Notre Dame Football: John Montelus
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Brian Kelly spent much of his early life in and around the Boston area. He was born in Everett, Mass., and raised in Chelsea. He went to St. John's Prep in Danvers and was a linebacker at Assumption College in Worcester.
Kelly So the Notre Dame head coach knows the devastation that rocked his old community Monday when a pair of explosions went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring many more.
"We were obviously devastated with the news as everybody else was," Kelly said Wednesday. "After a few hours of making calls and making sure all family and friends were safe, our next thought was to the victims. Terrible day, especially being from Boston and growing up with Patriots Day being kind of our holiday, if you will, as a Bostonian.
"So not only the tragedy of the loss of life and the injured, but it shakes you when that kind of private holiday that is so much Boston is shattered. It’s going to be hard. A lot of people are going to need some time to get over this."
No current Irish players are from Massachusetts. Incoming offensive lineman John Montelus, who will enroll at Notre Dame this summer, is from Everett (Mass.) High School.
"We were obviously devastated with the news as everybody else was," Kelly said Wednesday. "After a few hours of making calls and making sure all family and friends were safe, our next thought was to the victims. Terrible day, especially being from Boston and growing up with Patriots Day being kind of our holiday, if you will, as a Bostonian.
"So not only the tragedy of the loss of life and the injured, but it shakes you when that kind of private holiday that is so much Boston is shattered. It’s going to be hard. A lot of people are going to need some time to get over this."
No current Irish players are from Massachusetts. Incoming offensive lineman John Montelus, who will enroll at Notre Dame this summer, is from Everett (Mass.) High School.
Our series continues with big guys up front.
Starters returning: Zack Martin, Chris Watt, Christian Lombard
Players returning: Conor Hanratty, Nick Martin, Bruce Heggie, Matt Hegarty, Ronnie Stanley, Mark Harrell
Players departing: Braxston Cave, Mike Golic Jr., Jordan Prestwood (transfer)
Newcomers: Steve Elmer, Hunter Bivin, Mike McGlinchey, John Montelus, Colin McGovern
The breakdown: We should know next week that Zack Martin and Watt are officially back for fifth years, huge boosts for a line that will be returning three starters, including the left side. Martin's decision to return in particular gives the line -- and team in general -- a great veteran presence, as he will likely become a two-time captain in 2013.
Martin may also get the chance to start alongside his younger brother, Nick, who served as something of a utility man on the second unit this past season and figures to contend for one of the two open starting spots.
Another contender to start could be Hegarty, who was shut down late last season because of a mini-stroke but is expected to be cleared this spring. Depending on his progress on the field, he could emerge as a prime candidate to replace Cave at center.
There is plenty of depth -- albeit unproven depth -- in the backfield, but 60 percent of last year's line returns, a line that paved the way for a ground attack that averaged better than 200 yards per game during the regular season.
Throw in another likely year with Everett Golson under center -- after the two sides progressed tremendously on the communication end in 2012 -- and lots of extra bodies from this year's recruiting class, and the line should not experience much of a drop-off in 2013.
Starters returning: Zack Martin, Chris Watt, Christian Lombard
Players returning: Conor Hanratty, Nick Martin, Bruce Heggie, Matt Hegarty, Ronnie Stanley, Mark Harrell
Players departing: Braxston Cave, Mike Golic Jr., Jordan Prestwood (transfer)
Newcomers: Steve Elmer, Hunter Bivin, Mike McGlinchey, John Montelus, Colin McGovern
The breakdown: We should know next week that Zack Martin and Watt are officially back for fifth years, huge boosts for a line that will be returning three starters, including the left side. Martin's decision to return in particular gives the line -- and team in general -- a great veteran presence, as he will likely become a two-time captain in 2013.
Martin may also get the chance to start alongside his younger brother, Nick, who served as something of a utility man on the second unit this past season and figures to contend for one of the two open starting spots.
Another contender to start could be Hegarty, who was shut down late last season because of a mini-stroke but is expected to be cleared this spring. Depending on his progress on the field, he could emerge as a prime candidate to replace Cave at center.
There is plenty of depth -- albeit unproven depth -- in the backfield, but 60 percent of last year's line returns, a line that paved the way for a ground attack that averaged better than 200 yards per game during the regular season.
Throw in another likely year with Everett Golson under center -- after the two sides progressed tremendously on the communication end in 2012 -- and lots of extra bodies from this year's recruiting class, and the line should not experience much of a drop-off in 2013.
ESPN 150 athlete Tarean Folston (Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa) made his pledge to Notre Dame official Wednesday afternoon, becoming the Irish's ninth ESPN 150 commit, 12th ESPN 300 commit and 23rd overall player to sign his national letter of intent with the program.
Our Corey Long rates Folston a 4 on the immediate impact scale
, saying he should be able to contribute upon his arrival to campus, be it at running back, receiver or defensive back.
Notre Dame currently sits at No. 4 in RecruitingNation's rankings, and the school will wait like everyone else until 8 p.m. ET tonight to hear the announcement of Eddie Vanderdoes (Auburn, Calif./Placer), the nation's top defensive tackle.
Here are the names that came through the fax machines for Notre Dame earlier today:
Our Corey Long rates Folston a 4 on the immediate impact scale
, saying he should be able to contribute upon his arrival to campus, be it at running back, receiver or defensive back.
Notre Dame currently sits at No. 4 in RecruitingNation's rankings, and the school will wait like everyone else until 8 p.m. ET tonight to hear the announcement of Eddie Vanderdoes (Auburn, Calif./Placer), the nation's top defensive tackle.
Here are the names that came through the fax machines for Notre Dame earlier today:
- Five-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star RB Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca-Delray)*
- Four-star ATH Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo)*
- Four-star ATH Tarean Folston (Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa)*
- Four-star OL Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star WR Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star OLB Doug Randolph (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)*
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Four-star TE Durham Smythe (Belton, Texas/Belton)
- Four-star CB Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton)
- Three-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star WR William Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic)
Smythe becomes TE No. 3 for ND's '13 class
January, 28, 2013
Jan 28
9:00
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Durham Smythe was once committed to Texas. He was considered a Stanford lean. He had a trip to Michigan scheduled for next weekend.
On Sunday, he committed to Notre Dame.
Smythe, a four-star prospect, becomes the Irish's 23rd commitment for the class of 2013 and their third tight end prospect of this class.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder gave his word to head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Chuck Martin near the end of his official visit this weekend, our Max Olson reports, and he will look to become the next in line at Tight End U following the departure of record-setter Tyler Eifert. (Eifert's predecessor, Kyle Rudolph, was voted Pro Bowl MVP on Sunday night.)
“I talked to the staff and they’re stacked with three junior tight ends and then I know they have me and Mike,” Smythe told Olson. “They use a lot of tight ends in a way I’m familiar with, so hopefully we can continue that tradition.”
Notre Dame remains No. 3 in ESPN's class of 2013 recruiting rankings, trailing No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama.
Below, we break down the Irish's 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. The 2013 class features nine ESPN 150 prospects (*), three ESPN300 prospects (**), one five-star commit, 18 four-stars and four three-stars. The class of 2014 consists of four players, all of whom are ESPN Watch List members.
Class of 2013
On Sunday, he committed to Notre Dame.
Smythe, a four-star prospect, becomes the Irish's 23rd commitment for the class of 2013 and their third tight end prospect of this class.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder gave his word to head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Chuck Martin near the end of his official visit this weekend, our Max Olson reports
, and he will look to become the next in line at Tight End U following the departure of record-setter Tyler Eifert. (Eifert's predecessor, Kyle Rudolph, was voted Pro Bowl MVP on Sunday night.)
“I talked to the staff and they’re stacked with three junior tight ends and then I know they have me and Mike,” Smythe told Olson. “They use a lot of tight ends in a way I’m familiar with, so hopefully we can continue that tradition.”
Notre Dame remains No. 3 in ESPN's class of 2013 recruiting rankings
, trailing No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama.
Below, we break down the Irish's 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. The 2013 class features nine ESPN 150 prospects (*), three ESPN300 prospects (**), one five-star commit, 18 four-stars and four three-stars. The class of 2014 consists of four players, all of whom are ESPN Watch List members.
Class of 2013
- Five-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star RB Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca-Delray)*
- Four-star ATH Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo)*
- Four-star ATH Tarean Folston (Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa)*
- Four-star OL Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star WR Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star OLB Doug Randolph (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)*
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Four-star TE Durham Smythe (Belton, Texas/Belton)
- Four-star CB Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton)
- Three-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star WR William Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic)
- Watch List OLB Greer Martini (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)
- Watch List OT Jay Hayes (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep)
- Watch List OT Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/Saint Ignatius)
- Watch List WR Justin Brent (Speedway, Ind./Speedway)
Notre Dame has gotten quite the lift off the field following a 12-0 regular season on it.
Look no further than this past weekend, when four-star running back Greg Bryant pledged to the Irish, one day after the school beat out Ohio State for Class of 2014 Watch List offensive lineman Jimmy Byrne.
Bryant, Notre Dame's 22nd 2013 commit, immediately becomes the Irish's second-highest rated prospect, beyond Jaylon Smith. And he will likely have the chance to step in immediately, with the Irish losing Theo Riddick and possibly Cierre Wood after this season.
With Bryant, George Atkinson III, Cam McDaniel, the yet-to-be-seen Amir Carlisle and freshman William Mahone, the Irish should have no shortage of backs to turn to next season, and the different styles each brings will create an interesting dynamic.
The addition of Bryant moved Notre Dame up one spot, to No. 3, in ESPN's class of 2013 recruiting rankings, behind USC and Florida. You can read scouts' take on Bryant here.
Below, we break down the Irish's 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. The 2013 class features eight ESPN150 prospects (*), four ESPN300 prospects (**), 17 four-star commits and one five-star. The Class of 2014 consists of four players, three of whom are ESPN Watch List members.
Class of 2013
Look no further than this past weekend, when four-star running back Greg Bryant pledged to the Irish, one day after the school beat out Ohio State for Class of 2014 Watch List offensive lineman Jimmy Byrne.
Bryant, Notre Dame's 22nd 2013 commit, immediately becomes the Irish's second-highest rated prospect, beyond Jaylon Smith. And he will likely have the chance to step in immediately, with the Irish losing Theo Riddick and possibly Cierre Wood after this season.
With Bryant, George Atkinson III, Cam McDaniel, the yet-to-be-seen Amir Carlisle and freshman William Mahone, the Irish should have no shortage of backs to turn to next season, and the different styles each brings will create an interesting dynamic.
The addition of Bryant moved Notre Dame up one spot, to No. 3, in ESPN's class of 2013 recruiting rankings, behind USC and Florida.
You can read scouts' take on Bryant here.
Below, we break down the Irish's 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. The 2013 class features eight ESPN150 prospects (*), four ESPN300 prospects (**), 17 four-star commits and one five-star. The Class of 2014 consists of four players, three of whom are ESPN Watch List members.
Class of 2013
- Five-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star RB Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca-Delray)*
- Four-star WR Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper)*
- Four-star OLB Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star OLB Doug Randolph (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)*
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star RB Jamel James (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Four-star CB Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton)
- Three-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star WR William Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic)
- Watch List OLB Greer Martini (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)
- Watch List OT Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/Saint Ignatius)
- Watch List WR Justin Brent (Speedway, Ind./Speedway)
- OT Jay Hayes (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep)
Dividends already paying off with big night
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
3:35
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
The already-crowded Notre Dame famous parents section will have to make room for one more.
ESPN 150 receiver Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper) committed to the Irish following their primetime home win over Michigan, our Damon Sayles writes, making him the school's 21st commitment for the Class of 2013.
