Notre Dame Football: Why the Loss of Ronald Darby Doesn't Hurt Fighting Irish

The most feared word in the mysterious, often crazy world of college football recruiting is "de-commitment." 

Unfortunately for Notre Dame fans, that word reverberated throughout the program last week.

Ronald Darby, a 4-Star defensive back and former Irish commitment, broke the news of his intentions to de-commit from Notre Dame late last week.

Now that Darby has opened up his recruitment, coaches from Florida State, Auburn, Clemson and USC, among others will be calling.

Darby's decision doesn't necessarily hurt the Fighting Irish, though.

Head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear from the beginning of his tenure at Notre Dame that prospective Irish commits should have a strong desire to play for the school itself. 

Any other reasons are meaningless to the now third-year head coach.

It's hard to say exactly why Darby chose to de-commit, but it's safe to say that if Notre Dame was in his heart, he wouldn't have made the decision to open up his recruitment.

It may even be fair to say that Darby doesn't fit the mold of the "right kind of guy" that Kelly has so thoroughly promoted during his time in South Bend.

But now that Darby is gone, and assuming that he doesn't choose to attend Notre Dame, it gives the Irish a strong chance to land fellow class of 2012 cornerback Yuri Wright.

Wright was a high school teammate of recent Notre Dame commit Elijah Shumate, who is slated to play safety in South Bend.

Wright would be a better fit at cornerback in the 3-4 defensive scheme because of his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame. 

He may not have the same level of speed as Darby, but size and ball skills will help to offset any issues with speed.

As it stands right now, Wright's list of potential schools is down to Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame and Rutgers, with the Irish having received a visit from the 4-Star prospect back on Dec. 16th.

The bad news for the Irish is that they'll be in dire straits at the cornerback position if they don't land a commitment from Wright or Darby, making each of those players priority No. 1 for the Notre Dame coaching staff.

Don't fear, though.  Just remember what Brian Kelly and his staff were able to do during last year's recruiting cycle, reeling in Ishaq Williams, Stephon Tuitt and Aaron Lynch after each had been committed to other schools.

Squibs:

• According to the Chicago Tribune, Tennessee Volunteers offensive line coach Harry Hiestand is expected to take the same position at Notre Dame.