Potential LB Haul this Cycle

[TheDecker]

I know everyone wants to keep crying about the brutal ending of the Stanford game. Cool.

But I've noticed how EPIC our LB haul could end up being this year

Some of the possibilities:

• 5* LB Dealin Hayes -- Most consider us the likely landing point for at this point
• 5* LB Ben Davis -- Taking an OV to ND for the banquet weekend (2nd visit)
• 4* Top150 LB Aaron Hansford -- Widely considered to be an ND/PSU battle
• 4* Top200 LB Jeffery McColluch -- Already OV'ed to ND, considering ND and Texas schools
• 3* LB Jonah Morris -- Considered an ND lean after decommitting from MSU

If we land a few of these guys, and pair them with the S/LB hybrid prospects like Spencer Perry and DJ Morgan....we could end up with a LEGIT haul at LB this year

 

[D_Master]

Hayes I think is trending back ND's way. We'll know in 10 days.
Davis would be a coup.imagine he ends up with the tide.
Hansford I read something happened and ND went from leader to out. Probably academics.
McCulloch I think we have a shot, would be huge.
Morris wants to play offense. Think he's our plan b if we can't land 1 of our WR targets.

 

[TheDecker]

Hayes I think is trending back ND's way. We'll know in 10 days.
Davis would be a coup.imagine he ends up with the tide.
Hansford I read something happened and ND went from leader to out. Probably academics.
McCulloch I think we have a shot, would be huge.
Morris wants to play offense. Think he's our plan b if we can't land 1 of our WR targets.

Don't think Hayes was ever trending anywhere but ND. I've been consistent with that. The concept he was just came from inpatient fans and "crystal ballers" who need to make new predictions every week with every visit. Still really like our chances there

It does seem like things have cooled with Hansford. Not sure if that's academics, higher purport recruits, his interest, or a combo player.

Davis would be a coup, but 2 visits and one is an official for the banquet (in the winter and not even for a game)...that's a good starting point

McCullough is MUCH better than his ranking IMO, he's pushing 5*. In really glad we have a shot, though it will be tough to get him out of Texas.

I think Morris is a similar prospect to Claypool (though maybe not quite as athletic). Just a "get him on campus and figure it out from there" type of guy. MSU does well with players like him.

Of of the LB topic, but I REALLY like the 3* DB in MSU's class Austin Andrews as well. I think we made a big mistake not prioritizing him

 

[Irish Grandeur]

Thanks for the breakdown Decker. ND will need to stock up on LB this year. And, maybe a few good ones will bulk up and move to the line. It was so frustrating this year to watch the pass rush breeze right on by the QB. I would love nothing more than a d-lineman that makes the QB have his head on a swivel.

 

[justacollegefan]

I know everyone wants to keep crying about the brutal ending of the Stanford game. Cool.

But I've noticed how EPIC our LB haul could end up being this year

Some of the possibilities:

• 5* LB Dealin Hayes -- Most consider us the likely landing point for at this point
• 5* LB Ben Davis -- Taking an OV to ND for the banquet weekend (2nd visit)
• 4* Top150 LB Aaron Hansford -- Widely considered to be an ND/PSU battle
• 4* Top200 LB Jeffery McColluch -- Already OV'ed to ND, considering ND and Texas schools
• 3* LB Jonah Morris -- Considered an ND lean after decommitting from MSU

If we land a few of these guys, and pair them with the S/LB hybrid prospects like Spencer Perry and DJ Morgan....we could end up with a LEGIT haul at LB this year

I am not a fan of the "possible" commit talk. On the front of Blue and Gold they try and keep things positive but until a kid signs with us I am not convinced. Personally I would be elated if we can just land either Hayes or Davis, both look like studs and can step in right away, plus we aren't sure if Jaylon goes to the NFL.

We really need that DE Betiku, he looks like a stud and we have no pass rush. He isn't a 5 star player but ranked as the number 4 DE coming out of high school, what I look at first. If we can get a combination of Betiku, Hayes, and one more elite defensive player we will have a solid foundation.

Let's just hope we can land some of these players and any others who are on the elite level!

 

[D_Master]

Not sure Hayes is a "right away" player on defense as he's played very little high school football. Athletic freak that could be a stud, but a high risk for a "bust". Worth the risk though.

 

[TheDecker]

Agree with that assessment of Hayes, for the most part.