Hunter Jr. is the son of the MLB All-Star of the same name, and he joins the nephew of Dodgers manager Don Mattingly (Danny) and the son of pro basketball Hall of Famer David Robinson (Corey) as Irish 2013 commitments looking to make their own names.
Hunter Jr. raved about Saturday's atmosphere to Sayles, an obvious strong sign for a program that has been looking to make its game day scene a little bit more electric. Coach Brian Kelly has said that will come with winning. And, as he found out by landing Sayles, Notre Dame can benefit beyond the scoreboard because of it, too.
Hunter Jr. is ESPN's 50th overall prospect, the No. 6 player in Texas and the No. 8 receiver in the nation.
Here is a breakdown of the Irish's 21-man 2013 recruiting class, which features 17 four-star prospects, six ESPN150 commits (*) and 12 ESPN300 commits (**)
ESPN 150 receiver Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper) committed to the Irish following their primetime home win over Michigan, our Damon Sayles writes, making him the school's 21st commitment for the Class of 2013.
Hunter Jr. is the son of the MLB All-Star of the same name, and he joins the nephew of Dodgers manager Don Mattingly (Danny) and the son of pro basketball Hall of Famer David Robinson (Corey) as Irish 2013 commitments looking to make their own names.
Hunter Jr. raved about Saturday's atmosphere to Sayles, an obvious strong sign for a program that has been looking to make its game day scene a little bit more electric. Coach Brian Kelly has said that will come with winning. And, as he found out by landing Sayles, Notre Dame can benefit beyond the scoreboard because of it, too.
Hunter Jr. is ESPN's 50th overall prospect, the No. 6 player in Texas and the No. 8 receiver in the nation.
Here is a breakdown of the Irish's 21-man 2013 recruiting class, which features 17 four-star prospects, six ESPN150 commits (*) and 12 ESPN300 commits (**)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star WR Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper, Texas/Prosper)*
- Four-star OLB Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star OLB Doug Randolph (Woodberry Forest, Va./Woodberry Forest)**
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star RB Jamel James (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star ATH Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star WR William Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic)
Fuller drops PSU, becomes No. 19 for ND
August, 5, 2012
8/05/12
3:30
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
For a few minutes, anyway, Will Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic) was just another one of us.
The three-star wide receiver and former Penn State commitment was among the gathered media members Saturday outside the LaBar Practice Complex, awaiting the start of Notre Dame's fall camp like everyone else.
Fuller got to stay when the rest of us were kicked out, and he clearly liked what he saw on the field and off, as he eventually became the Irish's 19th Class of 2013 commitment.
The 6-foot-1, 163-pound prospect caught 46 balls for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and he tested well this spring on the Nike Combine circuit, posting an electronically-timed 4.53 40-yard dash, 4.25 20-yard shuttle, 33.9-inch vertical and 88.47 SPARQ.
Fuller is ranked by ESPN as the No. 132 receiver in the Class of 2013, and as the No. 26 player in the state of Pennsylvania.
Here's a look at the Irish's 19-man 2013 recruiting class, which features 15 four-star prospects, four three-star prospects, five ESPN150 commits (*) and 10 ESPN300 commits (**)
The three-star wide receiver and former Penn State commitment was among the gathered media members Saturday outside the LaBar Practice Complex, awaiting the start of Notre Dame's fall camp like everyone else.
Fuller got to stay when the rest of us were kicked out, and he clearly liked what he saw on the field and off, as he eventually became the Irish's 19th Class of 2013 commitment.
The 6-foot-1, 163-pound prospect caught 46 balls for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and he tested well this spring on the Nike Combine circuit, posting an electronically-timed 4.53 40-yard dash, 4.25 20-yard shuttle, 33.9-inch vertical and 88.47 SPARQ
.
Fuller is ranked by ESPN as the No. 132 receiver in the Class of 2013, and as the No. 26 player in the state of Pennsylvania.
Here's a look at the Irish's 19-man 2013 recruiting class, which features 15 four-star prospects, four three-star prospects, five ESPN150 commits (*) and 10 ESPN300 commits (**)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star OLB Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star RB Jamel James (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star ATH Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star WR Will Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic)
Alex Anzalone will be going to Notre Dame. He will be going to Notre Dame early. And, if he gets his wish, he will be wearing jersey No. 5, too.
All of which led the current defensive owner of that digit to post Sunday night on Twitter: "I think I might have started something special at ND."
Replacing the production of Manti Te'o, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, is a tall task for anyone. But the future of the Irish's linebacking unit is in good hands. Anzalone's commitment Sunday at The Opening — two months after his decommitment from Ohio State after a sex offender, a Buckeyes fan, posted a picture of himself and Anzalone on the Web — rounds out a loaded corps in the middle for the 2013 class, as Jaylon Smith, Michael Deeb and Danny Mattingly have already pledged to Notre Dame since the beginning of June.
ESPN rates Anzalone as a four-star prospect, the No. 5 player at his position in the nation and the 66th-best player overall from the 2013 class, one that is shaping up this offseason to be very special for Brian Kelly and the Irish staff.
Here is a breakdown of the Irish's 17-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of 14 four-star prospects, five ESPN150 commits (*) and 10 ESPN300 commits (**)
All of which led the current defensive owner of that digit to post Sunday night on Twitter: "I think I might have started something special at ND."
Replacing the production of Manti Te'o, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, is a tall task for anyone. But the future of the Irish's linebacking unit is in good hands. Anzalone's commitment Sunday at The Opening — two months after his decommitment from Ohio State after a sex offender, a Buckeyes fan, posted a picture of himself and Anzalone on the Web — rounds out a loaded corps in the middle for the 2013 class, as Jaylon Smith, Michael Deeb and Danny Mattingly have already pledged to Notre Dame since the beginning of June.
ESPN rates Anzalone as a four-star prospect, the No. 5 player at his position in the nation and the 66th-best player overall from the 2013 class, one that is shaping up this offseason to be very special for Brian Kelly and the Irish staff.
Here is a breakdown of the Irish's 17-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of 14 four-star prospects, five ESPN150 commits (*) and 10 ESPN300 commits (**)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star OLB Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)**
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star ATH Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead)
What was once a gap at linebacker has been filling up pretty quickly lately, with four-star inside linebacker Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage) committing Friday to Notre Dame, becoming the Irish's 16th Class of 2013 commit.
Deeb's pledge comes three days after three-star athlete Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead) committed to the Irish and nearly four weeks after four-star outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) announced his plans to go to South Bend, Ind.
There is likely one inside linebacker spot remaining in this class, one everyone associated with Notre Dame hopes is eventually filled by Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing). His future remains unclear, but the Irish's looks brighter by the day after landing another big prospect in the month of June.
Here's a breakdown of the Irish's 16-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of 13 four-star prospects, four ESPN150 commits (*) and nine ESPN300 commits (**)
Deeb's pledge comes three days after three-star athlete Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead) committed to the Irish and nearly four weeks after four-star outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) announced his plans to go to South Bend, Ind.
There is likely one inside linebacker spot remaining in this class, one everyone associated with Notre Dame hopes is eventually filled by Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing). His future remains unclear, but the Irish's looks brighter by the day after landing another big prospect in the month of June.
Here's a breakdown of the Irish's 16-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of 13 four-star prospects, four ESPN150 commits (*) and nine ESPN300 commits (**)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)**
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star ILB Michael Deeb (Plantation, Fla./American Heritage)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star ATH Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead)
Irish get boost at linebacker with Mattingly
June, 27, 2012
6/27/12
10:15
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
The combination of Don Mattingly and David Robinson could make the family section the most popular spot in Notre Dame Stadium in the coming years.
For now, the Irish will revel in commitment No. 15, three-star athlete Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead), who is the nephew of the former Yankees star and current Dodgers manager. Much more importantly, he is the second linebacker commit for Notre Dame, having recorded 62 tackles and four interceptions last season while also hauling in six scores as a tight end.
A Catholic with Indiana roots, Mattingly reportedly had his eyes on Notre Dame for some time, with his high school coach, Sean Carty, telling colleague Erik McKinney that "it's something he's been thinking about his whole life."
Here's a breakdown of the Irish's 15-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of three four-star prospects, four ESPN150 commits (*) and nine ESPN300 commits (**)
For now, the Irish will revel in commitment No. 15, three-star athlete Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead), who is the nephew of the former Yankees star and current Dodgers manager. Much more importantly, he is the second linebacker commit for Notre Dame, having recorded 62 tackles and four interceptions last season while also hauling in six scores as a tight end.
A Catholic with Indiana roots, Mattingly reportedly had his eyes on Notre Dame for some time, with his high school coach, Sean Carty, telling colleague Erik McKinney that "it's something he's been thinking about his whole life."
Here's a breakdown of the Irish's 15-man 2013 recruiting class, which is composed of three four-star prospects, four ESPN150 commits (*) and nine ESPN300 commits (**)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star DE Isaac Rochell (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing Christian Academy)*
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)**
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)**
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)**
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)**
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)**
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
- Three-star ATH Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead)
College football guru Phil Steele compiled his list of 200 high school prospects to watch during their senior seasons this fall, and Notre Dame has six 2013 commitments on the list.
Using a point system based on four major recruiting services, Steele has Michigan with 14 top-200 prospects and Texas with 10.
Alabama, Ohio State and USC each have nine, while Florida and Georgia have seven apiece. Texas A&M matches the Irish with six.
NOTRE DAME IN STEELE'S 200
9. LB Jaylon Smith
91. DL Isaac Rochell
108. QB Malik Zaire
145. OL Hunter Bivin
147. OL Steve Elmer
161. OL John Montelus
Using a point system based on four major recruiting services, Steele has Michigan with 14 top-200 prospects and Texas with 10.
Alabama, Ohio State and USC each have nine, while Florida and Georgia have seven apiece. Texas A&M matches the Irish with six.
NOTRE DAME IN STEELE'S 200
9. LB Jaylon Smith
91. DL Isaac Rochell
108. QB Malik Zaire
145. OL Hunter Bivin
147. OL Steve Elmer
161. OL John Montelus
RecruitingNation's newest rankings are out, and Notre Dame has a strong presence.
Three of the Irish's 13 commits from the Class of 2013 are in the ESPN 150, and four more crack the ESPN 300: CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga), TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier), OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) and ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami).
Four-star linebacker Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) leads the way for the Irish, as the program's newest commit jumped 26 spots, up to No. 20 overall.
Only six other schools currently have more top-300 commits than Notre Dame. LSU also has seven total ESPN 300 commits.
RecruitingNation goes inside the rankings here, with stories and video breakdowns. Jared Shanker has a piece on Smith's recruiting efforts for the rest of Notre Dame's 2013 class, and Corey Long looks at four-star running back Ryan Green (St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Petersburg Catholic), an Irish prospect. Both players are among Tom Luginbill's biggest risers.
Our team is chatting here until 4 ET, so be sure to join them and fire away any questions you have.
Three of the Irish's 13 commits from the Class of 2013 are in the ESPN 150, and four more crack the ESPN 300: CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga), TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier), OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) and ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami).
Four-star linebacker Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) leads the way for the Irish, as the program's newest commit jumped 26 spots, up to No. 20 overall.
Only six other schools currently have more top-300 commits than Notre Dame. LSU also has seven total ESPN 300 commits.
RecruitingNation goes inside the rankings here, with stories and video breakdowns. Jared Shanker has a piece on Smith's recruiting efforts for the rest of Notre Dame's 2013 class, and Corey Long looks at four-star running back Ryan Green (St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Petersburg Catholic), an Irish prospect. Both players are among Tom Luginbill's biggest risers.
Our team is chatting here until 4 ET, so be sure to join them and fire away any questions you have.
Smith's commitment strengthens big spring
June, 4, 2012
6/04/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
When the names "Jimmy Clausen" and "Manti Te'o" are brought up in comparison, you know Notre Dame had a good weekend.
