2016 Notre Dame Football Recruiting Big Board 3.0
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame football recruiting heats up during the season
In May, Slap the Sign published the Notre Dame Football Recruiting Big Board 2.0. As recruiting heats up with official visits, it is time to unveil the Notre Dame Football Recruiting Big Board 3.0. As predicted the 2.0 version and 3.0 version are completely different.
Offensive Linemen Ben Bredeson, Defensive End Josh King, Defensive Auston Roberston, Wide Receiver Austin Mack, Tight End Cary Angeline and Quarterback Woody Barnett all selected the competition instead of the Irish.
| Rank | Position | Player | Rating | National Rank | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OLB | Caleb Kelly | 5-star | 16 | Uncommitted |
| 2 | ATH | Demetris Robertson | 4-star | 39 | Uncommitted |
| 3 | OLB | Daelin Hayes | 4-star | 107 | Committed to USC |
| 4 | WR | Javon McKinley | 4-star | 120 | Uncommitted |
| 5 | DB | Jordan Fuller | 4-star | 125 | Uncommitted |
| 6 | DB | Damar Hamlin | 4-star | 150 | Uncommitted |
| 7 | APB | Damian Alloway | 4-star | 163 | Uncommitted |
| 8 | APB | Melquise Stovall | 4-star | 168 | Uncommitted |
| 9 | DB | Donte Vaughn | 4-star | 300 | Uncommitted |
| 10 | DB | Devon Studstill | 4-star | 532 | Uncommitted |
Outside Linebacker Caleb Kelly scheduled an official visit to South Bend for the football banquet on December 11th. Kelly ranks as the 2nd best Outside Linebacker in country. He could be the next Jalyon Smith. However, the Oklahoma Sooners appear to be in the best position to land the 5-star Linebacker.
Athlete Demetris Roberston from Savannah, Georgia may actually select the Irish. He visited Notre Dame on September 5th. All reports indicate that the Irish may be the team to beat at the moment. Robertson will likely make a decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Outside Linebacker Daelin Hayes is one of only three players who were on the 2.0 version of the Big Board. Hayes recently visited Notre Dame for an unofficial visit. The Notre Dame coaching staff and players did an excellent job at making Hayes feel like a priority. South Bend appears to be his final destination.
Notre Dame remains as the favorite for Wide Receiver Javon McKinley. McKinley visits South Bend on October 17th for the matchup against USC. A commitment could occur during that visit but is not likely. He will likely wait to see how things play out with the Trojans.
Rounding out the list are Defensive Back Jordan Fuller, Defensive Back Damar Hamlin, Running Back/Slot Damian Alloway, Running Back Slot Melquise Stovall, Defensive Back Donte Vaughn and Defensive Back Devon Studstill.
Fuller and Hamlin are unlikely to select Notre Dame at this point. However, if they schedule an official visit, this could change quickly. The Irish will most likely land Alloway or Stovall for the Running Back/Slot Wide Receiver spot in the class. Brian Kelly and his coaching staff are in great shape to land Vaughn and Studstill.
If everything goes well, Notre Dame football recruiting could end with a Top 10 class.