Staff Predictions: Third Time is the Charm
By Andrew Hall
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly leads his team including players Zack Martin (70) and Manti Te’o (5)
Eddie Vanderdoes, Defensive Tackle, Placer (Placer, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: UCLA
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: UCLA
Vanderdoes recently reopened his recruitment before the US Army All-American Bowl and will visit to Notre Dame on January 25th. Vanderdoes will decide between USC, Notre Dame, UCLA, Washington and Alabama. Vanderdoes visited UCLA on November 24th. He also has a visit scheduled for USC on January 18th. Despite the hope that Vanderdoes will play Nose Guard for the Fighting Irish, he has been told that he would play Defensive End. USC is imploding right now. It seems unlikely that he will land there. UCLA is on the rise. Notre Dame played for the National Title. If he has a great visit to South Bend, it could swing Vanderdoes in favor of the Irish. Alabama is coming to the party very late but could receive a visit from Vanderdoes.
Sebastian Larue, Wide Receiver, Santa Monica (Santa Monica, California)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: Notre Dame
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: USC
Larue decommitted from USC and will visit Notre Dame on January 25th. He is a consensus 4-star player. Larue also has a visit scheduled to Texas A&M on January 18th. He participated in the Under Armour All-American Game. Larue is a less talented version of Davonte Neal. This is not a put down on Larue. He is a very capable player and would be a great addition to the class. There was a reason Larue decommitted from the USC class. With that class in disarray, it is unlikely that he will select them as his final choice. Another school could come out of left field to land Larue at the 11th hour here.
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. There has not been a lot of contact between L.J. Moore and Notre Dame between when Cole Luke committed and now. It is extremely unlikely the two sides have mutual interest any longer.
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 played in 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. Notre Dame is pursuing him at Defensive End/Outside Linebacker. Prevot will need to grow into the position. He is currently 6’3” 201. At that size, he will be a project in the weight room for whatever program lands him. But, as the All-American Bowl showed, he has a good frame to add weight.
Deon Hollins Jr., Outside Linebacker, Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, Texas)
Lead Editor, Andrew Hall: UCLA
Staff Writer, Nick Combs: UCLA
Hollins is another player that Notre Dame is pursuing at the pass rusher position. Based on his size, he could also play inside. This position flexibility would be important since Notre Dame just lost Alex Anzalone. Hollins is visiting Notre Dame on January 25th. He is currently committed to the UCLA Bruins. Hollins checks in a 6’2” 225 and runs a 4.59 40-yard dash. He has visited Utah and will visit UCLA and Arizona State along with Notre Dame. Notre Dame is the outlier here in a bunch of Pac 12 schools. Hollins has been committed to UCLA since March 20, 2012. Based on the fact that he is taking visits means that he is not completely committed to UCLA. But in the end, it seems like UCLA offers him the most.
Kylie Fitts, Defensive End, Redlands East Valley (Redlands, California)
Lead Editor Andrew Hall: UCLA
After being rejected for early enrollment by USC, Fitts has reopened his recruitment. He has called Lane Kiffin “shady”. Although it would be difficult to see him there, the Trojans are still in the mix for this long time Trojan fan. Notre Dame is likely to get a visit from the 4-star Defensive End. The Irish could use another great player in the front seven. At 6’4”, 260, Fitts fits the builds. If he gets on campus, Notre Dame should have a shot. But, USC’s crosstown rival may be the leader here with USC striking out on its recruiting promises to the Redlands East Valley standout. Oregon and Alabama may be players as well. Fitts intended to be in College 101 today but he is at home. Therefore, our guess may be as good as his.
MacKensie Alexander, Cornerback, Immokalee (Immokalee, Florida)
Lead Editor Andrew Hall: Clemson
Alexander is currently all over the map in terms of recruiting. He has taken visits to Clemson and Texas A&M. At times, he claimed that Notre Dame was his leader. As of yesterday, Brian Kelly and his staff had not been in contact with the 4-star Cornerback from Florida. This is a recruitment that is difficult to pin down. Do the Irish have a chance? Yes. Alexander has been on campus during the summer but has not been on an Official Visit. It is hard to see a commitment without an Official Visit. Could a visit come at the 11th hour? Clemson or Texas A&M seems more likely here. Texas A&M may not be able to add another recruit at this point.