Signing Day 2009

By: Nick Shepkowski
Recruiting Analyst

It seemed as if the recruiting process for Notre Dame was heading down the shoot this off season. Marlon Pollard and Nyshier Oliver have both de-committed from their verbal commitments to Notre Dame and things seemed to be quickly heading down a slippery slide this offseason. Couple that with poor showings by a few Notre Dame recruits in their post season games and the ratings for the Irish went soaring downhill.

That changed this morning. I went to bed last night thinking of anyway possible that the Irish were able to land Manti Te'o, the star linebacker from Hawaii. After researching a bit I stumbled across rumors that he had promised a commitment to Pete Carroll. Of course that was on USC message boards but I pressed on and began thinking, if he didn't commit on his final visit, then would he?

The question was answered this morning as Manti Te'o made the announcement that he is going to be a member of the University of Notre Dame this coming fall. What does this mean for Notre Dame?

Well, despite the fact the final ranking will not be as high as last season, but it shows that despite an underachieving 2008 on the field, Notre Dame is able to go into what has been a USC hot bed and take away the hottest commodity from the islands this season. Te'o, a five star recruit, chose the Fighting Irish over USC and UCLA.

With this signing the Irish will finish recruiting likely in the top 20, perhaps in the top 15 depending on which source you use. That ranking is not what is important though, what is, is the fact the Irish have to do a better job manufacturing their recruits talents into becoming better football players. We saw at times this past season that the offense was coming around until hitting a wall since halftime of the North Carolina.

This class brings in immediate help to Notre Dame's linebacking core:

Carlo Calabrese of Verona, New Jersey has played on the inside during his high school career and will in all likelyhood stay there at Notre Dame. Because of a depth chart that is finally having some actual depth at linebacker now it is hard to imagine he sees much of the field in the fall but down the road he will likely be looked upon to fill holes. Of the four, Carlo will likely see the least amount of time on the field this season.

Dan Fox of Rocky River, Ohio chose the Fighting Irish over such chasers as Pittsburgh, Stanford, and Boston College and could also be in the mix on the outside come the fall. He is listed as a four star recruit and among the top 15 outside linebackers in this years class. Fox will need one heck of a start to fall practice to get on the field since Zeke Motta has already enrolled at Notre Dame.

Zeke Motta, a four star outside linebacker from Vero Beach, Florida could very easily be starting on the outside in the fall. Extremely athletic and quick, the hard hitter enrolled early and will be participating in spring practice. Motta could in all honesty end up being just as big of recruit as Te'o.

Manti Te'o of Honolulu comes in with much glamour but also in all likelyhood taking the spot that was filled by Maurice Crum, Jr. Te'o is said to be as good as any at sniffing out and stopping the run, something Notre Dame needs much help in as they gave up an awful 4.1 yards per carry a season ago.

Through the coming days and weeks I'll take a look at all the positions and give a breakdown of who we may hear from early in their careers and who may have the biggest impact before their Fighting Irish careers are all said and done. Here is your class of 2009:

EJ Banks, ATH, McKees Rocks, PA
Alex Bullard, OL, Brentwood, TN
Carlo Calabrese, LB, Verona, NJ
Jordan Cowart, OL, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tyler Eifert, TE, Fort Wayne, IN
Shaquelle Evans, WR, Inglewood, CA
Dan Fox, LB, Rocky River, OH
Jake Golic, TE, West Hartford, CN
Zach Martin, OL, Indianapolis, IN
Zeke Motta, LB, Vero Beach, FL
Theo Riddick, RB, Somerville, NJ
Nick Taush, K, Dallas, TX
Manti Te'o, LB, Honolulu, HI
Ben Turk, K, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chris Watt, OL, Glen Ellyn, IL
Cierre Wood, RB, Oxnard, CA

Good luck to all the newest Irish. I will be in the chatroom for the majority of the afternoon, feel free to stop on, say hello, ask questions and argue points with me. We'll have a good time.

