Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/187176
football recruiting Rolling Out The Gold Carpet A preview of Notre Dame targets set to visit for the USC game By Tom Loy T he premier recruiting weekend in South Bend this season is taking place during the primetime matchup between Notre Dame and Southern California Oct. 19. The Fighting Irish have 16 prospects committed for the 2014 recruiting class, but as many as nine more could round out the class. A total of 13 will take official visits for the USC weekend, but three are already committed to Notre Dame. Here's a rundown of the recruits that are scheduled to take their official visits for the showdown with the Trojans. Erik Brown WR, 6-1, 170, Fontana, Calif. (Summit High) Junior Season: Rushed for 2,510 yards and 36 touchdowns. 247Spor ts Rankings: Four-star recruit, the No. 244 player in the country, the No. 30 wide receiver nationally and the No. 25 prospect in California. Skinny: Brown has been committed to the University of Washington since July 7, but he's never been shy about admitting his interest in Notre Dame. He has a great relationship with Irish wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock, and that could be enough to flip the Huskies commit on his visit to South Bend. Matt Elam DT, 6-6, 350, Elizabethtown, Ky. (John Hardin) Junior Season: Racked up 90 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles. 247Sports Rankings: Fivestar recruit, the No. 10 player nationally, the No. 2 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 1 prospect in the Bluegrass State. Skinny: Elam has a top three of Alabama, Kentucky and Notre Dame, and will take official visits to all three schools prior to making a final decision on National Signing Day (Feb. 5, 2014). The Irish coaching staff wants him to be Louis Nix III's replacement next year, and they are hoping he jumps at the chance for early playing time. Payton Hendrix S, 6-3, 190, Dallas (Bishop Dunne Catholic) Junior Season: Made 23 catches for 340 yards and five touchdowns. 247Spor ts Rankings: Three-star recruit, the No. 76 prospect in the land and the No. 120 player in Texas. Skinny: Hendrix saw