Staff Recruiting Predictions: First Look in 2013
By Andrew Hall
January 5, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; White team quarterback Jameis WInstn (8) and teammates hold the trophy after they won the Under Armour All-America high school game at Tropicana Field. White team beat Black team 49-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A.Q. Muhammad, Outside Linebacker, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: Miami (Fl)
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: Notre Dame
Muhammad will make his college decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 5th. For the past few months, it has seemed almost automatic that Notre Dame would be receiving his commitment during this game. But, a lot of things have transpired since then. Rumors have circulated that Muhammad is academically ineligible for Notre Dame. He has taken visits to Miami and Alabama. He is also close to Notre Dame Freshman Elijah Shumate. This decision comes down to Notre Dame or Miami. It is really close and difficult to read.
Eddie Vanderdoes, Defensive Tackle, Placer (Placer, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: UCLA
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: UCLA
Vanderdoes recently reopened his recruitment Thursday night and has scheduled a visit to Notre Dame for January 12th. Vanderdoes will decide between USC, Notre Dame, UCLA and Washington. Vanderdoes visited UCLA on November 24th. He also has a visit scheduled for USC on January 18th. Vanderdoes could eventually replace Louis Nix at Nose Guard. USC is imploding right now. UCLA is on the rise. Notre Dame is playing for the National Title. If he has a great visit to South Bend, it could swing Vanderdoes in favor of the Irish.
Tarean Folston, Running Back, Cocoa (Cocoa, Florida)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: Notre Dame
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: Oregon
Folston will decide at the Under Armour All-American Game on Friday, January 4th. Those who will likely receive the verbal commitment from Folston are Notre Dame, Oregon and Florida State. If Folston commits to Notre Dame, it would be the second commitment from a top Running Back, the other being Greg Bryant. Folston visited Notre Dame for the BYU game. Does competition play a factor for Folston in his decision? Folston would be an excellent speed compliment to Notre Dame commitment Greg Bryant.
Max Redfield, Safety, Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: Notre Dame
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: Notre Dame
Redfield will also make his decision during the Under Armour All-American Game. The finalists are Notre Dame, USC and Ohio State. However, Ohio State does not seem to be a realistic option at this point. It appears to a USC-Notre Dame battle. Originally, Redfield was committed to USC. After taking an Official Visit to Notre Dame, Redfield de-committed from USC. Since then, Notre Dame has been believed to be his leader. USC has stayed in the battle. Will he make the call for the Fighting Irish on Friday?
Sebastian Larue, Wide Receiver, Santa Monica (Santa Monica, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: USC
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: USC
Larue is currently committed to USC but will visit Notre Dame on January 25th. Will Notre Dame still have a spot open for him at this point? Depending on how everything shakes out between now and then, Larue could cease to be a target. Larue is a very talented Wide Receiver. He is a consensus 4-star player. He is participating in the Under Armour All-American Game. Does USC’s poor Offensive performance against Georgia Tech play a role in his decision? This recruitment may just be getting started.
L.J. Moore, Cornerback/Safety, Central East (Fresno, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: Oregon State
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: Arizona State
Again, this appears to be a situation where Notre Dame may not even have room to take a commitment even if the prospect wanted to give it. L.J. Moore recently stated that he was down to Notre Dame, ASU and Oregon State. If Notre Dame would take his commitment, would he give it? He visited South Bend for the game against Michigan. Oregon State is the closest to his hometown and is a solid program. Arizona State will receive a visit from Moore on January 18th, effectively getting the last word.
Torrodney Prevot, Outside Linebacker, Alief Taylor (Houston, Texas)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: USC
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: USC
Prevot is another recruit whom Notre Dame is approaching late in the process. Torrodney Prevot is a 4-star recruit who is ranked in the top 250. Prevot will visit Notre Dame on January 25, 2013. He is a US Army All-American Bowl. It is difficult for teams to come in late process and attempt to pull a recruit away from another team. But with USC falling quickly, Notre Dame may have chance.