Football Recruiting Class of '09: The Final Week...

Nick Shepkowski, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame Football
2009 Recruiting

Notre Dame enters the final week of recruiting for the 2009 high school seniors as the Irish continue to fall down the ranks of both Rivals and Scout.Com's lists. The Irish have lost a verbal commitment by Nyshier Oliver, the 3/4 star athlete from New Jersey who seems to be headed to Tennessee now. Not only have the Irish lost a potential future star, but they haven't added any for quite some time now.

Currently, the Irish sit just inside the top 25 in rankings for recruiting this offseason. Sure, when you lose a borderline 3/4 star player decommit the rankings go down, but how at this point can the overall talent pool of the Fighting Irish move up?

Two Words: Manti Te'o

Commonly reffered to as the top high school linebacker in the country, Manti Te'o has listed Notre Dame as a finalist to attend next year. Along with Notre Dame, the rumors have Te'o also flirting with both USC and UCLA. If the Irish are able to land Te'o they will have an immediate answer to the departure of Maurice Crum, Jr. who leaves Notre Dame after four seasons (five, if you count the one redshirt season) in the blue and gold.

Te'o would be able to fill the middle linebacker void and with the Irish not being primed for a title run in 2009, he could add valuable experience in 2010, a year Notre Dame will have enough talent to make a serious BCS run.

Sadly for Notre Dame fans there are a few things that remain an obstacle in order for the Irish to pull in Te'o and the biggest one would have to be those three dreaded letters, U-S-C. Te'o is expected on making one more visit to Pete Carroll and the USC campus before February 4th.

I was excited about learning Te'o had not eliminated ND from contention, I have to admit a commitment from him would mean more to me than the Jimmy Clausen commitment did. Te'o would come in not wearing four state title rings and the punchline of many college football blogs. Te'o is more NCAA ready at his position coming out high school than Jimmy was. Te'o can be an instant contributor for whichever school he chooses.

Sadly, in my eyes, I feel the fact he's taking another look at USC before signing day (in which he plans to have decided by) makes me feel the Irish and Bruins are just being dragged around for the rest of his high school ride and that he will choose to be a Trojan.

However, as most of you know I am nearly never right so let's hope that is the case again!

Irish Face Road Challenge...Again

VS.

To say the Big East in basketball is like the SEC of Big XII of football does not do the conference enough justice. What Big East basketball teams are going through this season is even a bit extreme for for Big East standards and just days after an overtime loss on the road in Louisville, Notre Dame looks to get things back on track against #8 Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.

When you talk about teams who are statistically twins, Notre Dame and Syracuse come about as close to that as they can. Notre Dame averages 81.6 points per contest while Syracuse enters only scoring 80.9 a game themselves. Defense is the same story where both the Irish and Orange are allowing averages of 68.8 and 68.1 ppg respectivley.

In order for Notre Dame to win Luke Harangody needs to play an entire basketball game. Against Louisville, Luke faultered down the stretch a bit and did nothing in overtime. By no means can you expect the Irish to win going away, having Harangody be a factor for all forty minutes and then possibly beyond is a must because Syracuse offers great guard play that could very well shut down the outside game to a certain degree.

Personally, based on the skill of the opposition I do not feel that McAlarney, Jackson, and Ayers can be counted on to put up their usual numbers. The more I look into this game, the more I feel Luke Harangody needs to have a "Harangody type game".

Syracuse, led by coach Jim Boehiem, has seen great guard play this season from both Jonny Flynn (Soph.) and Eric Devendorf (Junior). Flynn enters whiel putting up 16.3 ppg and dishing out nearly six assists per contests. Devendorf enters scoring right at fourteen points a game. The Orange are led on the boards by forwards Paul Harris and Arinze Onuaku.

I feel that due to better defense being played by Syracuse and them being able to handle the Notre Dame snipers a little bit better than most schools are, expect to see this game not be quite as high scoring as many think it will be. I feel that Notre Dame is too good of a team to not beat a quality Big East team on the road this season and they get a big victory this afternoon in the dome.

