Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/462058
and gave the Irish five defensive linemen in the 2015 class. The staff would like to add at least three more linemen in 2016, with the focus on defensive end. Target: Josh King, 6-6, 230, Darien, Ill. (Hinsdale South) — King is the No. 1-ranked player in Illinois, the No. 4 strongside defensive end nationally and No. 57 overall prospect in the country according to Rivals.com, and is a an elite pass rusher that the Irish are eyeing. He's hearing from a host of Big Ten schools, but has kept Notre Dame near the top of the list and has stated that he would like to play close to home. LINEBACKER 2015 LB: 12 Projected Take: 2 The Irish signed one of the top groups of lineback- ers in the country in 2015 with the addition of Asmar Bilal, Josh Barajas and Tevon Coney. All three played in major postseason all-star games and will have an impact somewhere down the line in South Bend. The goal for 2016 will be to bring in two more lineback- ers, with one slotted to play on the outside and one on the inside. Target: Tre Lamar, 6-4, 250, Roswell, Ga. (Roswell) — Notre Dame didn't sign any players out of Georgia in 2015, but Lamar is the type of prospect that could make up for last year's lull in a talent-rich state. He has offers from every SEC school and wanted one from Notre Dame, which he got Jan. 28. Rivals.com rates Lamar as the No. 11 prospect in Georgia, and the nation's No. 8 outside linebacker and No. 90 overall player. DEFENSIVE BACK 2015 DB: 14 Projected Take: 3 Notre Dame was able to bring in three corner- backs, which according to Brian Kelly, had to happen given the numbers situation. The Irish added Mykelti Williams late to the class but missed out on adding another safety to the group on National Signing Day. That has created a need of at least two safeties in the 2016 defensive backfield. Target: Ahmir Mitchell, 6-2, 190, Egg Harbor City, N.J. (Cedar Creek) — Mitchell is listed as a wide receiver by Rivals, which ranks him No. 8 nationally at the position, No. 49 overall in the class and No. 3 in New Jersey, but Notre Dame has him on the board as a safety. He listed Notre Dame in his top eight Jan. 26 along with Ohio State, Florida State, Rutgers, Michigan, Michigan State, South Carolina and Virginia Tech. SPECIALIST 2015 Specialists: 3 Projected Take: 0 or 1 Notre Dame has signed back-to-back All-American kickers with Tyler Newsome and Justin Yoon both now on the roster. Newsome is expected to punt this season, while Yoon will handle placekicking duties. The Irish could add a long snapper to back up Scott Daly in 2016, but that scholarship could be saved if the staff is able to find a serviceable walk-on. ✦ Darien (Ill.) Hinsdale South defensive end Josh King is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 1 prospect in Illinois. He wants to play football close to home. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM