Davonte Neal to Notre Dame: Top-10 Class Puts Brian Kelly on Hot Seat

After landing 5-star recruit Davonte Neal on Tuesday, Brian Kelly has himself his second straight Top-10 class.

And all eyes are going to be on him this season as a result.

Last season was a disappointment. Notre Dame started the year ranked No. 16 in the country and ended up in the Champs Sports Bowl, finishing with an 8-5 record.

Part of that was the quarterback situation. Another part of that was Kelly's promising recruiting class was still growing.

But this season is different. There are no excuses. Not only does the 2011 recruiting class have a season under its belt, the addition of Neal gives the Fighting Irish a player who can contribute instantly.

Neal can contribute in several areas, including as a defensive back, but most believe he will start as a return man and become a starting receiver for the Fighting Irish, especially after the loss of Michael Floyd.

Neal's explosive speed and burst, combined with his fluidity, makes him a dangerous player from the start in college.

You also have last year's recruits, such as defensive ends Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams, who have more experience now. And don't forget junior Andrew Hendrix, who some believe will surpass Tommy Rees as Notre Dame's starting quarterback this season.

The quarterback situation is still murky at Notre Dame, but Kelly's squad has the talent to be much better overall in 2012, especially if Neal evolves quickly.

Kelly has been a great recruiter the past two seasons, but you're ultimately judged on how you bring it all together on the football field.

Coming off a two-year extension, Kelly needs to produce, and he needs to produce now.