Whether "Jaylon Smith" is a bigger name than either is a debate for another time -- like, in five years. For now the Irish can rejoice in the news they got from the four-star linebacker Saturday at the inaugural R.A.S. Football Camp, where Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) announced that he'll be heading 90 minutes West, to South Bend, next year.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith is a huge get for the Irish. He is ESPN's No. 46 overall player in the Class of 2013, is its No. 3 linebacker in the nation, and is the state of Indiana's top prospect. He will arrive just as Te'o is leaving, after he is done playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl next January.
Perhaps most importantly, between now and then he may go to work as an extension of Notre Dame's staff, saying he will sell the program to top uncommitted prospects Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Vernon Hargreaves (Tampa, Fla./Wharton). Anzalone is a four-star outside linebacker, ESPN's No. 65 overall prospect. Hargreaves? He's a five-star corner, No. 4 overall.
On Sunday, uncommitted linebacker Clifton Garrett (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield), who currently has the Irish second behind Ohio State, didn't shy away from the potential impact of having Smith in South Bend.
"They just got Jaylon Smith on defense, and that defense is about to be really good," Garrett said. "They have a great defensive scheme, they send a lot of players to the NFL and that's my No. 1 goal. I'm trying to get to the NFL, so I feel like they can help me if I go to that school."
A slow winter and disappointing end to the 2012 recruiting season have given way to a strong spring -- one punctuated by the commitment of a prospect who immediately had his name thrown around with those of the great Notre Dame pledges of recent history.
Here is Notre Dame's 13-man 2013 recruiting class, which consists of 11 four-star prospects and three ESPN 150 players. (*)
Whether "Jaylon Smith" is a bigger name than either is a debate for another time -- like, in five years. For now the Irish can rejoice in the news they got from the four-star linebacker Saturday at the inaugural R.A.S. Football Camp, where Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers) announced that he'll be heading 90 minutes West, to South Bend, next year.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith is a huge get for the Irish. He is ESPN's No. 46 overall player in the Class of 2013, is its No. 3 linebacker in the nation, and is the state of Indiana's top prospect. He will arrive just as Te'o is leaving, after he is done playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl next January.
Perhaps most importantly, between now and then he may go to work as an extension of Notre Dame's staff, saying he will sell the program to top uncommitted prospects Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Vernon Hargreaves (Tampa, Fla./Wharton). Anzalone is a four-star outside linebacker, ESPN's No. 65 overall prospect. Hargreaves? He's a five-star corner, No. 4 overall.
On Sunday, uncommitted linebacker Clifton Garrett (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield), who currently has the Irish second behind Ohio State, didn't shy away from the potential impact of having Smith in South Bend.
"They just got Jaylon Smith on defense, and that defense is about to be really good," Garrett said. "They have a great defensive scheme, they send a lot of players to the NFL and that's my No. 1 goal. I'm trying to get to the NFL, so I feel like they can help me if I go to that school."
A slow winter and disappointing end to the 2012 recruiting season have given way to a strong spring -- one punctuated by the commitment of a prospect who immediately had his name thrown around with those of the great Notre Dame pledges of recent history.
Here is Notre Dame's 13-man 2013 recruiting class, which consists of 11 four-star prospects and three ESPN 150 players. (*)
- Four-star OLB Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers)*
- Four-star OT Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West)*
- Four-star OT Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo)*
- Four-star CB Devin Butler (Washington/Gonzaga)
- Four-star TE-Y Mike Heuerman (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier)
- Four-star QB-DT Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter)
- Four-star ATH Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami)
- Four-star ATH James Onwualu (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham)
- Four-star OT Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
- Four-star OT John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett)
- Four-star OT Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland)
- Three-star WR Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian)
- Three-star TE-Y Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley)
Notre Dame added verbal commitment No. 12 on Thursday, as Barron Collier (Naples, Fla.) four-star tight end Mike Heuerman pledged to the Irish. Heuerman is the school's 10th four-star commit, and he is ranked as the nation's No. 5 "Y" tight end for the 2013 recruiting class.