Prediction: Notre Dame 72 Syracuse 70

Notre Dame Does Its' Fire-Hire Thing

Mark Allen, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame Football
Breaking News

From und.com:

"Verducci replaces John Latina who resigned Wednesday to pursue other opportunities."

The above quote is the "official" word from Notre Dame. But, does anyone really believe the embattled offensive line coach wasn't fired? The coach, after all, was the coach at the helm of the offensive line that gave up an at-the-time record 58 sacks in 2007. Although, the sack number was a definite improvement in 2008 over 2007, the running game was another story. The Irish averaged 3.3 yards per carry and 109.7 yards per game running the ball.

Latina becomes the third Irish assistant coach to "pursue other opportunities". One, of course, was legitimate. Offensive coordinator, Mike Haywood, left Notre Dame to become the head coach at Miami of Ohio. Defensive line coach Jappy Oliver, like Latina, was, most likely, fired.

Not long after rumors circulated that Latina was let go, the Irish announced the hiring of Cleveland Browns offensive assistant coach Frank Verducci.

So, who is Frank Verducci? For one thing, he has experience at both the professional and college level. Most recently, as mentioned, he was an offensive line coach and assistant for the Cleveland Browns.

Verducci's resume:

1980: Colorado State (grad assistant)
1981-83: Maryland (tight ends)
1984: Northern Illinois (running backs/strength and conditioning coach)
1985-86: Iowa (graduate assistant)
1987-88: Northwestern (wide receivers)
1989-98: Iowa (offensive line, recruiting coordinator, running game coordinator)
1999-2001: Cincinnati Bengals ( tight ends, assistant offensive line)
2002: Dallas Cowboys (offensive line)
2004-05: Buffalo Bills (offensive line/tight ends)
2007-08: Cleveland Browns (offensive assistant coach)

Verducci's most impressive college experience was gathered at Iowa, where he coached under Hayden Fry. In his decade there, the running game averaged 171.5 yards per game. During the 1990, 1994 and 1997 seasons, Iowa averaged 224.9, 221 and 217 yards per game, respectively. He had twelve of his offensive linemen make it to the NFL. Six of those were All-Big Ten players.
Not only was the running game successful under Verducci, but he was also very successful as a recruiter. Tom Lemming named him as a top ten recruiter for 1990. Allen Wallace of SuperPrep named him as a top ten recruiter on four occasions (1990-1992 and 1995).

More recently, Verducci has success with the Browns. In 2007, the Browns' offensive ranked 8th in the NFL. In the 2007 and 2008 seasons, running back Jamal Lewis went over the 1000 yard mark for the season.

Verducci, like Charlie Weis, is a native of New Jersey. That should help Notre Dame in recruiting in the Northeast. His wife, Noel, is a Saint Mary's of Indiana graduate.

Will Verducci be an instant impact hire? Can he turn around the offensive line, thereby improving the running game? Stay tuned!

In other news, Charlie Weis has offered Ohio State linebacker's coach Luke Fickell a chance to coach with the Irish. Domer Sports Report will update that story as information comes in.

Irish face Cards in Big Monday Showdown

Nick Shepkowski, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame Men's Basketball
Game Preview

Every time a college basketball fan has turned their head this month, a Big East showdown has been taking place. That trend gets no different tonight as the Fighting Irish head south to take on the Louisville Cardinals. The Irish, led by Luke Harangody (24 pts, 12 boards/game) and Kyle McAlarney (16.5 ppg) face a tough matchup in the Louisville Cardinals.

The Cardinals began the year ranked in the preseason top five in the nation but have struggled so far, going 11-3 so far this season while starting the Big East season 2-0 so far. The Cardinals bring in a much deeper lineup than the Irish but don't have quite the same upperclassmen leadership Notre Dame does. Earl Clark leads the Cardinals in scoring with just over 13 ppg while Samardo Samuels and Terrance Williams average over ten a game.

