Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Top 5 Targets Update
By Andrew Hall
Oct 27, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot Leprechaun during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Editor’s Note: These are the current Top 5 Targets for Notre Dame Recruiting in the opinion of Slap the Sign and its writers. The Top 5 Targets are determined on a basis of how well Notre Dame likes a certain recruit and how well they like Notre Dame. This list is updated weekly with the odds (Very likely, Likely, In Between, Unlikely and Very Unlikely) of whether or not the recruit will choose Notre Dame.
With the commitment of Cole Luke, Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy changes a lot. Brian Kelly will not just take anyone’s commitment at this point. He will only take players that are the best available now. He is asking, “Are you worth one of the two final scholarships?”
Al-Quadin Muhammad, Weakside Defensive End, Don Bosco Prep
Rumors have circulated this week that Muhammad is actually a silent commit to Notre Dame. The reason for his silence is that he wants to make is official during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in early January. Regardless if this rumor is true or not, Notre Dame is in great shape to land the Defensive End from New Jersey. Despite the fact that he is being recruited as a Defensive End, it is likely that he would play the CAT Linebacker position that is currently occupied by Prince Shembo and Ishaq Williams. Muhammad currently checks in at 6’4”, 225 lbs. To compare, in high school, Ishaq Williams was 6’6”, 230 lbs. These are similar frames.
Odds: Very Likely (Last week: Very Likely)
Max Redfield, Safety, Mission Viejo
Redfield announced his decommitment from USC last Monday. This has been the expected result for Redfield since he visited Notre Dame in October. Notre Dame is now the leader for the All-Star Safety from California. However, Oregon might be another team making a push for the 4-Star Safety. With the numbers crunch in 2013 class, Redfield is one of the only players that Notre Dame would take down the stretch. Redfield is an impact player that could start all four years. He is worth one of the two final scholarships that Notre Dame has.
Odds: In Between (Last Week: Likely)
Tarean Folston, Running Back, Cocoa
Folston visited South Bend for the BYU game. Notre Dame is one of several suitors for the 5’9″ 190 lbs game breaker from Cocoa, Florida. The reason that Folston moves to the top of the list for the Irish is because Notre Dame is no longer looking to take anyone with their remaining scholarships. This eliminates Khalfani Muhammad from consideration currently. This recruitment should last longer and Notre Dame is willing to wait for a big time player. It will be difficult to land him but this is the type of player they are targeting now.
Odds: Unlikely (Last Week: Unlikely)
Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Immokalee
Notre Dame has been named the leader by Mackensie Alexander multiple times. He visited South Bend over the Summer. He has not officially visited the University of Notre Dame yet. It is clear that Notre Dame is probably in contention. However, when will he establish an official visit? That will be necessary to landing his signature.
Odds: In Between (Last Week: In Between)
Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Crete Monee
The Wide Receiver from the Midwest is back on the board for the Fighting Irish. This is huge for Notre Dame because Brian Kelly is in desperate need of a play maker at Wide Receiver. They currently do not have a Michael Floyd type player. The Fighting Irish are probably running 6th behind Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss but they are trending up the list quickly.
Odds: Unlikely (Last Week: NEW)