Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 2015 Recruiting By The Numbers
By Andrew Hall
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish players look on during the alma mater after the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Notre Dame Football Recruiting
Scholarship numbers in 2015 will be extremely low. It is unlikely that they could get to 20 scholarships for the 2015 class. If any players return for a 5th year this will make the class number extremely low. Therefore, the Irish can afford to be extremely selective. Additionally, the Irish should not have a probably getting to 85 scholarships by the fall of 2015.
Estimated Scholarships (18)
Quarterback (1)
Notre Dame has already filled this need in the 2015 class with California Quarterback Blake Barnett. According to Rivals.com, Barnett is ranked as the 2nd best dual-threat Quarterback and 61st overall recruit.
Running Back (2)
The Irish missed on landing a Running Back this year. However, the Irish landed two solid Running Backs last year in Tarean Folston or Greg Bryant. Bryant redshirted so it was essentially like landing him this year.
Wide Receiver (2)
Notre Dame has landed excellent talent over the last two classes. However, they have not landed a Michael Floyd type player in either class. The Irish can wait to land an elite, immediate impact player.
Tight Ends (1)
The Irish could potentially not take a Tight End in the 2015 class after landing four players in the last two classes.
Offensive Line (3)
The Irish have already landed commitments from Idaho Offensive Guard Tristen Hoge and Louisiana Offensive Tackle Jerry Tillery. This means the Irish will likely take one more player in the class. It will most likely be the best available.
Defensive Line (3)
This number could shift depending on whether or not Jhonathon Williams and Jonathan Bonner play Defensive Line. The Irish have landed several players over the past few years but not an elite player like Stephon Tuitt. The Irish will need to land one in this class.
Linebacker (2)
After landing several players in the 2014 class, the Irish should try to elite outside linebackers to compliment last year’s haul. If the Irish could land another great Inside Linebacker to go along with Jaylon Smith and Nyles Morgan, they should do that instead.
Cornerback (2)
Notre Dame only landed one Cornerback in this class. After next year, the Irish will only have five cornerbacks left. If Rashad Kinlaw develops in a viable option, Notre Dame should not worry about depth. However, this is not a given. Additionally, KeiVarae Russell could be headed to the NFL with a great season. Notre Dame needs to land two Cornerbacks in this class to add to their depth.
Safety (2)
The Irish went all in with Juju Smith and failed. Now, the Irish will probably need two Safeties in this class. This could depend on who returns for a fifth at this position.