Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/109499
ILB Michael Deeb 6-2 ✦ 235 pounds ✦ American Heritage H.S. ✦ Plantation, Fla. Notable: Born on Dec. 18, 1994 … After football season, was timed at 4.68 in the 40-yard dash, had a maximum bench press of 365 pounds, did 19 bench press reps of 225 pounds, squatted 515 pounds and posted a 33-inch vertical jump … Plans to enroll in the Mendoza College of Business in management, with a goal to own his own company. Rankings: Rated as a three-star recruit, the No. 25 middle linebacker in the nation and the No. 56 player in Florida by 247Sports … Ranked as a three-star prospect, the No. 36 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 66 player in Florida by Rivals.com … A three-star prospect and the No. 25 middle linebacker in the country according to Scout.com … Identified as a four-star prospect, the 17th-best middle linebacker in the country, the 73rd-best player in Florida and the 185th-best player in the Southeast by ESPNU … Listed as a four-star recruit and the nation's No. 12 inside linebacker by Tom Lemming and MaxPreps.com. Statistics: Credited with 95 tackles, four sacks and an interception as a senior for a 9-2 team … As a junior in 2011, finished with 90 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles. Honors: A first-team selection on the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel All-Broward County squad for Classes 2A to 5A … Also the first-team inside linebacker on the Miami Herald All-Broward County 5AIndependent all-star unit … One of 12 finalists for high school's Dick Butkus Award, which is presented to the nation's top linebacker, and was won by Notre Dame teammate Jaylon Smith. All-Star Games And Camps: Invited to play in Jan. 4 Semper Fi Bowl, but declined the trip to Los Angeles… Attended Nike Training Camp at Miami in April 2012 … Participated at Notre Dame's camp last summer. Brian Kelly's Comments: "He brings an energy to everything he does. When he walks in that locker room, it's time to play football — and if you're not locked in, he's going to make sure he says something to you. We love his energy; we love the way he plays the game." American Heritage Head Coach Mike Rumph's Comments: "Michael's fairly new to the game of football and his position. The want-to, the ability to take care of the body and the desire to continue to learn whatever is put in front of him is what's going to make him a great linebacker." Tom Lemming Of Prep Football Report: "He's hard-nosed and aggressive, a throwback to the 1960s, 1970s Notre Dame linebacker. He has a build similar to Manti Te'o when he came out of high school, but he's probably not quite as instinctive. He can be a surprise." Recruitment: Became Notre Dame's 16th commit on June 29, 2012, during an unofficial visit … Prior to committing to the Irish, he had also taken unofficial trips to Florida State and Northwestern … Official visit was to Sept. 22 Michigan game, where he was hosted by tight end Alex Welch and Mike linebacker Jarrett Grace … Primarily recruited by running backs/slot receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Tony Alford. Why He Chose Notre Dame: "I left there checking all the boxes of what I was looking for in a college. Spiritually, being Roman Catholic. Academically, being able to attend the No. 1-ranked business school in the nation. Athletically they compete every single year — and even at a higher level now." Jason Sapp's Scouting Report: Plays downhill, sheds block, fills the hole and runs through contact … Makes quick reads in determining a run or pass play, and run stopping is primary strength … Trains extremely hard and has a college-ready physique. 2013 Projection: Special teams are beckoning for Deeb's presence and intensity. Action at Manti Te'o's vacated Mike position is less likely, while he develops behind older players.