Oct. 20, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after defeating the BYU Cougars 17-14 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-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.

The “Top 5 Targets” have not shifted in this week’s edition, however, we have added new information to the recruitment of some of the players. Notre Dame looks like they have to recruits that they could land in the near future or at least by National Signing Day.

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: In Between)

Khalfani Muhammad, Running Back, Notre Dame

The question is not how much Muhammad likes Notre Dame but how much Notre Dame like Muhammad. The Fighting Irish are currently pursuing three Running Backs: Clement, Folston and Muhammad. Notre Dame would prefer to have Folston but they may not get that choice. When will Notre Dame turn to Muhammad to fill their Running Back needs? If they turn to him sooner rather than later, it seems like Notre Dame could be looking at their 22nd commitment in the 2013 class. But what exact is Khalfani Muhammad? At 5’7″ 160 lbs, he really lacks the size needed to be an every down back. Is that why he has only been offered by the Mid-Major to Low BCS schools?

Odds: In Between (Last Week: In Between)

L.J. Moore, Cornerback, Central East

This is probably Notre Dame’s last hope at landing another Cornerback in this year’s class. The other options (Cole Luke, Mackenzie Alexander and Priest Willis) seem extremely unlikely at the moment. It leaves L.J. Moore as the player with the most remaining mutual interest. His recruitment is trending towards the West Coast however. As stated before, it seems like Moore really likes in-State UCLA. That school seems to fit the build more than Notre Dame currently.

Odds: Unlikely (Last Week: In Between)

Max Redfield, Safety, Mission Viejo

Redfield probably represents Notre Dame’s best opportunity to land another player in the secondary. He had an excellent visit for the Stanford-Notre Dame game that really opened his eyes to Notre Dame. Redfield is one of the top Safeties in the countries and could really help Notre Dame’s thin secondary. He will likely take some more visits to Washington or LSU but Notre Dame has put themselves firmly in the race for Redfield currently.

Odds: In Between (Last Week: Unlikely)

Issac Savaiinaea, Linebacker, Punahou

Savaiinaea is quickly becoming the most important recruit left on the board. With the imminent decommitment of Alex Anzalone, Notre Dame will be in search of a Middle Linebacker. Savaiinaea has the build and the pedigree. It is clear that Savaiinaea probably has no problem with selecting Notre Dame as a school and an institution. But, he most likely fears being the other Linebacker from Punahou High School. The shadow that Manti Te’o has cast is immense. But, Te’o and Toma are trying to pull the 4-star Linebacker in Notre Dame’s direction.

Odds: In Between (Last Week: In Between)

Last updated: October 26, 2012

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Sept. 17, 2011; Provo, UT, USA; BYU Cougars player Preston Hadley (7) forces Utah Utes wide receiver DeVonte Christoper to drop the ball for an incompletion during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE

BYU is currently ranked 7th in scoring defense giving up 13.6 points per game, ranked 3rd in rushing defense only giving up 67.86 rushing yards per game, and ranked 24th in pass defense giving up 193.0 passing yards per game. Overall, BYU ranks 5th in total defense on the season, while opposing teams average 260.9 yards per game.

Brandon Ogletree

The 5’11’’ 228 pound senior linebacker who leads the team in tackles with 57, also with 6 tackles for loss. He is smaller for a middle linebacker, but he is tough. He doesn’t shy away from taking on blocks and fills inside gaps well. The area he struggles is his lateral movement. When Ogletree moves side to side he tends to loose good technique and over or under pursues plays. Ogletree is a good player, don’t get me wrong, but if you make him shuffle across the line the offense is more than likely to get into the secondary. His ability to read and react is good, being that his first step is always forward and he finds the ball carrier. Pass coverage is the where Ogletree can really be exposed, since he is usually manned up with the running back. Theo, George, and Cierre can really expose this guy in the passing game.

 Preston Hadley

The 6’ 200 pound senior defensive back that is second on the team in tackles with 38, adding an interception, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 5 pass breakups. He is BYU’s playmaker in the secondary and verbal leader. Hadley has a hard time bringing down the bigger tight ends, which is good, because there is an All-American tight end that lines up at flanker for the Irish. He is good in run support and watch for him on an occasional corner blitz. From what I have seen he rarely plays press defense on receivers, but usually 5-7 yards off the line of scrimmage. The single thing that makes this guy a good player is his ability to read the offensive line and quarterback right after the ball is snapped. Hadley isn’t even looking at the receiver, but reading the offense determining if it is a pass or run. He rarely gets beat deep, but will give you the comebacks and slants especially on late downs.

Spencer Hadley

The 6’1’’ 227 pound junior outside linebacker that is fourth on the team in tackles with 33, adding 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Hadley is a very good pass rusher using his speed and quick feet to elude offensive lineman to get to the quarterback. He also makes it hard on offenses by rarely letting anyone get outside of him. His smaller size holds him back at times especially if an offensive tackle gets ahold of him in the running game. Hadley also gets caught in misreading play action and leave the flats open. Overall a good player, look for him all over the field.

Overall, BYU is a good defense, and the best thing to do against them is keep them off balance. Read option and the passing game will be the key in this football game. I think that Notre Dame will continue to run the ball effectively, but they can’t get too predictable. Let Golson do his thing and Notre Dame should win this football game, but I think it will be closer than most people think.