Strong Recruiting Finish Ahead for the Irish?

With the season in the rearview mirror and the last major recruiting weekend over with, the Notre Dame coaching staff is set up for a strong finish to the 2017 recruiting cycle. The Irish find themselves in a good spot with many of their top targets. Despite a 4-8 season, Coach Kelly could land one of his best recruiting classes since coming to South Bend.

Momentum is currently on Notre Dame’s side after the pledge from four-star California offensive lineman and early enrollee Aaron Banks. His commitment was a terrific start to the Echoes weekend and he wasn’t even in attendance. Notre Dame came out of the weekend in great position with four-star Maryland defensive end Joshua Paschal and four-star wide receivers Oliver Martin (Iowa) and Jamire Calvin (California). The other official visit was from four-star California athlete Greg Johnson, and at this point I would be surprised if he signed with the Irish. Martin and Calvin plan on announcing their college decisions at the U.S. Army All American Game while Paschal will announce at some point this week. 

For Paschal, the strongest competition comes from Kentucky and Oklahoma. Notre Dame was the perceived favorite during the summer, but now they will have to battle for his services. His brother is on the coaching staff at Kentucky, and that connection cannot be overlooked. Trend Meter: Notre Dame – his infatuation with the school has always been there, and it’s a huge position of need for the team. I think that pole volts Notre Dame for the time being.

Martin’s recruitment has been an interesting one. He broke on to the scene after his dominant Opening performance against the best high school competition in the country, and he followed it up with a great senior season. Before The Opening, Iowa was the perceived favorite as he grew up a Hawkeyes fan, lives right next to campus, and has many friends that either attend or will be attending Iowa. Notre Dame began to show strong interest in the Iowa City standout, and momentum shifted in the Irish’s favor. After a visit to Michigan on October 1st, word spread that Michigan was now the team to beat. Michigan has since backed off a bit, and Notre Dame is hoping to reap the benefits. Trend Meter: Notre Dame – Notre Dame received his last visit before his announcement on January 7th. Martin has a great relationship with Wide Receiver coach Mike Denbrock.

Calvin released a top four yesterday of Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Washington State, but this is a two-horse race between Notre Dame and Nebraska. This weekend couldn’t have gone better for Notre Dame with Calvin and his family. Calvin had some questions coming into this weekend and from all indications was satisfied with the answers he received. Trend Meter: Nebraska – I will still give Nebraska the slight edge here, but Notre Dame can definitely win out in the end.

Four-star California cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., arguably Notre Dame’s top remaining target, announced yesterday that he will make his college commitment on December 16th. Graham will choose between Arizona, Arizona State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA. Graham has been a top Irish target for over a year now, and they are hoping the longevity will give them the advantage in the end. Most believe his recruitment is down to Nebraska and Notre Dame, much like Calvin. Trend Meter: Notre Dame – while Nebraska holds the slight edge with Calvin, I believe it is just the opposite with Graham. I don’t think the new addition of Donte’ Williams will beat out the strong connection Graham and his family has with Notre Dame.

Antjuan Simmons, four-star linebacker out of Michigan plans to make a return trip to Notre Dame in January. This seems to be a Notre Dame, Michigan State battle with Arizona waiting in the wings if something unforeseen happens. Trending: Notre Dame – As I mentioned last week, Notre Dame was the perceived favorite for Simmons before his commitment to Ohio State prior to the season. The coaching staff was quick to reconnect with him after he reopened his commitment and I don’t see them losing this battle.

Other names to keep an eye on include five-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell, four-star linebacker Rahyme Johnson, Colorado three-star cornerback commit Chris Miller, Ohio State four-star defensive tackle commit Jerron Cage, and newly offered safety Evan Fields and defensive tackle Brandon Pili.