Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Arik Armstead Most Vital Recruit on Irish Radar

The Irish are hot on the trails of several recruits, but none are more important to Notre Dame than Arik Armstead. Armstead's impact goes beyond what he can produce on the field, which is substantial.

There are three major positives in bringing Armstead to Notre Dame, and they are as follows:

1. Impact on the Field

Obviously this is paramount when recruiting any prospect. Armstead is a mountain of a prospect at 6'8" and 280 pounds. Most see him as a offensive lineman, but rivals.com likened him to a Richard Seymour-like prospect on defense.

He could be protecting the blind side of Gunner Kiel for two or three years, or anchoring the Irish defensive line with his versatility to move inside and out.

It isn't certain which side of the ball Armstead will play, but his size and strength will be an asset in the trenches on either side of the ball.

2. Brotherly Connection

Arik's brother Armond Armstead is a highly-touted defensive end prospect who sat out 2010 due to medical issues. Armond says he is fine and that he is interested in attending the same school as Arik and playing with his brother.

Though the stay would only be for one year, signing Arik could mean getting the daily double. If the Irish could bring Armond in, he almost certainly starts from day one. He immediately bolsters the Irish's defensive line. Armond could elect to go pro after his workouts clear him medically from the undisclosed illness that kept him out last season, but it is worth it for the Irish to try and get both brothers.

3. Irish Recruiting Reputation

Urban Meyer has made headlines by poaching Irish commits and staff members. If the Irish can win this heated chase to sign a high-profile prospect, it would bode well for Brian Kelly's recruiting reputation. As of right now, the Irish have the 14th-best recruiting class in the country per rivals.com.

Adding the Armstead's could push them into the top 10 or at least very close. It's just another reference to make to recruits when the work for 2012 and 2013 hits full stride.

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