Welcome to Subway Domer's Recruiting Spectacular. Friends, this is a very, very good recruiting class that Notre Dame has signed. There were needs across the board and Notre Dame met almost all of them. No class is 100% perfect- even if it is a top 5 or top 10 or even the #1 class overall, but if you're in one of those categories, it is a job very, very well done.
I'll provide some overall analysis after we nail down all of the profiles of this Irish Mob 13. The profiles were a collective effort by all the Subway Domer Staff members and they reflect the personality of each writer. Big class. Big post- we better get started…
James Onwualu
Wide Receiver
St. Paul, Minnesota
HT: 6'1"
WT: 205
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 3***
ESPN: 4****
James Onwualu is the top-rated player in Minnesota who, like Michael Floyd, played his prep ball at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul. Onwualu split time at running back and receiver in high school but projects as a receiver on the next level. He has good size (6'1", 205 lbs), rarely goes down on initial contact, and has good (but not breakaway) speed. Onwualu could be a special teams contributor early and, after some time in the strength and conditioning program, could develop into a physical blocking receiver and potential redzone weapon. -Blog Davie
Grade: B
John Montelus
Offensive Line
Everett, Massachusetts
HT: 6'5"
WT: 295
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 3***
Im going to be 100 percent honest, I love this dude. Primarily because of the schools he turned down to come to ND: Boston College, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, plus 9 others. This kid gets it. Hes well-spoken, intelligent and GODDAMN HES SCARY. Ok lets pause for a minute. Close your eyes. Picture Louis Nix, wrecking Stanford’s O-Line from the ½ yd line, giving Manti Te’o the perfect lane to fucking REJECT Stepfan Taylor and helping shut that shit down to win in OT.
Epic right?
Now picture someone that size (taller actually) with the same intense tenacity and likability, but on fucking OFFENSE. Ladies and gents, OG John Montelus. He is always referred to as OG by the way. If you haven’t been up to this point, get started. You’ll thank me later. Dude is a beast, and is so solid in pass blocking he could easily switch to tackle at the next level. With depth a concern at the O-Line positions for ND, he may manage to sneak in as did Sheldon Day and get to doing work early. Biggest things he needs to work on is lowering his pad level and working on his strength and conditioning. Beyond that, dude is OG Triple OG. Triple. -Great Shane
Grade: A
Steve Elmer
Offensive Line
Midland, Michigan
HT: 6'6"
WT: 305
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Elmer was at one time the bell cow offensive lineman in the 2013 class. When time for final rankings were announced – he was slotted as the third best offensive tackle the Irish had landed. Both 247Sports & ESPN placed Elmer behind future teammates Hunter Bivin & Mike McGlinchey on their recruiting boards. It's an odd development because Elmer's improvement from his junior year (highlights provided), when he was highly ranked, and senior year was remarkable. Elmer possesses prototype size and his final prep season witnessed his athleticism catch up to his already overpowering style. Unfortunately the senior film isn't on YouTube but he capped off his career by garnering top lineman at the US Army All-American Bowl – one of the elite showcases of high school talent. Everything about Elmer indicates a player with unlimited potential at the college level.
Projection: Elmer is the only early enrollee of the offensive line signees and a simple numbers game gives him a huge leg up heading into 2013. While Bivin, McGlinchey & McGovern get ready for prom this spring, Steven Elmer will be running with the Notre Dame 2nd team and squaring off daily against All-American Stephon Tuitt and a host of other stud Irish defenders. Don't be surprised if Elmer's name is on the first two-deep depth chart released next August and for it to remain for the long term. This time in 2014, the debate could be whether Elmer or Ronnie Stanley are the chosen one to step into the massive Left Tackle shoes scheduled to be vacated by Zack Martin. – Herring Bone
Grade: A+
Michael Deeb
Linebacker
Plantation, Florida
HT: 6'2"
WT: 237
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 3***
ESPN: 4****
Before I can even begin to write this, I know someone, somewhere is foaming at the mouth at seeing Deeb in a #42 jersey. AND HIS NAME IS MICHAEL OMGZ THE RETURN OF STONEBREAKER….
As much as I am laughing at the thought, I have to admit that I have a feeling the love affair may end up being the same. Deeb is a severely underrated prospect, and that may be because his junior film was somewhat underwhelming. However, his senior film and his overall lay and the speed in which he did it has blown away a lot of people.
If you're looking for the hardhitting, meathead, punisher, who is willing to die on the field for his team- Deeb is the guy. The Irish had HUGE needs at linebacker in this class and Deeb has helped fill in that void with some shine. -The Subway Domer
Grade: B
Malik Zaire
Quarterback
Kettering, Ohio
HT: 6'1"
WT: 200
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Malik Zaire is an Elite 11 quarterback who played his prep ball at Archbishop Alter in Kettering, Ohio. Zaire is a true dual-threat and has the arm strength to throw a deep out from the far hash. He is accurate hitting his receivers in stride down the seems and has a knack for extending plays with his feet. He is one of five early enrollees and should get some valuable experience this spring. With the log jam at QB next season, however, look for Zaire to lead the scout team, learn the play book and work on adding to his 6'0", 196 lbs frame. Beware video game aficionados, he's a southpaw.
Grade: A
Rashad Kinlaw
Defensive Back
Galloway, New Jersey
HT; 6'2"
WT: 190
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Recruited as an athlete, Kinlaw suffered not one but two separate leg fractures, one that ended his 2011 season and another last summer that kept him out of action his senior season until mid October. What might have scared off other schools has been ND’s gain. Though he spent most of his career at quarterback, Kinlaw will make the switch to the defensive backfield for the Irish providing more depth. Reports have him timed at a 4.3 40. His speed and athletic ability should aid his transition to defense.
Grade: B
Will Fuller
Wide Receiver
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HT: 6'1"
WT: 171
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 3***
Fuller comes across as a relatively average athlete with pretty solid hands that knew what he was being given when ND offered, resulting in his flip from Penn State. The biggest thing about this guy is his quickness as he shows good eyes for getting down the field after making the catch. Not the fastest kid out there, but he knows how to get separation when necessary. His route running is still raw, and his mid-range speed wont get him on the field right away, but he may see time down the road as a slot guy a la Robby Toma. I would be lying if I said I believed he would see the field before his 3rd season at ND. That being said, He does have some potential to improve under this system, which caters to his size and shiftiness.
Grade: B
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B0lXiFVv5Pk?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Mike Heuerman
Tight End
Naples, Florida
HT: 6'4"
WT: 220
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Yes – he looks like the yokel from every war flick who the audience just know is going down in the film's first 15 minutes. You might almost call Heuerman's mug a "cro magnon style" – popularized by former Irish tight end and recent Pro Bowl MVP Kyle Rudolph. No matter what you think of his head shot, his film is an absolute joy to watch. Ranked in the Top 10 for Tight Ends in all services, Heuerman displays the ability to do everything you want from that position and more. He attacks run blocking with a controlled abandon and might have tallied more crushing pancake blocks than any offensive lineman in the class. He is relentless as a blocker and looks to punish his opponent on every snap. Heuerman's aggressive nature seamlessly translates to his pass-catching style. He uses his hands well and always looks to turn upfield. He's a load to bring down and arm tackles won't finish the job when he's one-on-one. While his speed and quickness might be a tick below "elite", Heuerman's got enough of both to be a match-up problem for most defenders. His motor and run blocking will help him see the field early.
Projection – It was a surprise when the Irish reeled in another TE for this class late in the program, but Durham Smythe is not as complete of a package of Heuerman at this point. Heuerman is highly likely to play in 2013 on special teams and possibly work his way through a crowded depth chart at tight end for certain packages. Alex Welch, coming off a major injury, was expected to be 2012's "blocking tight end" and that role was ultimately shared by Troy Niklas and the underwhelming Ben Koyack. It's not a stretch to think Heuerman can push for Koyack's 2012 role while Welch & Niklas fill other needs from the position in a post-Tyler Eifert world. Expect Heuerman's role to expand every week and every season he is on campus.
Grade: A
Greg Bryant
Running Back
Delray Beach, Florida
HT: 5'11"
WT: 197
Rivals: 5*****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
If Jaylon Smith is the crown jewel of this recruiting class, Greg Bryant is like the jewel… on the… royal scepter. That’s a terrible metaphor but you get the gist. He is the whole package at RB, strength, speed, awareness, agility, and football smarts (his dad is a high school coach). Looking at video, with the power and short stride, Bryant reminds me most of a smaller but faster Jerome Bettis. He should compete for carries right away, but even with his 5 star status, and all world potential, it wouldn’t shock if Atkinson and Carlysle shoulder the bulk of the load this fall.
Grade: A+
Max Redfield
Safety
Mission Viejo, California
HT: 6'2"
WT: 200
Rivals: 5*****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Max Redfield is the type of player I have drooled over for many years. Notre Dame has a poor history with signing elite safety prospects in the last decade plus. What it all boils down to is a prospect that is the premiere athlete on the field. A ball-hawker. A game changer. A stud.
Max Redfield is all of those things and the sweetest part of it all is that he was a former USC commitment. If you're looking for an instant impact recruit, Redfield could be that guy. I'm never one to slot a freshman into the starting lineup, but there aren't any safeties on Notre Dame's roster with his skill set. SLAM EVERY BEER YOU HAVE TO CELEBRATE!
Grade: A+
Doug Randolph
Linebacker
Richmond, Virginia
HT: 6'3"
WT: 240
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Doug Randolph was a high school teammate of current Irish safety C.J. Prosise at Woodbury Forest Academy in Virginia. Although he was athletic enough to play receiver in high school, he will likely play DE/linebacker at the next level. At 6'3", 221 lbs, Randolph's not the prototypical size for an outside linebacker in Diaco's 3-4, but he has a great initial burst when he lines up at end (a la Prince Shembo). He beats perimeter blockers both with inside and outside moves and excels at backside pursuit. While he could play early on special teams, Randolph would be a good redshirt candidate so he can spend time in the strength and conditioning program and work on defeating blocks.
Grade: A-
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sBC1gpHkDe4?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Torii Hunter Jr.
Wide Receiver
Prosper, Texas
HT: 6'0"
WT: 172
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Torii Hunter Jr is Khujo. You knew Hunter broke his femur right? Yeah… well Khujo wrecked his ride and had his fucking leg amputated. But here is the kicker (see what I did there?)…. Khujo was back on the stage with a mic in his hand in a month. ARE YOU SHITTIN ME!? Ok, clearly 30 days won’t be the case with Hunter, but the kid has already shown remarkable progress and you can bet this cat wants nothing more than to get back to the big stage. I have even heard reports that he could be ready for 2013, and with stats like 97 yards per game with a 16.8 per catch average in High School… the Irish would love nothing more than for this wounded warrior to compete for the grabs left by the departed Toma, Eifert, Riddick, and Goodman.
Grade: A-
Jaylon Smith
Linebacker
Fort Wayne, Indiana
HT: 6'3"
WT: 212
Rivals: 5*****
24/7: 5*****
ESPN: 5*****
Jaylon Smith is Cee Lo Green, the Soul Machine. I chose this for one specific reason… both guys are the headliners of the group and insanely versatile talents. What is Cee-Lo.. a rapper, a singer, a producer, a TV personality? The better question is “what is he NOT?” Cee-Lo is best described as an Artist. Jaylon Smith is best described as an Athlete. I personally saw him run for 150 yards with 3 touchdowns in the State Finals, freaking hurdle a guy, and set the edge on virtually every defensive snap. The guy would run, score, blitz, tackle, sack, and then help the opposing QB up. Now I don’t expect Smith to carry the ball for Notre Dame… but he could. I also don’t think he is a Day 1 starter on the Defense, but in Due Time, he’ll be a Saturday staple.
Grade: A+
Tarean Folston
Running Back
Cocoa, Florida
HT: 5'10"
WT: 195
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Tarean Folston is Big Gipp. How perfect is this (From Big Gipp’s Wiki page) This article is about the American rapper. For the Notre Dame football player, see George Gipp. Folston has some legit offers… Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Stanford… you name it. There is some speculation that he’s shaky on his commitment because of the trip to Auburn but I really hope he stays Irish (but you never know) Big Gipp actually left The Mob for a while too, but he decided to come back to the mob because the sum was greater than any part. I hope this is the case with Folston as well. However, I’m writing this piece before NSD so I’ll just say if Folston commits; We Servin… playing time, college degrees, and everlasting glory unmatched by any college football program in America. If not… he just totally fucked up my Goodie Mob piece and forced The Subway Domer to leave this player writeup in because of my dope ass photoshop.