Heuerman's brother, Jeff, is a member of Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class.
Notre Dame's 2013 class now consists of tight end Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley,) athlete James Onwualu (Saint Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham), quarterback Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), athlete Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami), receiver Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) and cornerback Devin Butler (Washington D.C./Gonzaga), along with offensive line commitments John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett), Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland), Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo) and Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
As for the rest of the weekly Irish recruiting roundup ...
Heuerman's brother, Jeff, is a member of Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class.
"I wanted to get back there and spend more time with the players in the program," Heuerman told our Corey Long. "When I took my first visit in March I mostly hung out with Aaron Lynch, who is a close friend of mine.
"However when he said he was going to transfer I wanted to meet more players, and I developed a good bond with Tyler Eifert and Troy Niklas. They were very cool, answered all my questions but they never pressured me or pushed me to make a decision. I really appreciated that."
Notre Dame's 2013 class now consists of tight end Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley,) athlete James Onwualu (Saint Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham), quarterback Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), athlete Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami), receiver Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) and cornerback Devin Butler (Washington D.C./Gonzaga), along with offensive line commitments John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett), Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland), Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo) and Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn)
As for the rest of the weekly Irish recruiting roundup ...
- Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) committed to the Irish following their spring game.
- Athlete Marcus Ball (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville South) was offered by Notre Dame on Wednesday, our Jared Shanker writes.
- Piscataway (N.J.) cornerback Nadir Barnwell has been offered by West Virginia, though he still thinks highest of Notre Dame, Rutgers and Penn State, our Dave Hooker writes.
- The Mountaineers also offered ESPN 150 running back Ryan Green (St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Pete Catholic), and he also has the Irish in his current top three, along with Florida and FSU, Long writes.
- Notre Dame is one of six schools to recently offer Washington Friendship 2014 cornerback Jalen Tabor, Hooker writes.
Notre Dame didn't resolve its quarterback situation Saturday, but the Irish likely won't need to worry anytime soon about who is protecting their signal callers.
Four-star offensive line prospect John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) committed to Notre Dame following its spring game, becoming the Irish's fifth, and likely final, offensive line commitment from the 2013 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-5, 293-pounder hails from the birthplace of Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, and he is Notre Dame's 11th commitment for this class. Montelus is ESPN's No. 1 player from Massachusetts, No. 21 offensive tackle in the nation and the ninth four-star commitment for the Irish.
Montelus joins fellow offensive line commitments Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland), Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo) and Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn). McGovern and Bivin are ESPN 150 players.
The rest of Notre Dame's 2013 class consists of tight end Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley,) athlete James Onwualu (Saint Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham), quarterback Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), athlete Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami), receiver Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) and cornerback Devin Butler (Washington D.C./Gonzaga).
Four-star offensive line prospect John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) committed to Notre Dame following its spring game, becoming the Irish's fifth, and likely final, offensive line commitment from the 2013 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-5, 293-pounder hails from the birthplace of Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, and he is Notre Dame's 11th commitment for this class. Montelus is ESPN's No. 1 player from Massachusetts, No. 21 offensive tackle in the nation and the ninth four-star commitment for the Irish.
Montelus joins fellow offensive line commitments Steve Elmer (Midland, Mich./Midland), Colin McGovern (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), Hunter Bivin (Owensboro, Ky./Apollo) and Mike McGlinchey (Philadelphia/William Penn). McGovern and Bivin are ESPN 150 players.
The rest of Notre Dame's 2013 class consists of tight end Jacob Matuska (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley,) athlete James Onwualu (Saint Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham), quarterback Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), athlete Rashad Kinlaw (Galloway, N.J./Absegami), receiver Corey Robinson (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) and cornerback Devin Butler (Washington D.C./Gonzaga).
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Matt Fortuna
Fortuna joined ESPN.com in 2011 after working for MLB.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, where he covered college sports. He grew up in New York and is a Penn State graduate.
