Light at the End of the Tunnel

FYI, I am having internet installed at home Thursday. As such, there will be more extensive blogging in the near future.

Also, courtesy of Craig Haubert, Scouts, Inc. over at ESPN:

A season like Notre Dame's often turns much attention toward recruiting and usually sees two emotions arise, that of hope and fear. Fans will turn to recruiting with the hope that the future will be better, and despite the horrendous 1-7 record, the Irish are still assembling a top-five recruiting class. While a national championship is not going to happen, Notre Dame could pull in the nation's No. 1 class when it is all said and done. And not only is Notre Dame landing talent, but it is also filling needs.

The most impressive thing about this Irish class is the defensive help they have landed. The Irish have struggled to stop the run, but also lack the ideal personnel and depth to run the 3-4 scheme defensive coordinator Corwin Brown would like to run.

First off, to run the 3-4, you need to a nose tackle, and Notre Dame does not have that. Pat Kuntz has played admirably, but he is not the right fit there. Omar Hunter (Buford, Ga.) and Brandon Newman (Louisville, Ky./Pleasure Ridge) could come in and give Notre Dame a quick pick-me up at a key position.

Hunter, the nation's No. 3 rated defensive tackle, will be bring size to position to occupy blocks and also features an excellent get-off to allow him to cause disruption. Two more defensive tackle in Sean Cwynar (McHenry, Ill./ Marian Central Catholic) and Hafis Williams (Elizabeth, NJ /) could act as swing guys and play at the nose or more likely at the end position in Brown's system.

In addition to the four defensive tackles, defensive ends Ethan Johnson (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) and Darius Fleming (Chicago/Saint Rita) could add depth and turn that position into a strength when added with current freshman Kerry Neal (Bunn, N.C.). Fleming could also provide flexibility as an outside linebacker. The defense needs help, but it looks like it is coming, and some prospects -- most likely Hunter and Johnson -- could contribute right away.

The offense has major issues as they rank dead last in total offense, rushing offense and sacks allowed in the nation and second to last in scoring offense. Protection of the quarterback has been a major issue, and a couple of talented interior offensive line prospects can help provide depth and shore up some holes. Under Armour All-American center Braxston Cave (Granger, Ind./ Penn) could see the field quickly. The rushing attack has been ineffective, but good news came last week in the form of Jonas Gray (Pontiac, Mich./Detroit Country Day). He is a north-south runner who can wear defenses down.Gray could provide some tough running and, along with James Aldridge, could provide needed depth and ability at the tailback position.


There is some promise being shown at the wide receiver position in the forms of Golden Tate and Duval Kamara, and a third possible weapon was just added last week inMike Floyd (Saint Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham). Floyd is a big receiver who can make plays downfield and also has a knack for turning short passes into big gains. With Kamara's size, Tate's flare for the big play and the arrival of Floyd next fall, the Fighting Irish will have an imposing group of receivers.


Who will throw them the ball? The likely scenario is that Jimmy Clausen will get another shot to lead this team before it is all said and done, but Charlie Weis is taking nothing for granted and has added another California quarterback prospect who could be the future in Dayne Crist (Canoga Park, Calif./Notre Dame). Clausen will know the system better, but I would not at all be surprised if there is another drawn-out battle for the starting spot between those two and Evan Sharpley.


Every class deals with some defections along the way, as the recruiting process can be a long and bumpy road. That being said, I know you and many other Irish fans' concern is not if one or two leave, but if the losses will equal mass decommitments. I think the Irish will be just fine. For one thing, I believe the Irish have suffered through the worst part of the schedule and things will not get worse. Coming off the bye, they face some very winnable opponents. Also in a warped way, the losing could be helping some. Some prospects will see the Irish's struggles as an opportunity to play right away, and in some cases, the prospects may be right.