Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Best Prospects Brian Kelly Has Landed Thus Far

Brian Kelly has done a fine job recruiting for Notre Dame, bringing in some of the best players from around the country. 

National Signing Day is just a week away, so he still has room to improve what is already considered a top-notch recruiting class. 

The Fighting Irish have the potential to have one of the nation's best recruiting classes for 2012, but it's easy to see they've already picked up superb players that will greatly benefit them now and down the road. 

With that said, here are the three best recruits Kelly has landed for the class of 2012. 

Gunner Kiel, QB 

For a while it didn't look as though the Fighting Irish would be working Kiel into their system this semester, but at the last minute he decommitted from a second school, choosing to stay close to home and play for Notre Dame. 

As the nation's top quarterback, Kiel is a phenomenal pickup for Kelly and the Fighting Irish. Kiel will immediately join the race for the starting quarterback job, and he definitely has a chance to win it. 

Of course, it won't be easy because the others have more experience with the offense than him, but there is no doubt he is a future star for the Fighting Irish. 

Listed at 6'4", 220 pounds, Kiel is the ideal pocket passer, but he also is athletic enough to make plays with his feet if needed. The Fighting Irish got really lucky landing Kiel, but they'll certainly take it. 

Deontay Greenberry, WR 

In his senior season, Greenberry had 105 receptions 2,108 yards and 32 touchdowns, helping lead Washington Union to an undefeated season. 

Listed at 6'2", 185 pounds, Greenberry will definitely get a look for early playing time, and he has the skills to make big plays for the Fighting Irish, which is something they definitely need. 

With added bulk down the road, Greenberry can be the dynamic force that helps carry Notre Dame to the BCS. 

Greenberry is a great downfield threat that will keep the Fighting Irish's offense on top for years to come. 

Tee Shepard, DB

Greenberry's high school teammate, Shepard is the kind of player that could play either corner or safety in college, but it will depend on what Kelly wants to do with him. 

Listed at 6'1", 185 pounds, Shepard can hang with the big receivers, which is a huge plus for the Fighting Irish. The future of the secondary at Notre Dame continues to get better thanks to Kelly's recruiting, and Shepard will be one of the future stars on defense. 

He's the fourth-best cornerback according to Rivals, who also compares him to Champ Bailey. That is very high praise and should bring a smile to the face of every Notre Dame fan. 

Shepard's big frame will help him shut down opposing wideouts, and it definitely works in his favor that he'll be up against some very skilled receivers in practice.