Louisville will look to slow things down a bit more than the Irish are used to. In order for Notre Dame to walk out of Louisville with a victory they better be ready to run the floor and not let Louisville get too comfortable in slowing things down.

With the Irish coming out a bit flat this weekend against Seton Hall I suspect they were looking ahead a bit to this Big Monday matchup. However, I feel that this being on the road will do the Irish in although they keep it very close.

Prediction:

Louisville 71 Notre Dame 68

Irish Bounce Back Against Georgetown

Luke Harangody scored 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Notre Dame (11-3, 2-1) bounced back from a loss to St. John's last Saturday in New York. The 13th ranked Irish held on for the win, 73-67, over #9 Georgetown (10-3, 1-2).

Notre Dame, which led at the half, 39-28, was a different team in this game compared to last Saturday. Although, the Hoyas eventually won the rebounding battle, 37-34, the Irish scrapped and hustled. They had the rebound when it was key. They also played much better defense for most of the game versus Georgetown.

Although, he scored 10 points, Tory Jackson was the epitomy of this game as far as being clutch and hustling. Early on, he hit a key jumper. But, later in the game he also drew a charge when Georgetown was trying to pull closer. His no-look pass with 4:07 left led to a dunk by Harangody and a 65-54 lead.

Back to Harangody. Early foul trouble could have caused most player to play timid. But, in achieving his 34th double double, Harangody was anything but timid. As a matter of fact, he played the last 11:34 with four fouls. He did not foul out.

The Irish shot 44.6 percent from the floor. They held Georgetown to 41.7 percent. Notre Dame's foul shooting was key to the win. They hit an outstanding 15-of-16 from the line.

Notre Dame, besides Harangody's 31 points received 17 from Kyle McAlarney. Tory Jackson had a very good seven assists. Georgetown was led by freshman center Greg Monroe who had 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Notre Dame now owns the nation's longest home court winning streak. They have won 44 games in a row at the Joyce Center. They will be back in action on Saturday at 2 p.m.. The opponent will be Seton Hall. The game is at the Joyce Center.

Irish Receive First 2010 Verbal

Mark Allen, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame Football
2010 Recruiting

Christian Lombard, an offensive lineman from Palatine, Illinois has given a verbal commitment to play football for the University of Notre Dame. Lombard, a current junior, becomes the first verbal commitment for the recruiting class of 2010.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive lineman made his announcement in San Antonio, Texas. He was there for the U.S. Army All-American game. He was among the juniors who were invited. He will play in next year's game.

The highly rated lineman (At least one service projects him as a five-star prospect) chose Notre Dame after narrowing his list down to three. The other finalists were Iowa and Wisconsin.

Stating why he chose Notre Dame, Lombard cited a few reasons. Lombard said, "Overall, it's a good fit. I just think I can play early. I want to make an impact on that team because I know they're going to be good and I want to be a part of that."

But, like many who come to Notre Dame, Lombard also stated what many of his predecessors have said. "I think if things don't work out with football I'll still have a shot at making money with that degree," Lombard said.

Lombard also said that playing early due to a lack of tackles played a part in his decision. He also said that he would become a recruiter for the Irish, attempting to sway other recruits in Notre Dame's favor.

2010 recruiting is off to a very good start. Welcome to Notre Dame, Christian!

*Mark Allen has been a fan of Notre Dame since watching the Irish on Sunday replays in the late 1960s. He is a former minor league baseball player. He currently live up near Notre Dame. Charlie Weis does not live far away. He has degrees in psychology and sociology with minors in philosophy and theology.

Previewing the Rainbow Warriors

Nick Shepkowski, Domer Sports Report
Edited by Mark Allen

Notre Dame Football
Game Preview

Notre Dame enters the Hawaii Bowl desperate for their first bowl win since New Years Day 1994 when I was still seven years old (I am now 22, nearing 23 next month). Since then the Irish have been losers in games of both the close call and blow out variety. What needs to happen to prevent the Irish from finishing with their second straight losing season?

