Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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a sophomore, but he was always a good player and has added 40 pounds working with a trainer and a nutrition program. "He moves very well and likes to hit. … His strength is his overall athletic ability. He plays sideline to sideline, he's a captain of our team after being the only player to ever receive a vote from everyone on the team and he puts his team before himself. He's a pleasure to coach." 247Sports national recruiting director JC Shurburtt shares many of the same thoughts about Anzalone's ability as a player. "There's no question that he stands out NOTRE DAME RECEIVED A VERBAL COM- MITMENT FROM ONE OF THE TOP LINE- BACKER PROSPECTS IN THE COUNTRY." "GIVEN THE COMBINATION OF WHAT WE'VE SEEN IN PERSON AND ON FILM, 247SPORTS NATIONAL RECRUITING DIRECTOR JC SHURBURTT ON ANZALONE on film and is a great high school football player," Shurburtt said. "This spring and summer he has impressed with excellent athleticism, instincts and lateral movement ability in camp settings. tility allows him to play multiple positions at a high level, and he has the desire to compete … Has growth potential … Breaks on the ball quickly and keeps power through contact … Not afraid to take a blocker head on and fits the role of the Mike position due to having a leadership quality. Strengths Runs very well for his size and plays tough … Versa- FILM ANALYSIS primarily, so it will be a learning process to bump over to the middle of the defense … Stays square on contact, but will work on ripping his inside arm to get outside cleaner and shed the block faster … Has a nose for the ball in the running game and will look to improve in pass coverage. The athleticism is there to be effective at the second level of the defense. Areas To Improve Currently lines up along the outside of the defense seen in person and on film, Notre Dame received a verbal commitment from one of the top linebacker prospects in the coun- try." Anzalone, who selected the Irish over "Given the combination of what we've offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Stan- ford, USC and others, felt the signs kept pointing to Notre Dame, and he was ready to put the process behind him. "The academics tipped me over," he said, noting that he plans on enrolling early at Notre Dame and donning a No. 5 jersey while trying to fill the shoes of senior Manti Te'o. "The connections there and the combination of football and everything, that's what really did it for me. I think I really realized that on my last visit [before taking trips to Florida June 16 and Penn State June 28]." Needless to say with inside linebacker being one of the primary areas of need in the class, the Irish coaching staff was pleased to receive the pledge. "Coach [Brian] Kelly was at his lake or — Jason Sapp beach house," Anzalone shared of the mo- ment he gave his pledge. "He was real excited. Coach [Bob] Diaco started freaking out on the phone and screaming. He's a passionate guy." ✦ AUGUST 2012 69