Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/350567
A Class In Motion While the 2012 recruiting class was replete with decommitments and attrition, many of its players also have made a change that has been, or has the potential to be, for the better. It began with running back/slot candidate KeiVarae Russell moving to cornerback at the start of preseason camp his freshman year in 2012. After initially requesting a switch back to offense when he didn't think he could handle the job, Russell developed into a Freshman All- American on defense and is expected to be a prime candidate to play there in the NFL by 2016, if not 2015. C.J. Prosise's rangy 220-pound frame made him a safety prospect, and he also auditioned at outside linebacker as a freshman. He was moved to slot in the spring of 2013 — mainly because Russell had become an established corner and Davonte Neal transferred to Arizona. This spring another safety, John Turner, who was not in the two deep, moved to Sam linebacker in new coordinator Brian Van Gorder's scheme and lined up with the No. 1 unit for all 15 practices. Before Turner's shift, Romeo Okwara had been the lone Irish linebacker recruit in 2012, and he played both outside spots under previous coordinator Bob Diaco, and became a contingency option at de- fense end. This spring, he downshifted to end exclusively. Elijah Shumate was the team's playmak- ing nickel back as a freshman before mov- ing to the more complex safety position last season. Ronnie Stanley started all 13 games at right tackle last season, but was moved over to left tackle this spring to replace four-year mainstay Zack Martin. Fellow offensive lineman Mark Harrell can work at either guard or center. Along the defensive line, neither Sheldon Day nor Jarron Jones will be pigeonholed to one spot, be it end or nose guard, in a versatile scheme where they will be expected to line up at various spots in the 3-4 or 4-3. Flexibility is a must in any recruiting class, no matter how big or small. — Lou Somogyi C.J. Prosise started his career as a safety and spent time at linebacker before ending up at slot receiver. He caught seven passes for 72 yards last year and is expected to be a co-starter in 2014. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA