FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Kraemer, Cleveland St. Ignatius three-
star offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg
and Charlotte (N.C.) Ardrey Kell four-
star defensive end Julian Okwara,
there is still plenty of work ahead with
the staff expected to take at least 18
prospects this cycle.
The coaching staff cast a wide net
with offers out in 24 different states.
The geographical diversity certainly
shows Notre Dame isn't afraid to re-
cruit on a national level, but it also rev-
els that there is little margin for error.
As it stands in late April, the Irish
have targets pegged for specific spots
in the class and the offer sheet sug-
gests that with the limited amount of
scholarship tenders out at each posi-
tion.
The spring evaluation period —
which runs from April 15 to May 31
— will likely bring new names into the
fold, but it's clear, even nine months
out, that the staff can't afford to miss
out on many targets, and they can't
strike out at the three positions of
need.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Notre Dame has signed three offen-
sive tackles the past two recruiting
cycles, but not one of them is currently
playing the position.
Alex Bars and Quenton Nelson —
both 2014 signees — are battling for
the starting spot at left guard, while
Jerry Tillery — last year's prize on the
line — received first-team reps at de-
fensive tackle/nose guard this spring,
where he excelled.
That has created a situation where
the Irish desperately need numbers at