Grade: A
Durham Smythe
Tight End
Belton, Texas
HT: 6'6"
WT: 230
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Durham Smythe is T-mo. Both men, to me, have many talents but for one reason or another seem to remain somewhat a mystery. T-Mo could sing, rap, play drums, play saxophone… yet even when he was exceptional, people thought This Can’t be True. I sometimes wonder if he only stands out with lesser talent, or if he’s just so good that you take him for granted around the stars. With the tape I’ve seen on Smythe: he blocks well, isn’t afraid to stick his neck out on a slant route, has a decent release, and appears to have good hands but I can’t yet decide if he merely blends in with a group of equal or greater talents, or if he could truly drop a solo track. Nevertheless, just like T-Mo, the guy has skills and doesn’t look out of place with the (five) stars.
Grade: B+
http://youtube.com/watch?v=536SncLCnvc?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Hunter Bivin
Offensive Line
Owensboro, Kentucky
HT: 6'7"
WT: 280
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
When the rankings of the self-proclaimed "recruiting experts" hit the final presses, Hunter Bivin was unanimously graded as the Irish's top prospect on the offensive line. Much like the other offensive tackles in this class, Bivin enters a depth chart that is begging for players ready to define the next generation of Irish linemen. When looking at Bivin's film you can see the athleticism and balance he utilizes with an already massive frame. At this point in his development, Bivin's pass protection is far ahead of his run blocking. When pass blocking Bivin displays great hands and a strong base. Bivin also might posses a higher upside of "nasty" when compared to others in this group as he clearly enjoys finishing blocks. From a run-blocking aspect he will need to become much better in space as he tends to lunge a bit when attempting to engage defenders upfield. Unlike some other members in this class, he doesn't give up on longer plays and keeps looking to defeat opponents all the way down the field.
Projection: While Bivin is the class's highest ranked OT, and the back-up job behind current right tackle Christan Lombard is up for grabs, I expect to see Bivin on the scout team for 2013 mastering some of the game's finer points and packing another 15-25 lbs on his 6'7'' frame. Interesting to note that he played Center during the Under-Armour All-American Bowl and was mentioned by Herm Edwards as the top offensive lineman he saw during the week. Bivin may slide around the unit early in his career plugging holes with his versatility but expect him to be mentioned all of spring 2014 as a contender for the vacated left tackle position. He may not win that battle, but his mix of size and skill will find its way into position battles for many years if he doesn't lock one down early.
Grade: A
Cole Luke
Cornerback
Chandler, Arizona
HT: 6'0"
WT: 165
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
If there is any lesson from last season’s defensive backfield injury bloodbath, it’s that anyone can be pressed into duty at any time. Given that Cole Luke is a consensus 4 star corner with mad skills and great speed he fills in at a huge area of need. He’s terrific at making plays on the ball in the air, blanketing the receiver off the line, and has enough speed to recover and close if he gets fooled. Could easily see him in the mix this season on nickel packages and special teams.
Grade: A
Corey Robinson
Wide Receiver
San Antonio, Texas
HT: 6'5"
WT: 200
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 3***
ESPN: 3***
Robinson is a big fucking dude. In case you missed it, that’s a 6”5 kid who comes from the loins on a 7”1 colossus that is STILL A FRESHMAN. We may be desensitized or spoiled because of beasts like Niklas and Tuitt, but this kid is monstrous. He’s a little thin for his frame at 200 pounds and will likely see more time during his freshman year spent in the weight room as opposed to on the field. Look for him to be a long-term contributor as a potential future TE or a goal line package insurance policy once he finds his way into the starting lineup. Kid’s surprisingly nimbly and elusive, but lacks break away speed and will have to get his route running fine tuned at the next level. He’s got good hands and is a lock to high point the football without error, but he will need a lot of work in the blocking game, particularly once he finds his way into a defensive secondary. You can tell this dude loves ND, and knowing that I’ll be seeing the Admiral grace the sidelines week in and week out for the next few years, I ain’t even mad bruh.
Also, HES 6”5 ALREADY, SHIT!