Both offenses bring a very average brand of football to the game. Hawaii and Notre Dame rank 74th and 75th nationally in total offense as they both put up 344.8 yards per contest. Hawaii does however average two or so more points a contest than do the Fighting Irish.

As most remember from Hawaii's Sugar Bowl team a year ago, they like to throw the ball around the field. Although Colt Brennan has moved on to clipboard holding responsibilities with the Washington Redskins, Junior Greg Alexander does the quarterbacking for the Warriors. He has completed 131 passes for 1634 yards and twelve scores during the regular season. He is also a guy who knows how bad turnovers can hurt as he rarely risks throwing a pick, doing so only four times this season.

The favorite targets of Alexander are wideouts Greg Salas (50-755-3 tds) and Michael Washington (56-693-5 tds). Also seeing multiple passes thrown in their directions will be Malcom Lane and Aaron Bain. What scares me about Hawaii is the offense they run as it matches up against the Fighting Irish defense. Notre Dame has a defense that is designed to go after the quarterback; Hawaii has an offense who tries to simply pass their way downfield by dinking and dunking, taking whatever the defense is willing to give them. Not only do the Irish need pressure, but they need to walk away with a multiple sacks against Hawaii. This offense is designed to beat teams who are able to bring pressure, so unless Notre Dame can "Crank it Up", then it could be a long day for the Fighting Irish defense.

I fully expect to see Corwin Brown bring maybe even more pressure if that is even possible against the Warriors. If the Irish can't get pressure, then Hawaii will pick apart the Irish secondary all evening and make it a sad Christmas Eve in South Bend.

If the Irish are able to take away the pass, they will be in great shape as Hawaii ranks 107th of 119 teams in rushing yards. Not suprisingly, former Warrior coach June Jones and the SMU Mustangs rank dead last in that category. For what its worth Daniel Libre leads the Warriors in rushing with a grand total of 431 yards and six touchdowns. Not overly impressive, but then again Notre Dame brings far from a stout rushing game to the contest.

Hawaii brings an average defense into the game from a below average conference. The Warriors allow 27 points a contest and right around 350 yards. Notre Dame will be without all purpose back Armando Allen who is out with a leg injury and Robert Hughes for a half because of the fight he started at USC. What that means is that James Aldridge will get the largest portion of carries for the Irish while freshman Jonas Gray will also likely see carries.

The depth may not be there, but the Irish bring a much larger offensive line to the game than the Warriors defensive front and we all know what that means: pound the ball. Notre Dame won't be trying to light up the scoreboard, not only because they likely would lose such a battle, but also because that does not give them the best chance to win the contest. The Irish will use the run to set up the pass but once again, I am nervous to see what the lack of depth allows ND to do.

Personally, the Fighting Irish bring in much more talent than do the Hawaii Warriors but they still must do three things to avoid yet another bowl loss:

1) Not a Joy Trip - I disagree that 6-6 justifies being rewarded, but in today's game, I understand how it happens. Notre Dame can't take the trip to Hawaii as a reward or just a joy ride. Focus is something I am very scared the Irish will not bring to the matchup.

2) Road Game - Yup, playing in a team's home stadium is never a positive, but when its in a bowl game it makes it that much more difficult. The good news is that Notre Dame travels well and will likely have a strong showing of support in attendance. The fact it is in Hawaii's home stadium can't possibly favor the Irish though.

3) Dumb Mistakes - Whether it was in the SDSU, UNC, Pitt, or Syracuse games we all know that Notre Dame has had an abundance of dumb mistakes this season. If the Irish don't avoid costly turnovers and penalites it will be ugly, trust me.

For whatever reason this football team has turned out to be a major disappointment and just not be very good. Because of that I am afraid that the bowl losing streak will only continue this Christmas...

Nick (The Downing Domer) says: Hawaii 27 Notre Dame 23
Mark (The Faithful Wonder) says: ND 27 Hawaii 21