I wouldn't call him a "high risk for a bust" as clearly has IMMENSE physical tools and really seems to be the right kind of kid to fit the program.
But I would agree he's a raw prospect who isn't likely to make an immediate impact due to lack of experience playing football from High School

Also, I see about a 1% that we land Betiku (he's probably going to USC or Texas A&M)

 

[coolirish9]

it isn't LB recruiting but just read today that some of our coaches were doing an in home visit with big time 4 star CA CB David Long last night and that they were there for quite a while and that we might be the team to beat basically as he is starting to maybe part ways with Stanford as he still hasn't got cleared by there administration. kid has a lotof offers including Michigan and would a big get with our secondary being our weak spot on defense this past season

 

[kellys heroes 35]

I know everyone wants to keep crying about the brutal ending of the Stanford game. Cool.

But I've noticed how EPIC our LB haul could end up being this year

Some of the possibilities:

• 5* LB Dealin Hayes -- Most consider us the likely landing point for at this point
• 5* LB Ben Davis -- Taking an OV to ND for the banquet weekend (2nd visit)
• 4* Top150 LB Aaron Hansford -- Widely considered to be an ND/PSU battle
• 4* Top200 LB Jeffery McColluch -- Already OV'ed to ND, considering ND and Texas schools
• 3* LB Jonah Morris -- Considered an ND lean after decommitting from MSU

If we land a few of these guys, and pair them with the S/LB hybrid prospects like Spencer Perry and DJ Morgan....we could end up with a LEGIT haul at LB this year

Thanks for this thread -- hopefully we capitalize on this season by closing on a few difference makers on defense

 

[Telx1]

Haven't read a lot about Hayes other than the recruiting trend reports, etc... Given his size and athleticism, does he project as a weak side DE at the next level? Not sure we need to take more than one more linebacker this year, but don't think you pass on Davis or McCulloch, regardless of where Hayes projects.

Still need to add depth and talent in our secondary, and Long would be a huge get at DB, and from what we've read, a really good fit for ND.

 

[D_Master]

4* LB Brendan Ferns out of Ohio sounds like if he hears from ND what he hopes to academically(he wants to major in petroleum engineering and seeing if he can back door through civil engineering since nd doesn't offer the other) then he will pop for the Irish. 2 sites have him as a top 5 ILB in the country no one has him outside the top 20. Solid get if it happens.

 

[D_Master]

Also would add 5* LB Caleb Kelly is visiting for the banquet. Long shot now but who knows.

I would add on McCullough that he likes stanford too. They will be a player. His mom loved nd b/c of the academics and supposedly wants him at nd.

 

[kellys heroes 35]

IMO we have to get three prime timers on defense in this class . I think Hayes will play DE for us

 

[IRISHJD98]

I am not a fan of the "possible" commit talk. On the front of Blue and Gold they try and keep things positive but until a kid signs with us I am not convinced. Personally I would be elated if we can just land either Hayes or Davis, both look like studs and can step in right away, plus we aren't sure if Jaylon goes to the NFL.

We really need that DE Betiku, he looks like a stud and we have no pass rush. He isn't a 5 star player but ranked as the number 4 DE coming out of high school, what I look at first. If we can get a combination of Betiku, Hayes, and one more elite defensive player we will have a solid foundation.

Let's just hope we can land some of these players and any others who are on the elite level!

For me its like babysitting the neighbor's puppy - fun as long as you don't get attached.

 

[TheDecker]

Hayes could definitely end up at WDE, he's mentioned in interviews that the option/possibility has been discussed.

Pie in the sky finish

WR - Javon McKinley
WR - Damion Alloway

LB/DE - Dealin Hayes
LB - Jefferey McCulloch
LB - Ben Davis

CB - David Long
CB - Damar Hamlin
S - Devin Studstill

ATH - Demitris Robertson

There is virutally no chance to land all those players.....but if we did.....

 

[D_Master]

Hayes could definitely end up at WDE, he's mentioned in interviews that the option/possibility has been discussed.

Pie in the sky finish

WR - Javon McKinley
WR - Damion Alloway

LB/DE - Dealin Hayes
LB - Jefferey McCulloch
LB - Ben Davis

CB - David Long
CB - Damar Hamlin
S - Devin Studstill

ATH - Demitris Robertson

There is virutally no chance to land all those players.....but if we did.....

Good god, talk about a natty competing class. Would say if we got Robertson and McKinley we don't need alloway.

 

[LH24ND]

Good god, talk about a natty competing class. Would say if we got Robertson and McKinley we don't need alloway.

Just saw a photo of BK in home with McCullough here in Houston tonight. Go Irish.