The early commits tells me that the ND staff has done a few things. they have convinced the kids that they are the prime ones they want. I would think they have also identified a real desire and connection to ND. I notice almost all mention academics. I think thye have probably given them strong talks about sticking with the Irish and they connection to ND will probably insure that. And I think a lot of kids think that if the offer isn't taken now, it may not be there later.
captain jack | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 9:38 am | #

Pat, you have referenced the ESPN 150 list a couple times in past couple weeks. I am having trouble finding that on the entertainment and sports programming network's website (i can only find last years list)...is there a link to that? do you have to have 'insider' access? thanks
question | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 10:41 am | #

With this class they will fill their needs and not grab bag the best players to leave areas short. That's what Ty Willie did. The word right now is that they'll take another lineman, a rb, another wide reciever or two, another two dlinemen, another linebacker, 2 safeties and a corner. Then they will leave a spot or two for the truly elite players, like Brown at linebacker.
Jake | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 10:44 am | #

question:

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/r...ts?& season=2008
JS | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 10:56 am | #

question:

you may or may not have to be an "insider" to view it.
JS | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 10:57 am | #

After watching that highlight video and seeing this guy smoosh so many defensive ends, it makes me wonder why they didn't run the ball off-tackle a bit more. And that running back sure seemed to do a good job of running away from the holes and right into the hands of the other defenders.
Michael | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:06 am | #

question - Here is the link to the ND page on ESPN's recruiting section. You need insider access to get more in-depth breakdowns of ND's commits and player evaluations, but without insider you can still see a general list of recruits and which ones are listed as Top 150 members.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:06 am | #

"And that running back sure seemed to do a good job of running away from the holes and right into the hands of the other defenders."

I think their RB coach is Ryan Grant.
DCDomer | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:20 am | #

IMHO the best high school linemen, and kids with the most college potential don't weigh 300+ pounds at age 17. At that age the best players are participating in other sports and honing their overall athleticism.

While many coveted lineman seem to be playing their high school ball at around 300 pounds, most would be better served, both immediately as well as long term, by playing at between 240-275 pounds, and developing their speed, explosiveness, agility and endurance. (As an aside, most of the most coveted high school linemen are generally between 6'3" and 6'6".) As the players add weight to their frame it is important that the weight be primarily muscle and not so much fat. A good rule of thumb for a high school coach or parents should be that a high school lineman should always be able to bench press at least the equivalent of their own body weight by the summer heading into their Junior year. When I hear coaches bragging about their 330 pound lineman, I try to learn what their bench press is. The ironic thing is that building the strength needed for a high schooler to bench press his weight often times causes the player to lose some body weight (a.k.a. FAT), thus improving their athleticism and their bench press vs. body weight ratio. That makes for a better football player.

I bring all this up because I love that Charlie is recruiting athletic linemen. It is imperative, though, ND's strength program be excellent so that they are able to increase their power while adding the weight necessary to be successful at the college level.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:26 am | #

Very well said. I think Sam Young demonstrates your point very well. The guy used to a swimmer for god's sake.
PM | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:33 am | #

This was seriously a HUGE get. After missing out on Trevor Robinson, along with a bunch of other guys we offered early at OL, we needed this to turn around the trend.

Even better, he looks pretty flexible with his position, as is the case with others. Cave looks like a G/C prospect. Golic is a C/T prospect, most likely. Clelland looks like a T/G. I don't know what caused the change of leaders from Michigan to ND, but I certainly won't complain
Carl | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:44 am | #

I am amazed at how quickly this class is filling up, especially given Charlie's approach to commitment. The Irish O-Line should be pretty well set for a while.
Gabe | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:50 am | #

I'm sorry, did someone say Willingham was grab bagging good players? Hahaha...he may have been grab bagging players but they certainly weren't good players, as evidenced by his last two classes and the amount of those players that will finish their career at ND.
Jason | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 12:19 pm | #

Just read, Chris Zorich selected for the college football hall of fame!
A Fan | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 1:47 pm | #

I read somewhere that Clelland just flattens people with his blocking. He's a real bulldog that plays from whistle to whistle and likes to finish his blocks and flatten people.

Because of that, I wasn't too worried about his weight. Hopefully, he'll put on some good weight and come in to ND around 280-285. By his sophomore year he could be up to 290-295 and just flatten people with that bulldog mentality.

Looks like a great get for ND to me.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 1:48 pm | #

atepesm,

I watched a highlight video of Clelland earlier this week and you sorta feel sorry for some of those kids. If they jumped to try to bat down a thrown ball Lane made sure they'd land flat on their back. If it was a run I swear he ran them 15 yards down field and buried them in the turf everytime.
jaisn | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 3:54 pm | #

I seem to recall that during the top years of the Denver Broncos, they had no offensive lineman over 300 lbs.
DICK LAPORTE | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 4:05 pm | #

Voice - some interesting things in your post. I like the connection of bench press to weight to athleticism. Let's just hope that CW doesn't hire the Yankees' former strength coach.

This kid sounds likes another 'hit.'

Go Irish
Bill H. | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 4:07 pm | #

+10 for DCDomer
Robb | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 5:18 pm | #

FYI, the South Bend Trib is reporting that Darius Walker has signed a free agent deal with Houston.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/...TS/ CAT=SPORTS06

All those people that love to post about how bad certain ND players are can now post something snide about Darius' inability to succeed in the NFL.

I will pre-empt that by saying I think each and every one of you suck dirty donkey balls and must probably be Michigan fans at heart. I also hope each and everyone of you never coaches a single day of youth sports. Kids don't need pessimists telling them that can't succeed at the next level, because that's bullshit. They can. And you suck.

I hope Darius kicks ass. He did a great job at ND and was a true asset to the team and the University. Best of luck to him at Houston.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:01 pm | #

He really does.
Walker sucks | Email | Homepage | 05.09.07 - 11:53 pm | #

See, what a Michigan fan. Another whimpy half-baked sissy drive by posting.

Just about what I'd expect from a half-wit.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 12:11 am | #

Great news, nice article. My only comment is on the 'light' left tackle Paul Duncan... have you seen the guy? He is huge, massive, a mountain of a man. Young is bigger, but not by much. Thanks again.
Steve | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 12:39 am | #

It looks like this will be Charlie's "magical" class. I think i read someplace that Clelland is a 5 star guy. I do know that is subjective but he seems like a great addition. I would like to see ND get a couple of great WRs.

I agree with the poster about Clelland's athleticism. That is more important than weight. As a long time yoga instructor I certainly concur. There are different aspects of health and fitness. Strength, speed, flexibility, endurance are all important.

I would not mind giving these guys some workouts. The type of yoga I do incorporates all of these aspects and does not just work on flexibility, agility, power, balance, and coordination.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 2:45 am | #

Hey atepesm, genius, how about you start calling people communists?
Steve R | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 8:38 am | #

atepesm, I for one endorse your loyalty, optimism, and fighting spirit. Here's hoping Darius proves all the critics, including myself, totally wrong.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 9:01 am | #

I attended the Penn State game last year, and a few rows behind me sat a group of 20-somethings who were really into Darius.

Every time he ran the ball, they would yell, almost chant, some combination of the following phrases:
"They don't understand you, Darius."
"You're not like other runners!"
"Be patient, follow the blockers and the holes will emerge."
"They don't get it."
"Your running is like a river--let it flow."
"You are the man, but you're not like other men."

The funniest part of this was that these chants were all punctauted at the end by a girl who hysterically screamed, "YOU'RE SPECIAL!!!"

I bring it up, because (a) it was really funny and I wonder if anyone else has heard these guys (b) there's a grain of truth in what they say about Darius.

His style is very odd, and I'm going to be really interested to see if it can be adapted to the NFL. My head tells me that he doesn't hit holes fast enough to make it as an NFL back, but he does have great hands and he picks up blitzes very well.

In any case, I'm with Atepesm in rooting for him all the way.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 9:21 am | #

Chill out atepesm. One, a lot of people appreciate what Darius did at ND and want to see him succeed. However, there are plenty of legitimate concerns about his ability to succeed at the next level. That's evidenced by the fact that he wasn't drafted. Two, Darius is not a "kid". He's an adult entering into a job where he will be paid to be constantly criticized by millions of fans each week. This isn't youth sports where everyone gets a turn to play and they don't keep score.

There are a few people who, for whatever reason, may make personal attacks against Darius. They may very well be Michigan fans and/or "suck dirty donkey balls". Having a perfectly valid OPINION on Darius' ability to play NFL football, however, doesn't automatically place anyone in that category.
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 9:44 am | #

check out the play from '05 against UT when Fasano gets his first TD down the right sideline. DW flips the blitzing LB, giving BQ time to throw the TD pass. He'll find a future.
PM | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:16 am | #

JohnWA,

Right on. Your post was right on. I want all are guys to have success after their Irish careers, but it ok to have an opinion on a "professional's" football ability.
Smitty2183 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:34 am | #

Taking out blitzing NFL linebackers will be a completely different story, I really like the kid a lot but don't see it happening. Prove me wrong oh sweet Son Of Jimmy!
Daniel LaRusso's Gonna Fight | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:37 am | #

JohnWA - I also agree with your comments. The 'Darius Sucks' comments are both childish and humorous at the same time, I think any knowledgable ND fan would agree that he served ND well. That being said, college success doesn't always translate into success in the NFL.

My own thoughts on Darius before having read any professional's opinion - I thought he would have been a 2nd/3rd round pick with his blocking capabilities and good hands (a premium for backs in the NFL these days.) Obviously, I know less than the scouts and NFL 'pundits' who decided not to draft them. Speed is so important in the NFL (just consider how fast some of the DL run these days.) This is the one area that Darius is lacking. I would love to see him prove everyone wrong.

On a side note - I wish Julius Jones would solidify himself in Dallas. He seems to be doing a solid job, but Dallas just isn't sold on him. Does anyone have any thoughts on why?
rbingham'97 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 11:29 am | #

Peter Vaas is the OC at Duke? I did not know that . . .
24 Hour | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 11:36 am | #

Not too long after Darius was snubbed during the draft I mentioned that I wished Denver would sign him since they have had incredible success finding RB gems in the later rounds. Well maybe Gary Kubiak learned something from Shanahan, and here's hoping that Darius sticks with the Texans. On the other hand, they are the same nitwits who passed on hometown hero Vince Young, and instead took DE Mario Williams at #1/Round One in '06. Brilliant!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 11:42 am | #

Just to interject in between all the Darius posts. I am excited about Clelland. I think the trend is becoming one of finding athletic, smaller OT and getting them to fill out. 265 is not tiny but not as big as prize OT have been in the past couple years. However Joe Thomas and the kid from Central Michigan (1st Round draft picks) were both smaller size going in, but their frames allowed them to put on the weight and maintain their athletic ability.
Gilligan28 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 12:24 pm | #

Atepesm,

DW had great vision bc our OL demanded it. He wasn't a burner and never will be.

Just bc folks say "He wasn't a burner," there is no need to use the "M" word.

There is no way to substantiate "DW sucks" - ypc, total yards, rec. yards refute outright.

Given his abilities, he did a great job. He and BQ did a lot to bring ND up.

I wish him well.
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 1:30 pm | #

I meant "our" instead of "are" of course...please excuse the mistake.
Smitty2183 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 1:58 pm | #

I, too, was thinking that Darius would at least warrant late round project status. However, I have to agree with the comment that BLAZING SPEED has become of the utmost importance in today's NFL. Darius has so many other positive attributes that have already been mentioned (blocks, hands, vision, etc.) but he does not have that blazing hit-the-hole-and-be-10-yards-downfield speed.

To exemplify NFL speed, I think of Justin Tuck. He was a man among boys in college football in terms of DE speed. I think I remember watching him run down an option QB from the backside one time. However, he has just average speed in the NFL. Therefore, if Darius comes in with below-average COLLEGE speed, he's nowhere close to what NFL teams are looking for speedwise.

Personally I think there is more to football than speed which is why I think DW is worth picking up, but it cannot be underestimated.

P.S. VERY excited about Clelland and all of the commits so far.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 1:58 pm | #

Voice, actually, they're not the same nitwits that passed on Vince Young. Charlie Casserly resigned at some point after the draft. (I was never quite sure why they hired him in the first place, he was coming off a decidedly mediocre run in Washington.)
Mr. Wednesday | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 2:41 pm | #

darius fleming's 'chatted' on ESPN and had some interesting comments about CB and the incoming class:

"Are you excited about the class ND has brought in this year? Do you believe you guys will win a national championship in the next 4 years?"

DF: I think the people they brought in is a really good class. I look forward to seeing them play. When we come, I think we have a real good chance to win a national championship. We're looking solid. Hopefully we can pull it out.

"You have been to several (ND) practices. What kind of coaching style does Corwin Brown have?

"I love his energy. He's like he's on the field playing himself. That's what a lot of players like about him. We like his style. We're looking forward to playing with him. He's a friend in person, but a coach on the field"

seems like CB has been our best 'recruit' thus far. i give him 5 stars
nd30909 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 7:31 pm | #

plus, darius seemed to base (at least part of) his decision to commit on the players matriculating with him. i think that's a great sign that all these players not only want to be teammates, but also enjoy each other's company to some extent. that type of atmosphere could clearly translate into future success in recruiting this year.
nd30909 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 7:38 pm | #

Mr. Wednesday,
You are absolutely right about Charley Casserly, but I feel certain that the Mcnair's and Kubiak dictated to him exactly who to pick (more importantly, who NOT to pick) and then promptly fired him, thus always preserving their scapegoat if Vinsanity actually pans out...and I think he seems to be panning out. I almost went there in my post. I should have known that one of you guys was going to play the Casserly Card!
Voice
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 7:54 pm | #

Hey atepesm, can you tell me which school your new D coordinator attended?
Michigan Man | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:08 pm | #

(waits for head to explode)
Michigan Man | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:09 pm | #

The student is the master now, Eminem.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.10.07 - 10:47 pm | #

Crap...I just realized Corwin Brown is going to be beating his Alma Mater around for the next 5 years. Quick, think of something witty to say...Hey...Notre Dame? More like Notre Lame!!!

yesss....
Michigan Man | Email | Homepage | 05.11.07 - 8:29 am | #

Michigan man, if you can make atepesm's head explode and rid us of him forever, I will sing the Victors on my front lawn, complete with fist pumping and garbled speech.
Steve R | Email | Homepage | 05.11.07 - 8:34 am | #

Alright, everyone settle down.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 05.11.07 - 9:39 am | #

I predict Clelland will be awesome and phenomenal.
c-stone | Email | Homepage | 05.11.07 - 11:14 pm | #