Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/109499
ing for in 2013 by landing Malik Zaire, who is seen as a player that possesses similar attributes to 2012 starter Everett Golson. A key difference is that the incoming freshman is a lefty. All five signal-callers on the Irish are set to return, barring any transfers, which is common at this position. The plan is to try to get at least one talented quarterback in each class, and Notre Dame has been able to do that in each class, all of which enrolled early except for senior Andrew Hendrix. Target: Brandon Dawkins, 6-3, 190, Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Oaks Christian) — The top three for the only 2014 Irish offered signal-caller are Alabama, Notre Dame and Tennessee, but the Crimson Tide and Volunteers have yet to extend a scholarship in his direction. Dawkins, who is from the alma mater of former Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen, plans to return to South Bend in the summer. Running Back/Slots 2013 RBs: 7 Projected Take: 1 Prior to landing a second running back in the 2013 class when Tarean Folston opted for the Irish just before the Under Armour All-America Game Jan. 4, the main need in the 2014 class was a top-notch running back. The Irish now have two options that complement each other well, Greg Bryant being the other, and both will push to contribute early. While it's no longer the priority, it's still a need. The Irish still lack experience with the departures of Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood, and are looking to add to the stable. Target: Sony Michel, 5-11, 205, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (American Heritage) — While his top five are listed as Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami and Notre Dame, the two primary options here look to be the Bulldogs and Irish for a potential early decision. The Irish are actively trying to get him back to campus, which is possible with his teammate, 2013 linebacker Michael Deeb, signing with Notre Dame. Wide Receiver 2013 WRs: 10 Projected Take: 2, maybe 3 A focus in the previous haul, Notre Dame was able to add numbers in the 2013 crop by landing four, with flexibility within the position for a Corey Robinson to possibly grow into a tight end or Will Fuller to be an option for defense if there isn't an early opportunity on offense. Finding players that can play multiple positions is a theme in each of Notre Dame's classes, and that game plan for 2014 won't stray far from it. A top-flight receiver was pursued until the very end for 2013, so the Irish will want to secure one early this go round. Target: Josh Malone, 6-2, 185, Gallatin, Tenn. (Station Camp) — Notre Dame became a stronger player after offering him during a visit in the fall. Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are seen as the main competition. Tight End 2013 TEs: 5 Projected Take: 1 After not taking a tight end in the 2011 class, Notre Dame focused on bringing in two tight ends in 2012. The plan shifted, when it appeared that early enrollee Mike Heuerman would be the only one, but late interest from former Texas commit Durham Smythe capped off the position group on National Signing Day. The numbers game remains favorable with plenty of eligibility left at the position and adding just one should be sufficient. Target: Jeb Blazevich, 6-4, 230, Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian School) — He's already pared down his list to six finalists: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Ole Miss. Blazevich wants to take a visit to each, including a junior day stop in South Bend on March 23, before making a pre-senior season decision. He attends the alma mater of Irish safety Matthias Farley. Offensive Line 2013 OLs: 15 Projected Take: 3-4 Similar to the 2012 class getting an early start with a commitment from Steve Elmer, the 2014 class