Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/159744
football recruiting end Tyler Luatua is getting closer to making a final decision, and the two teams from last year's BCS National Championship Game are hoping for good news. The 6-4, 235-pound prospect recently named Notre Dame and Alabama his top two. Nick Saban's staff might have the edge due to the fact that his brother Isaac currently plays football for the Crimson Tide. The Irish staff, led by the recruiting efforts of wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock, has made Luatua a top priority and worked hard to sell him on the school's outstanding tight end tradition. The Irish should be in contention right to the end with him. 247Sports ranks Luatua as the No. 175 overall prospect in the country, the No. 3 tight end in the nation and the No. 20 recruit in California. Still In The Hunt Notre Dame is looking at adding another eight prospects to its 2014 commitment list, and there are four recruits who have the Irish listed as one of their final choices. Norcross, Ga., five-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter will choose from seven schools — Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame and Oregon. The Irish are in good shape for the 6-5, 232-pound prospect, but Alabama is the favorite. The Peach State standout is adamant about taking his official visits, and a return trip to South Bend will be huge for the Irish's chances. His first visit to Notre Dame in June was an "eye-opener." Look for him to return to campus this season for a visit with his parents. 247Sports ranks Carter as the No. 4 overall recruit in the country, the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in Georgia. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., three-star wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie has narrowed his recruitment to Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan, Notre Dame and Rutgers, and the 5‑8, 165-pounder appears likely to join the Irish commitment list. While his size is a concern, McKenzie has speed and big-play ability. 247Sports ranks McKenzie as the No. 121 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 128 recruit in the state of Florida. Four-star tight end Dalton Schultz from South Jordan, Utah, has Notre Dame in his final five, along with Oregon State, Stanford, Utah and Washington. The 6-5, 215-pound prospect told BlueandGold.com that Notre Dame is the one school he's most looking forward to visiting. He said he loves the mix of academics and athletics in South Bend. Look for him to visit prior to making a final decision. Although he's narrowed his decision to a final five, the Irish appear to be in the top three along with Stanford and Utah. 247Sports ranks Schultz as the No. 188 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 5 tight end in the country and the No. 2 recruit in Utah. M c D o n o u g h , G a . , f o u r- s t a r defensive end Andrew Williams is a close friend and former teammate of 2013 Notre Dame signee Isaac Rochell.