Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING receiver basically playing the back- side of the offense in one-on-one situ- ations," Johnson noted. "The position is for a long, tall receiver, and they said I'd be perfect at that spot for them. I've played that position most of my high school career, so it would be a good fit." It didn't take long for the North while," he said. "It's like a family at Notre Dame." Johnson plans on being a December considering, but offered his pledge to the Irish just four days later. Despite being recruited and ranked as a tight end, he was pursued as a defensive end by Notre Dame. OLB JAYLON SMITH Carolina native to feel a connection to the staff. "I felt like I've known them for a graduate, so he knows that he'll have to move through the recruiting pro- cess a bit faster. He's not in a big rush, but the Irish helped their chances of remaining in the mix when that time comes. "I still want to wait, but it probably won't be until the end of my senior year," he said of his timeline. "I could see myself going to Notre Dame and playing there. I could relate to the players, and it reminded me of how I would approach things too. Notre Dame will definitely be a school that's on my list until the very end." THE SKINNY: Johnson's Irish offer may not have come until mid-February, but scheduling a trip just two weeks later shows how quickly it got his attention. The majority of the early interest was in-state for the Tar Heel State native, who is a huge North Carolina basket- ball fan. His interest in studying pre- med was emphasized during the trip, and he liked the response he received. North Carolina and Virginia look to be the other programs to watch in addi- tion to Notre Dame. DE JACOB MATUSKA touchdowns as a tight end. OFFERS: Michigan, Nebraska, North- 6-5, 240 • COLUMBUS, OHIO/BISHOP HARTLEY JUNIOR NUMBERS: Nine catches and four the nation's No. 6 tight end, the No. 7 prospect in Ohio and the No. 159 over- all recruit in the land. RECAP: See page 42. THE SKINNY: With Bivin no longer able western, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, South Florida and others. 247SPORTS RANKING: Four-star player, could this be the place and could I fit in this place, and I definitely can," Smith told 247Sports national recruit- ing writer Steve Wiltfong. "They meet a lot of aspects I'm looking for. I can't wait to see how this process goes." Smith participated in a seven-on- college campuses before, but his trip to South Bend was the most in-depth visit yet. And it worked out in Notre Dame's favor. "I definitely took a look at seeing the top player in Indiana, the No. 1 outside linebacker nationally and the No. 6 overall prospect in the country. RECAP: The touted recruit had been to State, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Purdue, Tennessee, USC and others. 247SPORTS RANKING: Five-star recruit, 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks, an in- terception and two fumble recoveries … Rushed the ball 168 times for 1,319 yards and 25 touchdowns, while add- ing 17 receptions for 191 yards and four scores. OFFERS: Alabama, Florida, Florida 6-3, 218 • FORT WAYNE, IND./BISHOP LUERS JUNIOR NUMBERS: Notched 51 tackles, Linebacker Jaylon Smith, who is rated as the top player in Indiana, would be a major addition to the Irish defense if he decides to stay close to his Fort Wayne home. PHOTO COURTESY 247SPORTS board in 2013 with the need in the "Big Skill" group, and he's an in-state tar- get to boot. The Irish were part of a top three with Ohio State and Purdue heading into the trip, and while other offers may become more intriguing as he continues to take visits, Notre Dame only helped its chances during the small junior day. He's a prospect the staff will continue to heavily recruit. ✦ seven event last summer at Notre Dame and attended the USC game last season. "It was great," he continued. "It was just a nice feel. "I got to hang out with [senior line- backer] Manti Te'o. We were hanging out on a level like no other. It was so amazing how much we bonded and how humble he was. I really enjoyed it." Fellow Fort Wayne, Ind., native tight to make it to junior day, Matuska was next in line for Notre Dame's best shot at landing a verbal commitment at the event. He left campus with Michigan as the other program he was strongly www.BLUEANDGOLD.com system ,and it was a great experience," Smith shared. "My mother and stepfa- ther thought it was amazing. It was a nice visit. They thought it was a won- derful fit for me." He added that Notre Dame is first Here's a list of the recruits expected to attend Notre Dame's junior day on March 24. JUNIOR DAY LIST end Tyler Eifert also had a chance to meet Smith. "He talked to us about the whole on his list for spring games he wants to attend, which will take place on April 21. THE SKINNY: Smith has a strong case to be Notre Dame's top recruit on the LB Alex Anzalone — offered LB Eric Beisel — interested DB Tre' Bell — offered OL Hunter Bivin — offered QB Tim Boyle — interested WR Charlie Callinan — interested LB Dajaun Drennon — offered RB Ezekiel Elliot — interested OL Steven Elmer Jr. — committed TE Reilly Gibbons — interested RB Ryan Green — offered OL Dorian Johnson — offered DB Rashad Kinlaw — offered OL Darius Latham — offered LB Jordan Mastrogiovanni — interested OL Mike McGlinchey — offered OL Colin McGovern — offered DL Donovan Munger — offered WR James Onwualu — committed LB Doug Randolph — committed to Stanford WR Corey Robinson — offered ATH TJ Taylor — interested QB Malik Zaire — offered APRIL 2012 45