Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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because only one signed in 2011 (Jarrett Grace) and none last year. Summary: Like the offensive line, this group had five. However, two inside linebackers departed: Danny Mattingly (Oregon) and Alex Anzalone (Florida). Smith is the linchpin who is slated to line up at the drop (Dog) position on the perimeter, while Randolph was recruited for the hybrid Cat/defensive end. Deeb is the lone inside figure. On Paper Grade: B Although Smith joins Vanderdoes and safety Max Redfield as the fivestar crown jewels, if there is one miss it's not landing more inside prospects to complement Deeb, a threestar who appears physically advanced. Randolph did demonstrate in the U.S. Army All-American practices that he could become an inside option. junior and senior. On Paper Grade: B+ If Kinlaw can have a healthy career (which applies to anyone), this group could collectively rate even higher. Defensive Back Analysis Signed: Devin Butler, Rashad Kinlaw, Cole Luke and Max Redfield Meeting Needs: Safety was not a priority after bringing in five last year, but you take a talent like Redfield anytime. At least two corners were necessary despite the amazing success story of 2012 running back recruit KeiVarae Russell becoming a Freshman All-American. Summary: Luke and MacKensie Alexander (Clemson) were prime targets, and closing on Luke was significant. Butler recorded 16 interceptions during his prep career. Kinlaw, who played quarterback, is a wild card after suffering a broken leg as both a This is Notre Dame's first consensus top-five class among five major services — 247Sports, ESPNU, Tom Lemming/Max Preps, Rivals.com and Scout.com — since 1999. Even the 2008 group that was mostly in the top two, with Alabama, was rated No. 9 by ESPNU. There are no glaring holes, although one more inside linebacker could have been added. There is star power most everywhere. On paper, this is approximately an A- class, one that will aspire to put itself in position to be in the BCS — or Final Four starting in 2014 — in years to come. ✦ Kicking Game Signed: No one on scholarship. Meeting Needs: Finding a punter to possibly replace four-year starter Ben Turk was imperative. So was a kicker if Nick Tausch didn't return for a fifth season. Summary: The Irish coaching staff brought in needed reinforcements for kicker/punter Kyle Brindza with the addition of preferred walk-ons Andrew Antognoli at punter and John Chereson at kicker. On Paper Grade: Not applicable. Notre Dame has an exceptional history with walk-ons in the kicking game, most recently David Ruffer and D.J. Fitzpatrick.