2010 Recruiting Class Offers

With 56 offers officially out to the top prospects in the country. Looks like Charlie Weis is hot on the recruiting trail. This is the most offers we've had in quite some time. I think the 2010 class is going to be chalked full of talent from the looks of things. There are several names you need to remember and go to The Grotto to pray that we get them. Look for the Irish to take 20-25 players this year.

Starting at Quarterback the Irish desperately need to take a top 5 QB. I'm a QB coach myself and I'm real picky about QB's. But with most High School and College teams switching to the Spread its harder to find one that can run the Pro Offense. Us Irish fans are hoping we get one that can run the Pro Offense and not the Spread. The typical Charlie Weis quarterback is a Brady Quinn type and one that I can't stand what so ever in Tom Brady. Look for the Irish to take 2 this year. Let's hope this doesn't turn out to a Zach Frazier and Demetrius Jones situation where they both transferred.

1. JAKE HEAPS- Arguably the #1 rated QB in the nation at 6-2 195lbs, this top flight field general out of Skyline High School in Issaquah, Washington. He looks shorter than 6-2 I would have him at 6-0.5 or so. During his Junior campaign he threw for 2,910 yrds, 38 TD, 4 picks, and had a 65% completion. He's lead the Spartans to 2 State Championships. Has all the tools to be one heck of a Quarterback. He has great fundamentals when it comes to the position. He has a nice throwing motion with a quick release.He has a bazooka of an arm looks to have a 60-70 yard gun on him. His short to intermediate throws have zip on them. He throws a pretty deep ball which makes it easier for the receiver to catch. Has great feet to elude the defender. When the blitz is coming he steps up into the pocket to by time. A smart quarterback as well. He's the total package. Jake has all the tools and talent it takes to be one great QB. He's the Irish's #1 target at QB. Charlie Weis even attended one of his games and took time off from practice one time to talk to him. That tells me Charlie wants him BADLY!

2. DEVIN GARDNER- Your typical Spread Quarterback. The 6-4 196lb Gardner.Has great feet to take off and run. He has a decent arm on him.He's fleet footed in the open field. He had 48 total touchdowns his Junior year leading Inkster to the State Championship.


3. BLAKE BELL- At 6-6 215lbs Bell has got the size to be a good signal caller. During his Junior season he threw for 3,200 yards, 37 TD, and 8 picks. But is raw. From watching film of him he's a dual threat QB. He tends to float the ball at times. He has a nice arm on him as well.

4. NICK MONTANA- Before you even ask yes he's the son of Legendary Irish and San Fransisco 49er QB Joe Montana. Also, the brother of walk on QB Nate Montana. He comes from the same high school as Jimmy Clausen in Oaks Christian High School in Westlake, California right in USC's back yard. The 6-2 177lb Montana, reminds me of his dad a very young version of his dad to say the least. During his first season as starting QB for Oaks Christian he completed 55% of his passes, threw for 2,404 yards and 33 touchdowns. They also went 14-0 during the year. He's a winner just like his dad. I like Nick a lot. Nick certainly has the bloodlines and he's well coached by Joe. He has great mechanics when throwing the football and has great feet. He's a bit underrated I think. He's well deserving of a 4 star. I hope we can get him and Heaps in this class. He's a Montana = Notre Dame but the Irish have their work cut out for him. But ultimately, when he decides many Irish fans are hoping he goes to Notre Dame where his Brother, Sister, and Dad went.

5. AUSTIN HINDER- The 6-5 177lb Hinder likes to take off and run with the football. The dual-threat Hinder during his Junior year threw for 1,228 yards, 16 TD, and completed 67% of his passes. He's got a nice arm on him he will be a good Quarterback at the next level with some coaching. But the tools are there to work with

On the the Running Backs after landing Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick this past year its hard to see the Irish getting a elite back in this class.

