Notre Dame Football: 2012 Recruiting News and Notes

The 2012 recruiting cycle is well on its way. The Irish have secured 11 commitments thus far.

Brian Kelly and his staff have offered many other elite prospects, many of which have showed a significant level of interest.

The running back position remains a major concern, but the Irish are in the mix for a number of high-profile backs.

The secondary was also a point of emphasis heading into the current recruiting cycle. That position is covered with four defensive backs having committed.

Which prospects are inching closer to committing?

Find out as we analyze a few of the 2012 targets who may be Irish soon.

TE Kent Taylor

Kent Taylor is the top tight end in the 2012 class and has received offers from many of the nation's top programs including from the Irish. 

He attends Land O'Lakes High School in Land O'Lakes Florida, and is thereby being recruited by Irish wide receivers coach Tony Alford who covers the state of Florida.

Notre Dame should be one of Kent Taylor's top choices as the school is known as Tight End U.

RB William Mahone

William Mahone of Austintown, Ohio is one of the top running backs in the nation.

He has trimmed his list to Boston College, Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Penn State and Notre Dame. 

William Mahone is being recruited by Irish offensive line coach Ed Warriner.

WR Aaron Burbridge

Aaron Burbridge is a 4-star wide receiver recruit out of Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

He has recently trimmed his list to Cincinnati, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

The Irish would love to secure a commitment from Aaron Burbridge to complement current receiver commits Deontay Greenberry and Justin Ferguson.

OT John Theus

John Theus is a 5-star offensive tackle out of Bolles High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

He is considered by many to be the best offensive tackle in the 2012 class.

His list of offers was exponential a few months ago, but since then he has trimmed that list to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Notre Dame.

If John Theus signs with Notre Dame, he would be paired with current Irish commit and 4-star lineman Taylor Decker.

DB Geno Smith

One of the most coveted defensive backs in the nation, Geno Smith is close to signing with Notre Dame.

He recently shortened his list to Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Texas and Notre Dame.

The Irish may have an advantage with Geno Smith due to the fact that he attends the Catholic St. Pius X High School.

DB Armani Reeves

Armani Reeves is likely to be the fifth defensive back to commit to Notre Dame.

He is down to his final two choices in Penn State and the Irish.

He has good size at 5'11" and 185 pounds.

Armani Reeves would likely play immediately if he chooses to sign with Notre Dame.