Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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40 MAY 2017 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED FOOTBALL RECRUITING BY COREY BODDEN AND DAVID MCKINNEY R ecruiting seemingly speeds up year after year and another jump occurred April 14 when the NCAA Division I Council approved several changes that impacted the recruiting calendar and model. An early signing period, a hot topic for several years, was one of the key changes. Effective Aug. 1, prospects will be able to sign with schools in December, at the same time junior college prospects typically sign. The February signing date remains. In addition to the early signing period, prospects can begin taking official visits on April 1 of their ju- nior year compared to Sept. 1 of their senior year. Notre Dame was able to get ahead of the changes with the new staff being very aggressive in evaluating and extending early offers, as well as hosting the program's first-ever Sophomore Day April 2. Junior Days, when rising seniors are invited to a campus for an un- official visit, are a staple across the country and at Notre Dame as well. However, with the recruiting process starting much earlier for prep play- ers it is even more crucial to evaluate and get involved with a perspective recruit as soon as possible. Sophomore Day allowed the staff to do just that with the Irish welcom- ing several of the nation's top un- derclassmen, some who held Notre Dame offers and some who did not. It was a successful event on the surface for Notre Dame, and time will tell how impactful it was in the long run. SOPHOMORE DAY VISITORS JOSEPH ANDERSON DEFENSIVE END MURFREESBORO (TENN.) SIEGEL Rivals Ranking: Four-star pros- pect The Skinny: Anderson had high expectations heading into his visit and came away even more im- pressed than he imagined. The 6-4, 235-pound four-star received an in- depth look at the Irish program to see how it matched up with his goals of winning a national title and earning a quality degree. Future trips to South Bend are al- ready in the works for Anderson, with possible return visits includ- ing the Irish Invasion this summer and a game in the fall. Anderson has mentioned on two separate occasions he could see himself playing for the Irish since receiving his offer in early March. He also holds tenders from Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Penn State and North Carolina, among others. JASON BARGY DEFENSIVE END MOMENCE (ILL.) HIGH Rivals Ranking: Not rated The Skinny: Bargy was one of multiple prospects who landed an offer while on campus. The 6-5, 231-pounder called Notre Dame "one of the top colleges in the country," and noted it is right at the top of his list at this point in his recruitment. As it stands, Bargy only has two other offers to consider — Illinois and Iowa State — but a strong ju- nior season would likely change that. Bargy came away impressed with Notre Dame's approach to recruiting, and is looking forward to develop- ing relationships with defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive co- ordinator Mike Elko. DAVID BELL WIDE RECEIVER INDIANAPOLIS WARREN CENTRAL Rivals Ranking: Four-star recruit The Skinny: Notre Dame offered the talented in-state wide receiver in January with Brian Kelly deliv- ering the news. The 6-2, 180-pound Bell made his first trip to South Bend since the offer and was able to ful- fill a childhood dream of seeing an iconic Notre Dame symbol — the "Play Like A Champion Today" sign. He was also impressed with the Irish wide receivers and how they are be- ing used within Chip Long's offense. The Irish could prove tough to beat for Bell. However, he grew up a fan of Ohio State and an offer from the Buckeyes could put head coach Ur- ban Meyer 's program on top. Bell also holds offers from Iowa, Indiana, Syracuse and several Mid-American Conference programs. JOWON BRIGGS DEFENSIVE TACKLE CINCINNATI WALNUT HILLS Rivals Ranking: Four-star talent The Skinny: Briggs made the trip to Notre Dame with an offer already in hand, having landed it Feb. 28. Following the visit, Briggs said the trip surpassed his expectations. The 6-3, 275-pounder called the visit "eye-opening," and noted he enjoyed getting to sit in on a practice and get a feel for how the team oper- ates. He doesn't have any immediate return trips planned to check out the Irish, but mentioned this fall as the next likely opportunity. Briggs also holds offers from Ohio State, Michi- gan, Wisconsin and Kentucky, among others. QUINN CARROLL OFFENSIVE TACKLE EDINA (MINN.) HIGH Rivals Ranking: Four-star pros- pect The Skinny: Carroll made a stop Notre Dame Hosts First Sophomore Day Four-star Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Siegel defensive end Joseph Anderson is planning to return to Notre Dame following a successful trip for Sophomore Day. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM