Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Underachieving Irish Need Strong Signing Day

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been disappointing in recent years, but with a great 2012 recruiting class all of it can be forgotten. The only way that will happen is if several elite recruits pick Notre Dame on National Signing Day. 

Of course, if the Fighting Irish continue to play poorly on the field, then none of it goes away. 

Still, landing top-notch recruits always makes the coaches and fanbases happy, as it gives hope for a brighter future. 

Currently, the Fighting Irish have a Top 10 recruiting class according to ESPN and Scout, and a Top 15 according to Rivals. 

If Notre Dame doesn't have a superb National Signing Day, the Fighting Irish will see themselves drop in these rankings. 

There's no denying that Notre Dame has a strong class already with stellar talent sure to make an impact this coming year or the year after. 

However, just like every other school in the country, National Signing Day is very crucial. There is still work to be done because several incredibly skilled players are considering Notre Dame, along with other elite college football programs. 

Guys like defensive end Arik Armstead, wide receiver Nelson Agholor and cornerback Ronald Darby are high on Notre Dame's wish list.  

Kelly has been on the recruiting trail making pitches to various recruits, hoping they all decide to come play for him. 

The past few years have been hard for Fighting Irish fans, but it can be wiped away by having one of the best recruiting classes for 2012.  

Football Outsiders' Brian Fremeau recently named Notre Dame as one of the five recruiting underachievers. He looked at the past five seasons and found that the Fighting Irish lost 25 games "as the more talented team." 

Coaching changes and what not have seen Notre Dame struggle, but Brian Kelly has the team on the rise. Fremeau admits this, but also claims "it will be absolutely critical for Kelly to win the games the recruiting numbers insist he should win." 

This is absolutely true, simply because the Fighting Irish can't keep failing to meet expectations. If that happens, Kelly won't be around much longer.  

Notre Dame will always be a household name because of it's tradition rich history, which makes it easier in recruiting. However, once those players get to campus, if the team doesn't succeed then all is lost.

None of it matters if you consistently lose.

Still, bringing in the best of the best increases the chances of winning, which is why Notre Dame needs to hear the top recruits choosing them on National Signing Day.