Notre Dame’s 2013 Recruiting Class

Notre Dame’s 2013 recruiting class will likely be the class that defines Kelly’s legacy. Assuming Kelly doesn’t go pro, five years from now Kelly will be entering his ninth season as head coach and history suggests 10 years is about the max duration for an ND head coach. So the next five years will determine whether Kelly joins the pantheon of ND head coaching legends.

You can make the argument that Kelly’s fourth recruiting class at Notre Dame could compare to Holtz’s fourth recruiting class in 1990. The ’90 class featured five future first round picks (Bettis, Bryant, Taylor, Burris and Tom Carter). The 1990 class went 40-8 and while they never won a title, those ’90 – ’93 teams were as talented as any team in college football.

I’ve been seriously following recruiting since the beginning of the Rivals era in 2001. During those 12 years this is by far the most complete class Notre Dame has ever recruited. With the exception of middle linebacker, you could start a freshman team next fall with this class. Let’s take a look at some of the key recruits in the 2013 class.

Malik Zaire, QB – Let’s start with the most important position. Zaire’s high school tape isn’t as impressive as Golson’s, but scouts love him. Coaches at the Elite 11 camp claimed Zaire was the most talented of the Golson, Kiel, Zaire trio. Like Golson, most scouts felt that were Zaire a few inches taller he could have been the top rated QB recruit in the country.

Even with the news of Kiel transferring, I don’t expect Zaire to see the field this fall. He’ll redshirt and come into camp in 2014 as the #2 QB. Even if Golson stays through 2015 that leaves Zaire with two seasons as starter. To continue the 1990 recruiting class comparison, Zaire could be the Kevin McDougal of the 2013 class. Recall that McDougal only started his senior season but lead ND to a controversial #2 finish in 1993.

Eddie Vanderdoes, DT – Vanderdoes is the type of recruit that has alluded Notre Dame since the Holtz era. A high profile, blue chip defensive lineman from the west coast who could have gone anywhere. Vanderdoes is a natural athlete who reportedly throws in the low to mid 90s in baseball. I see a lot of Aaron Taylor in Vanderdoes and expect him contributing early and often as a freshman.

Jaylon Smith, OLB – Smith is the highest rated defensive recruit ND has landed in the internet recruiting era and that includes Manti Te’o. Smith is a freak athlete who looks quick enough to be a running back or receiver. Barring injury, expect Smith to be starting at outside LB by the Oklahoma game. Many are predicting Smith to turn pro after his junior season.

Steve Elmer, OT – Offensive line is the most difficult position for predicting future success. Every NFL draft is littered with zero or two star recruits out of high school. But judging by Elmer’s size and how he performed in the spring game, you sense Elmer plays as a freshman and is a three year starter at tackle.

Greg Bryant/Tarean Folston (RBs) – I included both Florida running backs because whoever ends up getting the bulk of carries behind this offensive line will put up huge numbers. In addition to Elmer, John Montelus (OT) has first or second day of the NFL draft upside. As for the Florida running back duo, Bryant is the higher rated, but on tape, Folston has an NFL burst that few possess.

As ND fans learned under Weis, recruiting rankings don’t guarantee success, though they are a fair predictor. It will be up to Notre Dame’s coaching staff to determine how this recruiting class is judged long term. But on paper, this 2013 class is so good, that for the first time in the modern recruiting era, Notre Dame begins the 2014 recruiting cycle without any holes. Starting next fall, every position is at least two deep with big time talent.

The 1990 recruiting class suffered only eight losses in four seasons. If Brian Kelly remains on the sidelines, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the 2013 class come in right around that number.