Grade: B
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xzVwAGtZF1M?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Devin Butler
Cornerback
Washington DC
HT: 6'1"
WT: 180
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Devin Butler is a cornerback prospect from the Washington D.C. area. At 6'1", he has the type of length that the defensive staff looks for in a Cover 2 corner. Butler changes direction well and has shown good physicality. He appears to be a sure tackler who should excel in a bend-but-don't- break scheme. While the recruiting services have varying opinions on Butler, he is a good example of Brian Kelly and his staff following their own recruiting profile. Butler will be a potential starter for the Irish in the long run and will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Two-Deep this fall.
Grade: B+
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OZxqGwC0DS0?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Colin McGovern
Offensive Line
New Lennox, Illinois
HT: 6'5"
WT: 285
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
Colin McGovern sounds like he should be starting on Notre Dame's offensive line based on name alone. If recruiting rankings are to be believed, then he already faces an uphill battle from his own classmates. McGovern is the lowest rated OT in the class but the four star would have been the highest rated enrollee at 98% of Division I programs. His recruiting film flashes elite dominance in the run game because McGovern does a great job of shooting his hands and moving men downfield. In pass protection McGovern wasn't as comfortable as you'd like for a spread offensive tackle. He displays great strength and drive and appears to have a good motor. There is significant upside for Colin McGovern but it may take a few seasons to define his role and position.
Projection – McGovern is the most likely candidate of the four players labeled "tackle" in this class to get an early reassignment to guard. McGovern & classmate John Montelus could be scrapping in August to back up incumbent Chris Watt on the left side for 2013. It's more likely that McGovern sits out 2013 while taking lumps from Louis Nix & Company in preparation for some serious battles in the spring of 2014. McGovern could use a few seasons to get some more weight onto his 6'6'' frame so, like many other blue-chip talents at this position, he may not be heard from over the next 2-3 seasons.
Grade: A
http://youtube.com/watch?v=URr3XkcQ5_0?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Mike McGlinchey
Offensive Line
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HT: 6'9"
WT: 280
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
The first thing that jumps out about McGlinchey is the massive frame. Listed at 6’9 and 275 there is plenty of room for Coach Longo and co. to pack on additional muscle mass. Most scouts like his footwork and ability to get low for a big guy which is key because the bulk and strength can be added in time, not so much with athletic ability. But the athletic ability is there and that’s what’s important.
Grade: A
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pzot__HdID8?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Isaac Rochell
Defensive Line
McDonough, Georgia
HT: 6'5"
WT: 265
Rivals: 4****
24/7: 4****
ESPN: 4****
One of the greatest reasons for Notre Dame's success last season was die in part ot having a great defense, and in particular a great defensive front. The problem in the title game was that there was still a lack of depth. The Irish may have answered that concern, or at least part of it, with the signing of Isaac Rochell. This is a dominating defensive line prospect, but he will need some time in the weight room at at the dinner table.
Pulling a big time DL recruit out of Georgia is never easy, but this Irish staff has done a damn fine job. Considering the numbers on the defensive line for next year, and the fact that injuries do indeed exist, I expect Rochell to be in the rotation at some point next season.
Grade: A
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6brM5y7E_8o?list=PLCflMxlQ6JYodzl8hlHiQ8Z2ckfAcffCC
Jacob Matuska
Defensive Line
Columbus, Ohio
HT: 6'5"
WT: 240
Rivals: 3***
24/7: 3***
ESPN: 3***
We were just talking about building more depth along the defensive line in the Rochell piece, and now we have a classic defensive line project in Jacob Matuska. Although Matuska is listed as a tight end by most every recruiting service, the irish love him on the defensive line.
Why? Matuska is one of those throwback players that gets rough, tough, and boarderline dirty (in a legal way). Add all of that to a frame that can get much bigger, a strong motor, and the willingness to be coached up; and you have all you need for a really nice project that should help out quite a bit in a couple of years. I LOVE this pickup despite it being a bit under the radar.
Grade: B-
*********** Alright there were some technical difficulties, so the overall analysis that I promised won't be here. The post will be updated if Vanderdoes commits tonight and i'll let y'all know about that.
There is a Google Hangout tonight at 9:30, the States of Recruiting on Friday, and a Subway Domer Podcast this weekend to put a bow on all of this. You will be rewarded.
HOLLA!
