Hater of the Week

Congratulations to Kirk Dymbrowski for winning this weeks Hater of the Week Award! In his comment on Bleacher Report he claims that Manti Te'o is overrated. In his "professional" assessment of Manti Te'o he claims, 

"I mean I seem to recall numerous plays where he was in the backfield and a bazillion mph, only to fly past the QB and not get a sack, or like a superman just jump over and around people into the backfield, to grab the HB for a 4yrd loss, only to whiff, and have the HB change direction and scoot out a 6yrd gain."

Congrats to Kirk on his thorough analysis of Manti Te'o and his 129 tackle season. 

Irish 2012 Recruiting Class Swells to 12

As of today, Brian Kelly and staff have assembled a dozen recruits for the 2012 class. Although this class is no where near finalized, it shaping up to be one of the more impressive classes in the country. Currently, ESPN has Notre Dame ranked as the 14th best recruiting class in the nation. As the college football season finally gets under way, I expect to see more top talent in the nation commit to the Irish. As usual, the USC game will be very important for recruiting as many of the Irish's top targets will be visiting. Here are a list of the current Irish commits for the class of 2012. Courtesy of ESPN. 

• Ronald Darby, ATH
  • POS Rank ATH #10
  • HT 5-11
  • WT 176lbs.
  • HS Potomac H.S. (MD)
• Justin Ferguson, WR

  • POS Rank WR #11
  • HT 6-1
  • WT 205lbs.
  • HS Flanagan H.S. (FL)
• Tee Shepard, CB

  • POS Rank CB #7
  • HT 6-0
  • WT 180lbs.
  • HS Central H.S. (CA)
• Deontay Greenberry, WR

  • POS Rank WR #19
  • HT 6-2
  • WT 185lbs.
  • HS Washington Union H.S. (CA)
• David Perkins, ATH

  • POS Rank ATH #42
  • HT 6-1
  • WT 210lbs.
  • HS Washington H.S. (IN)
• Mark Harrell, OT

  • POS Rank OT #46
  • HT 6-5
  • WT 260lbs.
  • HS Charlotte Catholic H.S. (NC)
• C.J. Prosise, S

  • POS Rank S #20
  • HT 6-1
  • WT 190lbs.
  • HS Woodberry Forest School (VA)
• Taylor Decker, OT

  • POS Rank OT #67
  • HT 6-8
  • WT 290lbs.
  • HS Butler Senior H.S. (OH)
• Romeo Okwara, DE

  • POS Rank DE #88
  • HT 6-4
  • WT 223lbs.
  • HS Ardrey Kell (NC)
• Nicky Baratti, ATH

  • POS Rank ATH #87
  • HT 6-1
  • WT 190lbs.
  • HS Klein Oak H.S. (TX)
• John Turner, S

  • POS Rank S #48
  • HT 6-0
  • WT 194lbs.
  • HS Cathedral H.S. (IN)
• Scott Daly, LS

  • POS Rank LS #2
  • HT 6-3
  • WT 228lbs.
  • HS Downers Grove South H.S. (IL)

ND Lands First of 2012

Notre Dame received its first verbal commitment of the 2012 recruiting class. Tee Shepard a defensive back recruit from Central East High School in Fresno, CA is the exact type of DB Brian Kelly and his staff are out recruiting. Shepard, the 6'1" 175lbs California native choose Notre Dame over a host of top caliber programs (Alabama, Auburn, Cal, Miami, and USC). Shepard has been invited and already accepted an invitation to participate in 2012's U.S. Army Game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adMiU3ZAynQ

2012 Recruit Highlights Pt. 2

Here are some more highlights of some top players that Notre Dame has offered scholarships to. To see the previous installment check out Part 1 of this series.

• Barry Sanders Jr., RB, 5-9, 180lb, Oklahoma City, OK

• Andrus Peat, OT, 6-6. 292lb, Tempe, AZ



• Gunner Kiel, QB, 6-4, 200lb, Columbus, IN

• Noah Spence, DE, 6-4, 240lb, Harrisburg, PA

Here are just a couple more top recruits that Brian Kelly and staff have offered scholarships to. Be sure to look out for part 3 of the series coming very soon.

