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Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Top 10 Recruiting Misses of the Brian Kelly Era

By Andrew Hall

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Pete Werner #20 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Pete Werner #20 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 22: Ronald Darby #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 22: Ronald Darby #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

No. 3. Ronald Darby – Cornerback – Class of 2012 (Florida State)

Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame football recruiting staff knew that Cornerback depth would be an issue for the 2012 season. Prior to the 2011 campaign, the Irish moved Wide Receiver Bennett Jackson to Cornerback. This would alleviate some of the concerns but it did not eliminate all of them. After the 2011 season, Gary Gray and Robert Blanton would depart for the NFL. Notre Dame desperately needed corners in the 2012 class.

Ronald Darby appeared to be the answer to all of Notre Dame’s problems. Darby ranked as the 25th overall recruit in the 2012 class. He was also a 5-star prospect. Seeing the potential for playing time along with an opportunity for a great education, Darby pulled the trigger and committed to play for the Irish on April 16, 2011.

However, he began to waiver on that commitment in the fall of 2011. Darby took visits to Maryland and Auburn before decommitting on January 8, 2012. Darby’s decision left Notre Dame in a bad position as they scrambled to add Cornerbacks to the class. He eventually selected Florida State on National Signing Day.

Why is Darby ranked here: Notre Dame nearly made it to the finish line with Ronald Darby. Brian Kelly swung for the fences with the 2012 class but came up short in many aspects. Darby went on to play three season with the Seminoles. After declaring early for the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected him with the 50th selection. Darby would have instantly impacted the Irish. Ultimately, moving KeiVarae Russell and Bennett Jackson worked for Notre Dame as they finished second in scoring defense allowing 12.8 points per game.

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