1. ANTHONY BARR- Anthony is the son of former All-American running back Tony Brooks and his uncle is Reggie Brooks who also played for the Irish. Barr is 6-4 230lbs. During his Junior year he ran for 1,890 yards on 255 carries. Avg 7.4 yards a carry and visited the endzone 20 times. Need I say more Anthony is a STUD! He is listed at running back but, can play multiple positions. He is fleet footed and powerful. I like Barr A LOT! I wouldn't be surprised if in the next couple of weeks he declares for the Irish. He would fit in real nice at running back from the film I saw on him. He has the tools his dad had with the Irish, the elusiveness, and can run between the tackles. Also, can break the long one. Who knows he might be the second coming of Cleveland Browns great Jim Brown. I'm almost positive Anthony will be Irish.


2. MUSTAFA GREENE- The 6-0 190lb 4.5 40 Greene is a big time elite back, I like his explosiveness more than anything. He had 1,300 yards and 17 TD this past season. He can make stuff happen. He reminds me of a bigger version of Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Irish are hot on his trail, as well as, the rest of the nation.

3. DIETRICH RILEY- Here we go with another stud hoss Southern California back. Dietrich had 154 carries, 1,034 yards 6.7 yards a carry and 6 TD's. He got injured during the year. The 6-0 190lb Riley looks like he's 6-2 215lbs on film which tells me he's taller and built and it shows. He has a real upright running style comparable to Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. He's got talent for sure! He runs a 4.5 in the 40 but I think he's faster than he looks. He's a all-purpose back. Very elusive as well. I would love to have him in this class. The Irish have there work cut out for them here. We have to battle USC and the rest of the California schools for him.

4. COREY BROWN- The 6-0 171lb 4.45 40. Brown is used as a multi-purpose back in high school. He comes from the same high school Cardinal O'Hara that Kevin Jones a All-American at Virginia Tech and a NFL back with the Chicago Bears right now. During his Junior campaign he had 68 carries, 662 yards, 9.7 yards a carry, and 8 TD's. He got hurt as well. He has that extra gear once he's away from the line of scrimmage to really turn up the jets. He can catch the ball out of the backfield very well. He would be a nice catch as well to get.

5. GIOVANNI BERNARD- Giovanni comes from the same high school that is quickly becoming a pipe line in St. Thomas-Aquinas in Florida. During his Junior season he had 160 carries, 1,528 yards, avg 9.6 on the ground, and visted the endzone 18 times. The 5-9 198lb 4.5 40. Is quick but not fast. I like his abilities he's hard to find between the tackles because of his height. He can be elusive in the open field. The kid has got some skills for sure. I can't think of a comparison off the top of my head. But he's definetly worthy of a top tier back.

6. MARCUS LATTIMORE- Your going to remember this name. When I say stud he's the definetion of it. This past season he had 305 carries, 2,303 yards, and visited the endzone 30 times. The 5-11 210lb 4.46 kid is unreal. This is definetly the #1 Running Back in the class of 2010. Oh how I would love to get this kid in the blue and gold. Marcus can do it all! He's explosive, fast, nimble, shifty and a home run threat. He's a complete back. For this one go to the Grotto to pray that we land him.

On to the guys that catch the football as well as block in some situations. After landing a few top WR's in the last few years and Tight End's I see the Irish re-loading here for the future.

1. TAI-LER JONES- The son of former Irish Safety Andre Jones who was a vital part of the 1988 National Championship Season. The 6-0 171lb Jones is your protype Possession Receiver. He runs nice routes, and catches the ball away from his body. He runs a 4.46 but I think he he runs in the 4.48's. I like Tai-Ler. He can snatch the ball out of the air with ease. He won't wow you with his explosiveness. But he will be a nice receiver at the next level. Hopefully with his dad in his ear about going to Notre Dame he might be Irish.

2. KYLE PRATER- The 6-4 200lb Prater right of the bat reminds me of Maurice Stovall. He has great leaping ability for the lob passes in the back of the endzone. Doesn't have great speed runs a 4.56 in the 40. He makes spectacular grabs look easy. Has great hands. He can get separation from the corner back very well. I like this kid a bunch. I see him as your ultimate red zone threat. But the Irish will have to battle the Illini for this one.

3. JUSTIN McCAY- First off his high school coach is former All-American Offensive Lineman Tim Grunhard. So he's getting insight on Notre Dame daily. This kid is definetly a top 5 receiver in the nation. The 6-3 197lb McCay runs a 4.5 40 but looks faster on film. His high school team likes to go deep to him often. Which tells me he's faster than on paper. He can get separation and run great routes. He's very talented as a receiver. Justin has great hands for the position and snatches the ball out of the air with ease. He adjusts to the ball very well. But with Florida offering him a bit ago looks like this is a Irish and Gator battle. But I think he'll be Irish.

4. ROBERT WOODS- Before we even start breaking him down U$C has offered and considered the favorite. But that being said the 6-1 180lb 4.43 Woods from watching film I don't see why he's so highly rated I would put McCay ahead of this kid. He's got athletic ability. I wanted to see him at receiver but mostly it was at Safety and he's a ball hawking safety. I think from my prospective he's more fitted for Safety than at Wide Receiver.

5. DARIUS WHITE- Remember when I told you about Marcus Lattimore about STUD. White deserves to be in that category as well. The 6-4 205lb 4.5 White. Is in my mind the #1 Receiver in the country for sure. I liked what I saw on film of him. He's elusive and has great hands. Runs precise routes and gets separation easily. Has great leaping ability. I think he's faster than 4.5 more like 4.42 or so. The Irish have to battle Texas for him.

6. COREY COOPER- His name has been floating around on boards a lot. He's currently a SOFT-VERBAL to Illinois but is talking to several schools. The 6-2 203lb 4.5 kid. Definetly has the looks of a top 10 Wide Receiver in the Nation. I like his athletic ability which is off the charts. He is actually faster that 4.5 more like 4.44 or 4.45 in the 40. He's a deep threat. He's explosive and elusive. Has great hands Cooper is definetly one that Notre Dame wants.

TIGHT END

With only 1 offer out on the board right now and with that not so good Tight End class we landed this year with Golic and Eifert. This is definetly a year to get a elite guy.

1. C.J. FIEDOROWICZ- The #1 Tight End in the Class of 2010. The 6-7 240lb freakish of a athlete. Is one heck of a pass catching Tight End. He has the speed to be a down field threat. He also is one good leaper to grab the lob passes in the endzone. C.J. is definetly a Stud.

OFFENSIVE LINE- Now for the big uglies up front that keep the QB clean and open up holes for the Running Backs. The O-Line is by far the most needed position on the 2010 Class especially Offensive Tackle. From my perspective this is the finest Offensive Line class in quite sometime. The Irish are looking to land some heavy hitters here.

1. SEANTREL HENDERSON- Along with Heaps is the next most needed player I want so bad it hurts. Seantrel will probably be the #1 player in the nation this upcoming year. He comes from a pipe line in Cretin Derham Hall in Minnesota. The 6-8 303lb mammouth is the next Jonathon Ogden, Orlando Pace any of those guys. Seantrel is the definetion of a PURE LEFT TACKLE coming out of high school. He's the #1 Offensive Lineman in the country. He has tremendous strength in the weight room. Also, a basketball player which shows he's athletic to stop the defensive end in his tracks. He has great pass blocking ability and run blocking ability. He's mean on the field. If there's one player that I want badly its this block of granite. Henderson is a MUST GET!

2. JAMES HURST- Another Stud hoss Offensive Tackle. The 6-5 271lb Hurst is from Plainfield, Indiana. He is a great run blocker and a good pass blocker. Has a nasty streak in him that gets me excited. Hurst is definetly road grader at Left Tackle. I could see him being a guard as well at the next level. The SEC is going after him hard but let's hope he doesn't leave the state of Indiana.

3. JAMES STONE- At 6-5 297lbs Stone is definetly a run blocker. He likes to drive the end out of the way. He's a wide body with a few tweaks to his technique he can be one good Offensive Tackle.

4. MARK SHUMAN- The 6-6 280lb Shuman is definetly a solid Offensive Tackle prospect. He has great feet very good pass blocking skills has a great punch at the point of attack. I like his run blocking ability as well he likes to drive block a lot which sits well in Zone Blocking.

5. BRENT BENEDICT- At 6-5 278lbs Benedict can handle his own from the Right Tackle position. Has very sound pass blocking ability he holds the ends off very well. He is a drive blocker when it comes to the ground game.

6. CHAZ GREEN- There is no film of the 6-6 290lb Green.

7. MATT JAMES- There is no film of the 6-8 285lb James but from pictures he's lean but can easily be 6-8 330 or so by the end of his college career. Everbody is on a level playing field for his services.

8. ERIC KOHLER- This is the Left Tackle for Nick Montana as well as Jimmy's for Oaks Christian High School. At 6-5 265lbs Kohler will definetly be in the top 5 in the rankings for Left Tackle. I like this kid. He has great pass blocking ability for a Left Tackle he moves real well. Very good run blocking ability. I can see why Nick Montana got time to throw the ball real well. I like this kid a bunch. He wants to take a visit to Notre Dame.

9. BRANDON LINDER- The Center for St. Thomas Aquinas. At 6-6 285lbs he moved to Left Tackle earlier in his Junior season but projects as a interior lineman. From watching film of Giovanni Bernard I can see why he's projected as a top Offensive Lineman. He has great run blocking ability and good pass blocking. I see him either at Guard or Center at the next level. I know he likes the Irish a lot but the Big 3 Florida schools are hot on his trail.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE END- A huge need for the Irish in the class of 2010. Who are lacking in depth and overall talent. This year seems to be one heck of a defensive end class.

1. CHANCE CARTER- There is no film of the 6-4 235lb Carter. Has already been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. During his Junior season he had 22 solo tackles, 20 assists, 8 tackles for loss, 4 QB hurries, 3 pass deflections, and 1 pick. Chance is heavily recruited by the Irish and the favorite for his services. He will be Irish when its all said and done.

2. REGGIE WILSON- Remember that STUD word I mentioned Reggie definetly fits that term. The 6-4 240lb 4.8 40 End is the total package when it comes to playing DE. He wrecks havoc in the back field. I love his pass rushing ability he uses the bull rush and swim move to get past the offensive tackle with ease. He has great pursuit to take down the ball carrier. I like his run stopping ability he displays. He fends off the tackle and takes the running back down. He's a top 5 End in the Country.

3. COREY LEMONIER- I took one look at Corey and I'm amazed with his ability. At 6-5 225lbs runs a 4.8 he's a havoc wrecker. He's got a high motor and has great pursuit. He can use the bull rush very effectively to get to the quarterback. Run blocking he has a tendency to over pursue but makes up for it by chasing the running back down and laying him out. He is a Top 10 Defensive End.

4. JACKSON JEFFCOAT- The odds on favorite to be a top 3 Defensive End prospect in the nation. I can see why the 6-5 230lb 4.6 kid is highly regarded. He's a stud hoss for sure. I like his pass rushing ability to make the Tackle look like he's not good. He can stuff the run. He's a Quarterbacks worst nightmare for one and a hard hitter. This kid is a stud. We got stiff competition for him.

5. DARRYL BALDWIN- This is a power defensive end. He likes to use the swim move and the bull rush to get to the quarterback and lay him out. He likes to knock the snot outta people. I love that about him. He's 6-6 250lbs and runs a 4.7 40. As far as, run stuffing is concerned you don't want to run at him he will stop you dead in your tracks. He has great pursuit when on sweeps or toss plays. I like this one a bunch. He is a Top 5 Defensive End in the Nation. I like our chances with him.

6. OWAMAGBE ODIGHIZUWA- There is no film of the 6-3 235lb Owamagbe. During his Junior season he 96 tackles 73 where solo, 22 where for loss and 18 sacks. He's definetly a pass rusher. He seems to be real high on the Irish.

7. DAKOTA ROYER- When I see film of Royer he's a pass rushing fool. At 6-3 222 4.66 in the 40 he uses his speed to the best of his ability. He's a speed rusher at this point. I see him being a hybrid of a Defensive End / Outside Linebacker. He likes to lay the lumber on the offense. He seems high on the Irish.

