Although we are presently listed as the #1 class, it is based on the sheer numbers of recruits that we have. Our 18 far outnumber everyone else; however, the concern is about the quality that we have: 12 of our 18 recruits are 3 stars.
Other powers wait for studs to commit, and when they do, they vault over us in the ratings. That's been a trend in recent years.
For example, the podcasters weren't that impressed with our latest 3 star recruit, WR Jerome Bettis, Jr., whose lack of route running skills and speed were noted.
Marcus has the reputation as a tireless, dynamic recruiter. If so, what's the hurry in gathering a class?
The podcasters felt that unless we connect on a number of studs like DB Dallas Golden and WR Derek Meadows, we could struggle to field a top ten class.
Wouldn't it be better to wait for the studs than to gather the low-hanging fruit?
These guys are Juniors. A lot of them will gain stars. Patience and trust MF and staff.
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This isn't filling up with 3 stars after being spurned by first and second choices.
Admittedly, Elijah Burress' offer list wasn't very impressive, especially since Michigan State didn't offer, but he looks to be an excellent athlete, and looks to be very coachable.
Shaun Terry's offer list was pretty darn good, with Penn State, USC, Ole Miss, Auburn, Oregon, Michigan, etc., all offering. I'm sure all of those places had their scouts do their homework as well.
Jerome Bettis' offer list included South Carolina, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Arkansas, etc. He has plenty of room to grow, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has a monster senior season.
These 3 star guys aren't last second fillers like what Lionel Tyrone Willingham brought in during those awful 2004 and 2005 classes. They all have good potential, and some of them are going to make that jump over the 9 months into that 4 star territory.
even from the SEC are starting to take notice that they have to pay attention to who ND is offering, which according to the article that was linked didn't use to be the case.
This indicates better talent evaluation now than in previous regimes IMO.
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ys want to lock in the top guys. I don't put a lot of stock in stars. I had a few conversations with a Big 10 coach who said there is now so much political gamesmanship in rankings that they are not to be taken as anything more than directional.
They’re directional alright…Consistent Top 5 ranking direction. Love the excuse making when we start recruiting 3 stars.
until the final rankings came out. Carr moved from 5 star to 4 start after his early ND commitment. Additionally, ND has been much more aggressive in the portal than I ever expected. If a 5* is asking to be paid to come to ND, perhaps ND will roll the dice on development and then goto the portal if things don't work out.
Even if a handful become 4 stars before the cycle ends, it's still too many.
If they lose Deuce, this class will start to smell.
Keep in mind these rankings are likely to change after they play their senior years.
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Right?
I don't recall Tom Brady being the highest ranked QB in is draft and those are NFL talent evaluators.
FWIW, I think Freeman and his staff's talent evaluation has been pretty legit, so I'll trust him until he shows me otherwise.
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And 9.5 over last ten?
That Kelly?
What 18 year old superstar wants to make grades and for less than big money?