Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Irish's Issues Are Not Quick Fix Problems

It's time we take a step back and realize that Notre Dame is not going to march back into glorious pursuit of a national title with one fell swoop of high school prospects. Judging by the recent crops and the last couple of years of recruiting, it is going to take a lot more. 

The Fighting Irish glory days are well behind them, but that doesn't mean that the future can't be littered with titles and Bowl accolades. 

As Football Outsiders' Brian Fremeau notes, it is all about consistency in the ranks. That, more than anything, can solidify a program for success. Here is what he has to say about Notre Dame and their current woes. 

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Like Michigan and UCLA, inconsistency through head coaching transitions has been part of the problem in South Bend...Kelly's success at Cincinnati in out-performing recruiting expectations hasn't materialized at Notre Dame yet, and the losses to inferior opponents like Navy and South Florida have exhausted the limited patience of some fans already.

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That is not to say that Notre Dame won't win out the day. Fremeau writes that Notre Dame is a "recruiting underachiever."

These are teams that lose despite being the more talented side. Miami, Florida State, UCLA and Michigan are the other five. The Irish crime is that they have lost 25 games as the more talented team since 2007.

I for one see the tide turning. They locked up the best quarterback in the land in Gunner Kiel and 4-star corner Tee Shephard. 

The outlook is bright for the current offseason. Matt Fortuna of ESPN does the usual speculating prior to National Signing Day next week. 

As Fortuna notes, the Irish may have seen Michael Floyd go, but they could have ESPNU's 14th, 17th and 66th best receivers coming. Justin Ferguson (Flanagan), Deontay Greenberry (Washington Union) and Chris Brown (Hanahan) could all be headed to South Bend. 

The backfield also gets a boost from William Mahone (Austintown Fitch) and KeiVarae Russell (Mariner), notes Fortuna. 

It's not all fire and brimstone at Notre Dame. The one thing lacking is a consistent and long-term face to lead these young men on the field. 

Brian Kelly seems ready, willing and able to take that on. Notre Dame will have to keep him on for some time if the tide is going to turn in the Irish's favor. 

All that is needed is a little more patience and these kids will show the true power of commitment.

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