2012 Recruit Highlights Pt. 1

Here is a quick glimpse at four of the bigger names Notre Dame will be chasing for the 2012 recruiting class.

• Eddie Goldman, DT, 6'4" 307lbs, Columbia Friendship Collegiate Academy, Washinton, DC

• Keith Marshall, RB, 5'11" 190lbs, Millbrook HS, Raleigh, NC

• Jameis Winston, QB, 6'4" 200lbs, Hueytown HS, Hueytown, AL

• Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, 6'6" 221lbs, Hillcrest HS, Springfield, MO

Each one of these recruits has been offered by the Notre Dame staff and many other elite programs. More to come later.

Montana Transfers: What's the Impact?

Nate Montana throwing a pass during the 2010 Notre Dame Blue and Gold game. (Picture courtesy of AnnArbor.com)

About a week after signing day, Notre Dame receives more news about their 2011-2012 roster. Nate Montana has decided to transfer to the Division II program, Montana. The former QB and son of Irish legend, Joe Montana, saw very limited playing time after Dayne Crist went down to injury and before Tommy Rees secured the interim starting QB role last season. The most Irish fans got to see Montana was probably at the Blue and Gold, where he was praised after a solid performance. Throughout the season he slowly slipped down the depth chart, and he probably would have continued to this season with Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson establishing themselves. This move now leaves ND with five quarterbacks (Danye Crist - SR, Tommy Rees - SO, Andrew Hendrix - SO, Luke Massa - SO, and Everett Golson - FR), although there are rummers  that Luke Massa will transition to wide receiver. So the question is, how will Montana leaving impact the team?

Realistically, the only impact this move have will be Nate Montana himself. Notre Dame already has quarterbacks as skilled, if not more than Montana, so the impact on ND is small. If anything this will cause Joe Montana will come to less games next year. With Montana leaving, and one less scholarship, Notre Dame will be at the maximum 85 scholarship limit for the year (which I think was one major reason for this move). Nate Montana, on the other hand, has a chance to finally be the legitimate starting quarterback for once in his college career. If he can do well at Montana, then maybe he can work his way into the NFL, CFL, or Arena Football someday. This is really the best option for both parties in this deal.

I know all Irish fans, along with me, wish him luck on his future in football and academics at Montana.

Irish Gather Top 10 Recruiting Class

Brian Kelly discussing class on Signing Day - February 2nd, 2011. (Picture courtesy of nbcsports.msnbc.com)

On February 2nd, 2011, Notre Dame Head Coach, Brian Kelly, waited anxiously to receive Letters of Intent (LOI) from the recruits in the 2011 class. The Fighting Irish recruiting class was ranked 9th by ESPN, 10th by Rivals.com, and 8th overall by Scout.com. With the exception of a one player, Notre Dame received LOI's from every recruit they expected. The only real surprise of the day was DL Troy Niklas from the Southern California region. Niklas was choosing between USC and Notre Dame before finally deciding on Notre Dame. With this class, the Fighting Irish pulled in one the of the best defensive classes in the country. The most anticipated defensive players coming in are Aaron Lynch, Ishaq Williams, Stephon Tuitt, Ben Councell, all of which were highly sought after by top BCS programs. Along with those elite guys, throw in a handful of other Linebackers, D-Linemen, and D-Backs, and he Irish defense should have some play-makers for years to come. Here's the official list of the 2011 Notre Dame recruiting class.

• Aaron Lynch - 6-5, 250 lb - DE
• Anthony Rabassa - 6-3, 230 lb - DE
• Ben Councell - 6-4, 225 lb - OLB
• Ben Koyack - 6-5, 228 lb - TE
• Brad Carrico - 6-5, 260 lb - DE
• Cam McDaniel - 5-10, 190 lb - RB
• Chase Hounshell - 6-5, 243 lb - DL
• Conor Hanratty - 6-4, 300 lb - OG
• DaVaris Daniels - 6-2, 175 lb - WR
• Eilar Hardy - 6-0, 175 lb - S
• Everett Golson - 6-0, 172 lb - QB
• George Atkinson Jr. - 6-2, 195 lb - ATH
• Ishaq Williams - 6-5, 225 lb - DE
• Jalen Brown - 6-0, 180 lb - CB
• Jarrett Grace - 6-3, 230 lb - OLB
• Josh Aktinson - 6-0, 180 lb - CB
• Kyle Brindza - 6-1, 198 lb - K
• Matt Hagarty - 6-5, 265 lb - OT
• Matthias Farley - 6-0, 185 lb - CB
• Nick Martin - 6-4, 260 lb - OT
• Stephen Tuitt - 6-5, 255 lb - DE
• Tony Springmann - 6-5, 255 lb - OT
• Troy Niklas - 6-7, 243lb - DL

5 players out of the 23 have enrolled early at ND (Ishaq Williams, Aaron Lynch, Kyle Brindza, Everett Golson, Brad Carrico) and will participate in spring practices starting on March 23rd, as well as the Blue and Gold Game on April 16th. The other 18 players will join the team for the summer workouts and fall practices. Although the 2011 recruiting class is now fully intact, Brian Kelly and staff have no time to rest, he must quickly go back to work on putting together the 2012 class, recruiting truly never sleeps.

Ishaq Is Irish

Notre Dame recieved the verbal commitment from an elite prospect, Ishaq Williams (Brooklyn, NY) is ESPN's 29th ranked player nationally. The 6'6" 230lbs OLB/DE recruit, Williams, choose Notre Dame over Syracuse, Penn State, and a Miami squad which got involved late in the process. Williams was prepared to announce at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but decided to wait. Williams has the intention to enroll early, foregoing the second half of his senior year of high school and getting a jump on college academics and participating in spring practices.

Williams marks the 21st recruit to this class. Irish eyes are certainly smiling.

Brady Hoke vs. Brian Kelly: The Matchup

These two coaches will definitely get to know each other over the next couple years. Brady Hoke, former San Diego State head coach was hired Wednesday, January 12th as Michigan's new head coach, taking over after Rich Rodriguez was let go. Brady Hoke was hired based the success he has endured at his previous head coaching stops: Ball State and San Diego State. Also, Hoke was proclaimed a "Michigan Man" by not only growing up a Michigan fan, but also because he was an assistant coach in Ann Arbor from 1995 to 2002. Hoke and Brian Kelly will be facing off in the years to come in the annual rivalry between Notre Dame and Michigan, so how do these two newly appointed coaches stack up against each other?

Kelly and Hoke already have a little bit of history between them. Both coached at Grand Valley State: Hoke as the defensive line coach in 1983, Kelly as graduate assistant and assistant coach from 1987 to 1989, then head coach from 1991 to 2003. Both coaches would eventually end up head coaching at schools in the MAC conference: Kelly at Central Michigan and Hoke at Ball State. During the 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons these two coaches squared off against each other; Kelly winning each time.

2004- CMU 41 - BSU 40
2005- CMU 31 - BSU 24
2006- CMU 18 - BSU 7

Currently, Kelly is 3-0 when coaching against Hoke.

When comparing overall Division 1A records, Kelly's is more impressive.

Kelly - 61-27, total 88 games
Hoke - 47-50, total 97 games

This matchup will be a good one to watch in future. Both coaches have done great jobs at turning their programs around to become successful and competitive.

If you ask me, after looking at the numbers, I'm very pleased that Notre Dame has Brian Kelly coaching on their sidelines.

The Decision: Floyd stays Irish another year

Junior wide receiver Michael Floyd has decided to stay at ND for the 2011 season. The 6-3, 227 lb. receiver from Cretin-Derham High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota announced his decision today in a statement given to the media. In his statement, Floyd admitted, "This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make in my life" but also added what he hopes to achieve by staying another season, "I want to show everyone in the country that I'm the best wide receiver in college football in 2011."

Obviously, Brian Kelly was very pleased in Floyd's decision. Getting to keep the team's top receiver, playmaker, and possibly run blocker for another year will be extremely helpful in getting this team to a BCS game next season. Poised as always, Kelly commented on Floyd's decision, "I would have supported Michael's decision either way, but obviously I am thrilled he will be part of our team in 2011." Thrilled and relieved are reactions shared by most Irish fans across the country.

Next year Floyd, barring injury, could take over the ND record books for career receiving stats.

He is currently 1st in the following categories:
   Career Receiving Touchdowns - 28
   Career Receiving Yards Per Game - 84.6

In 2011, he could break:
   Career Receptions - 171 - Currently 2nd
   Career 100 yard Games - 13 - Currently Tied for 2nd
   Career Receiving Yards - 2,539 - Currently 3rd

Along with these there are many single-season and single-game records he could and hopefully will demolish next year.

To see the whole transcript of Michael Floyd's announcement click below.
http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011211aac.html

OL Recruit is Irish

Nick Martin, OL recruit from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis, IN and younger brother of current ND offensive tackle Zack Martin has committed to the Irish. The 6'5" 260lbs OL recruit switched his commitment from Kentucky to Notre Dame early Tuesday morning.

The Irish only landed two true offensive line recruits (Christian Lombard and Tate Nichols) in last year's class (2010). Prior to Nick Martin's commitment, ND only had two offensive line recruits (Matt Hegarty and Conor Hanratty) pledged to this year's class (2011).

Nick Martin's pledge makes the 20th such for Notre Dame's 2011 recruiting class.

Aaron Lynch back on radar

Aaron Lynch is will be taking an official visit to Notre Dame next friday (1/14/2011). It seems he will be decommitting from Florida State.

The Cape Coral, FL prospect was originally committed to Notre Dame, following the loss to Tulsa he decommitted and committed to Florida State.

UF recruit up for grabs

With the coaching change taking place at the University of Florida, Notre Dame is in perfect position to do what the Gators have been doing to the Irish for years, poach recruits. Will Muschamp is set to take over for the retired Urban Meyer and he is bringing Charlie Weis in to run his offense. The former Notre Dame head coach and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator is holding off on recruiting until the Chiefs have finished the playoffs. This will leave a very small window for Weis to build a relationship with the current UF commitments. Weis will also be bringing his pro-style offensive scheme.

Chase Hounshell (Kirtland, OH) is a current Florida commit who has reopened his recruitment. Hounshell, a 6'5'' 242lbs offensive/defensive line recruit was set to enroll early at the University of Florida, however he has decided to remain in high school for the rest of his senior year and explore his options. He has reopened his recruitment to the University of Florida and the University of Notre Dame.

Christmas Comes Early for Irish Fans

Irish fans thought they would have to wait til October 6th, 2012 season to see their historic rivaly renewed agains't Miami at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Christmas came early this year, giving Notre Dame the chance to prove itself against a very tough Miami team in the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on December 31st at 2pm (EST) on CBS. Both teams are 7-5 and had stuggles this season. Notre Dame struggled earlier in the season before rallying and winning their last 3 games (Utah, Army, USC). Miami, on the other hand, has sturggled late in the season, losing their last 2 games of the year (Virginia Tech, South Florida). Miami worse losses came from Virginia (4-8 this season) and South Florida (7-5 this season). Shortly after the season, Miami fired its head coach, Randy Shannon, and recently hired Al Golden from Temple. Jeff Stoutland, the interim head coach and former offensive line coach, will coach the team in the upcoming bowl game verse the Irish.

My Prediction:

The game will feature alot of talent and should preview what the upcoming series will be like. I predict an Irish victory, 23-13, in a game where the Irish defense establishes itself early and often. Go Irish!

Recruit Christian French Signs With Oregon

Christian French was a 6-6, 230lb athlete from Iowa, rated 3 starts by scout.com. Notre Dame was recruiting him to play linebacker or wide receiver. He chose between Oregon, Iowa, and Notre Dame.

Blog Purpose

To inform the general public of news surrounding the Notre Dame football program. We hope to initiate interesting discussion about Notre Dame football, along with providing factually based news updates.