8. WILLIAM GHOLSTON- A linebacker in high school but his days of linebacker are done with once he gets to college. At 6-7 237lbs he's a great sideline to sideline player. A lot of his pass rushing is on blitzes but has good technique in tackling.

9. T.J. CLEMMINGS- There is no film of the 6-6 265lb Clemmings. He had over 20 tackles for loss and 7 sacks during his Junior year.

10. COREY MILLER- Corey is real raw at this stage of the game. But has tremendous upside as a pass rusher. At 6-4 227lbs 4.69 40 he is a terror on the edge. He gives OT's fits off the ball using his great first step. I see him developing into a quarterbacks worst nightmare easily. As far as run stuff is considerned leaves a lot to be desired. The Irish are in the hunt here on this one.

11. J.R. FERGUSON- Seeing film of this 6-4 260lb 4.9 40 kid. He plays faster than 4.9 more like 4.8 or so. He's a load to handle he sheds blocks easily and gets to the quarterback and lays him out. J.R. is definetly one heck of player. I like his ability to play sideline to sideline to stop the run. He's very athletic and a power defensive end. J.R. is very high on the Irish. He could fit real nice on defense.

12. BLAKE LUEDERS- The best way to describe Lueders is that he's a defensive athlete. He plays the Mike Linebacker postion in high school. He's 6-5 245 and runs the 40 in 4.79. But odds are he will be in a three point stance in college. He shows the instincts to be a good end in college. I like the way he lays the lumber. He's good in tackling no arm tackles with this kid. Blake is a dark horse to be a underrated prospect. I like this kid he's got the talent to be a good end but needs to be coached on how to play it. He's also real high on the Irish.

13. BRANDON WILLIS- Brandon is a run stuffer extroadinaire. He's listed as a Defensive end but I think he's better at Nose Guard. At 6-4 250lbs and a 4.8 40 he can easily add weight to be 300+. Brandon has got the high motor he has to work on his pass rushing ability. It's a uphill battle for this stud.

14. PRINCE SHEMBO- Shembo is real raw. At 6-2 225lbs 4.67 40. He has a high motor and intense. He's ok in pass rushing and run stuffing. Just give him time and he can be a impact player on certain packages.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE- There's only one Charlie Weis has offered since getting Tyler Stockton last year and the year before loading up on Tackles.

1. DENZEL McCOY- Looking at film of Denzel he uses that 6-4 275lb 4.8 40 to stuff the run. He is very good at run stuffing. He can move and lay out the ball carrier. He's definetly a pure defensive tackle. The kid has got skills and will be a top 5 Defensive Tackle in the class of 2010. Charlie wants this kid bad. I have a feeling he might come to us but we have to get him on campus first.

LINEBACKER- After hitting the jack pot the past few years in top talent. The Irish are certainly in on a lot of the top LB's in the nation.

1. KHARI FORTT- Fortt plays the Mike Linebacker position in high school but will be either a Will or Sam at the next level. He's worthy of a Top 10 Outside Linebacker at this point. At 6-3 221lbs 4.57 40 he has great athletic ability. He shows great instincts to disect the offensive play. He shows great side line to sideline range. He has great tackling ability and likes to lay the lumber. He's ok in coverage but at outside linebacker he will be a force to be wreckened with. He's high on the Irish. We have a great shot at this one.

2.CALEB LAVEY- A tackling machine for one. At 6-4 210lbs 4.56 40 is definetly a player. He will be a top 1o Mike Linebacker in the nation. From watching film of Caleb in coverage he swats the ball down. He reads the quarterback a very smart player. As far as tackling he likes to lay the lumber for sure. He gets into the backfield in a hurry on blitzes he's definetly a top player. Right now as things stand everybody is even.

3. JORDAN HICKS- Definetly a top 5 Outside Linebacker in the Nation. At 6-2 210lbs 4.58 40 he's a freak. From seeing his film he's what we call a lay the wood kid. He has great pursuit and great range. He goes sideline to sideline and hits the ball carrier. When he lines up at Outside Linebacker he is scary off the edge. He rushes the passer well and stops the run. Jordan is one fine outside linebacker. The Irish certainly have their work cut out for him.

