Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/109499
football recruiting Six members of Notre Dame's incoming class posed for a group photo at the U.S. Army Bowl in San Antonio. From left to right: wide receiver Corey Robinson, offensive lineman Steve Elmer, linebacker Doug Randolph, offensive lineman John Montelus, linebacker Jaylon Smith and running back Greg Bryant. photo courtesy U.S. Army All-American Bowl many transfers will occur, or whose career might be jeopardized by an injury. As of February 2013, the Irish tentatively have 24 freshmen, 17 sophomores, 22 juniors, 18 seniors and four fifth-year seniors filling out the full complement of 85 available scholarships. In addition to graduating the four fifth-year seniors next season, the Irish also might lose 14 fourth-year seniors for a total of 18 scholarships to fill during the recruiting cycle. The four who appear to have the best chance of returning for a fifth season in 2014 would be safety Austin Collinsworth, offensive tackle Christian Lombard, tight end Alex Welch and cornerback Lo Wood. Thus, if eight of the 18 scholarships are used for power positions, that leaves 10 more for big skill (linebackers, tight ends, etc.) or skill (quarterback, receivers, defensive backs). Inside linebacker appears to be another huge need on paper after signing none in 2012 and one (Michael Deeb) in 2013. Depending on attrition via injuries or transfers, though, more scholarships might open up in the coming months. ✦