster in 2011 and a superstar for years to come.

SAFETY

Eilar Hardy
Pickerington, OH (Pickerington Central)

Scout: 4-star, #12 S
ESPN: 3-star, #21 S
Rivals: 4-star, #15 S
(#217 in Rivals 250, #10 Player in OH)
Offers: Wisconsin, WVU, MSU, Iowa

A jack-of-all-trades for his loaded Pickerington Central HS team, Hardy played on both sides of the ball, but is definitely headed for the defensive backfield in South Bend. He’s a natural safety, but the thin CB depth chart might push Hardy outside.

Ceiling: Multi-year starter at either CB or S.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Think he’s too good to keep off the field. Special teams coverage guy and possibly the 4th CB in 2011, eventually challenging for a starting safety role in 2013 if he stays at that position.

Matthias Farley
Charlotte, NC (Christian)

Scout: 3-star, #83 CB
ESPN: 3-star, #90 ATH
Rivals: 3-star, NR
Offers: UNC, NC St., Wisconsin

Former soccer player who has only played football for a few years. He’s raw as heck, but Kelly loves his athleticism.

Ceiling: It might take a while, but Farley could become a nickel or dime contributor late in his career. His athleticism will probably make him a nice asset on special teams as well.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Redshirt. His ultimate position is unknown as well. Chuck Martin’s got a nice pile of clay to mold here. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a ball-hawking safety by the end of his time in South Bend.

CORNERBACK

Jalen Brown
Irving, TX (Irving Macarthur)

Scout: 3-star, #52 CB
ESPN: 3-star, #27 CB
Rivals: 3-star, NR
Offers: Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Nebraska

Brown is the type of tall(er), physical CB that Kelly, Diaco and Martin seem to favor in the secondary. He didn’t draw much attention from the big boys of the Big XII, but he’s got good instincts and seems to break quickly to the ball.

Ceiling: With his experience at the position, and the solid coaching he’ll receive from the likes of Chuck Martin, its not unreasonable to assume that Brown could become a multi-year starter, or at least a multi-year nickel contributor.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Unless he makes an immediate impact on special teams, I’d be surprised to see him on the field this year. But after Gray and Blanton move on, the CB depth chart is a bit frightening for 2012. He’ll be in the mix to challenge for PT.

Josh Atkinson
Livermore, CA (Granada)

Scout: 3-star, #46 CB
ESPN: 3-star, #22 CB
Rivals: 3-star, #41 CB
(#45 Player in CA)
Offers: Oregon, Washington

Brother George might get the bigger accolades, but Josh might have the better chance to see the field immediately. He’s a natural CB and though he might lack some super top end speed that NFL scouts like to see at the position, he’s plenty quick enough to play at a high level.

Ceiling: He’s going to have some competition, but he looks like a solid, multi-year starter/contributor.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Behind Gary Gray and Robert Blanton, there’s only Lo Wood. There’s going to be a battle for that 3rd/4th CB and nickel spot, and I wouldn’t bet against Atkinson finding his way onto the field this year.

KICKER

Kyle Brindza
Canton, MI (Plymouth)

Scout: 3-star, #1 K
ESPN: 3-star, #6 K
Rivals: 2-star, #17 K
Offers: Michigan

Brindza is an early entrant with an impressive highlight video. With the recent announcement that David Ruffer will be getting a scholarship next year, that makes 4 scholarship kickers/punters on the roster, which seems a bit excessive. But Brindza definitely has the talent to make an immediate impact on kickoffs and punting.

Ceiling: He’s got the leg to become the guy, both on punts and kicks.

Projection for 2011 and Beyond: Ben Turk hasn’t been consistent enough to be considered an automatic starter, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brindza take his job. He should also become the go-to kickoff guy, and will likely become the starting kicker once Ruffer leaves after 2011.

SUMMARY

After a slow start with mostly low-star, Midwestern guys, Kelly made his first big splash with Matt Hegarty, who might still be the best offensive prospect in the class. On that side of the ball, the class could be considered a bit light on star potential, although guys like Everett Golson, Atkinson and Daniels could certainly all become big-time contributors later in their respective careers.

The real studs of the class are on defense, specifically in the front seven. Lynch, Tuitt and Williams are 3 of the best defensive recruits since I’ve followed ND recruiting, and guys like Rabasa and Councell are very highly thought-of by at least one of the services.

On the whole, I don’t think it can be considered a “home run” class, but Kelly did get some great guys at big positions of need (DE, OLB, OT). Perhaps more importantly, it was Kelly’s first experience getting down and dirty with the big boys of the SEC, ACC and Pac-10. He didn’t back down a bit, which definitely bodes well for his future classes.