4. JEFF LUC- In my mind the #1 rated Mike Linebacker in the Nation. He's a player. At 6-1 240lbs 4.67 40. From seeing film I love the way the kid hits. Where talking Carlo Calabrese type hits here. He lays them OUT! He's great in pass coverage reads the quarterbacks eyes well to make a play on the ball. He can blitz up the middle very well with that excellent first step of his. Jeff is a STUD! The Irish and just about everybody else are wanting him.

5. TONY JEFFERSON- This is a hybrid of a Outside Linebacker and Strong Safety. At 6-0 195lbs 4.5 40. He's faster than 4.5 probably 4.46. He loves to hit and knock the snot outta people. I love this kid. He's a boxer as well. He's intense on the field. I like the way he blitzes and takes out the ball carriers. A top 10 athlete in my mind. The Irish and everyone else are going after the defensive athlete hard. I expect this one to be a Irish and USC battle to the end.

6. V.J. FEHOKO- Another Hawaii kid here. At 6-0 225lbs 4.69 40. But does have good pass rushing ability. He plays defensive end in high school but not tall enough be one in college. He's best suited for the outside linebacker.

7. SHAUN LEWIS- Another one of those Quarterbacks worst nightmare players. At 6-1 207lbs 4.55 40. He is definetly a guy that likes to rush the passer off the edge. He does an excellent job of shedding blocks to get to the ball carrier. There was not much coverage tape on him but he's a pass rusher. He will be a good outside linebacker in college. All the SEC teams are after him and so are the Irish.

DEFENSIVE BACK- After taking 1 in the past year in E.J. Banks and not stocked with prime talent much. I would expect the Irish to go heavy on talent this year especially Safety and Corner Back.

1. LO WOOD- From seeing film of this 5-11 160 4.58 40 kid. Lo has a nose for the football. He knows where the ball is at all times. I like his technique on playing coverage. The Irish have some work to do on him.

2. SPENCER BOYD- Boyd is a very nice cornerback that has a nose for the football. He's a more complete Corner Back. He's 5-10 175lbs 4.45 40. He plays running back and corner in high school. But is best suited for Corner Back. I would certainly have him in the top 15 worthy of a 4 star Corner Back. He has great athletic ability and great hips. Boyd is a very nice player. He can make plays on the ball he's well coached on coverage and what to do when the football is around him. He's a tweener in zone and man coverage guy. Everybody is pretty much even here.

3. CODY RIGGS- There is no film of the 5-10 170lbs 4.5 40 kid. There are reports that he runs faster than 4.5 in the 40 I would take a guess that its sub 4.4. During his Junior campaign he had 25 tackles, 25 pass breakups, and 8 picks. Also a track star runs the 300 meter hurdles and a state champion as well. He plays for St. Thomas Aquinas. He is also the nephew or former great Irish Tight End Bobby Brown. So there is a connection there. This is definetly a player here with a lot of talent.

4. ADRIAN WHITE- This is going to be the #1 rated Corner in the Nation. At 5-10 160lbs 4.41 40. It's easy to see why he's so talented. He's a shut down corner. He blankets the receiver. Gets a nice jam at the line. He is good in run support. He is expected to announce his college decision on Friday.

5. SEAN PARKER- This is the next Ed Reed. He's the top Safety in the country. He's 6-0 180lbs 4.55 40. But looks like he runs in the 4.45 range. He's a ball hawking safety. He has stick em on his hands. He can control Center Field with the best in the Nation. Sean is one heck of a safety. He's being courted by everybody in the nation.

6. DAVID AMERSON- There is no film of the 6-3 180lb 4.66 Safety.During his Junior season he had 9 picks and 60 tackles. He's quickly becoming a National Prospect. Charlie Weis wants this one bad.

Overall, the 56 offers I have just mentioned here. There is certainly a lot of talent here on this list of players. It's going to be interesting to see what is going to happen. The staff is really working hard on getting the top class again. I see the Irish offering a few more top prospects before its all said and done. GO IRISH!