Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Tracking 2012 National Signing Day Targets

Do you need a summary of the players who are considering attending Notre Dame with updated news?

Once a player commits to the Fighting Irish (or anywhere else), the player's slide will be updated accordingly.

Each slide has information on either one of Notre Dame's recruiting targets or a recruit who has already committed (verbally or through a letter of intent).

While this list doesn't include players committed to other schools yet still looking elsewhere, nor does it include players who might attend Notre Dame but haven't been offered a scholarship, any coveted recruit who is heading to South Bend will be added immediately.

Arik Armstead, DL/OT, Pleasant Grove HS, Elk Grove, Calif.

Arik Armstead is one of the most talented big men coming out of high school in the country. At 6'8", 280 pounds, he is rated the best offensive tackle prospect in the nation by Scout.com and the sixth-best strongside defensive end by Rivals.com.

Playing on both sides of the ball, Armstead finished the 2010-2011 season with 45 total tackles, two passes defended, a block field goal and two sacks (Maxpreps.com).

Armstead's senior year, he had .3 sacks per game, 42 total tackles and three passes defensed.

His older brother, Armond, is planning to leave USC for his senior season and attend another school. 

Status: Considering Auburn, California, Oregon, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC

Updated Status: Committed to Oregon

Ronald Darby, CB, Potomac HS, Oxon Hill, Md.

As most Fighting Irish fans know, Ronald Darby was once planning to attend Notre Dame before re-opening his recruitment process.

As a track star, he plays both running back and cornerback. He uses his tremendous speed to shut down wideouts one defense and burn by defenders in the open field on offense.

Darby is rated the second best cornerback prospect by Rivals.com and the best at his position by Scout.com.

In 2010, he rushed for 1,329 yards and 23 touchdowns while picking off three passes (Rivals.com).

Committed to Florida State on 2/1

Anthony Standifer, CB, Crete Monee HS, Crete, Ill.

Standifer is one of many defensive back prospects that Notre Dame has gone after in this year's recruiting class.

After both of the team's starters at cornerback have departed, a commitment from the 45th-rated cornerback by Rivals.com and 30th by Scout.com would be welcomed.

He posted 46 tackles and four interceptions during his senior year (Maxpreps.com).

Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming calls Standifer a "...tall, athletic corner who picked off nine passes in 2010." 

If he can fulfill the Spanish credits he needs to be admitted, then espn.go.com is reporting that Standifer will commit to the Irish.

However, wbst.com reported Standifer tweeted Sunday that "Spanish with ND did not workout." The news should come as a disappointment to Notre Dame fans hoping for his commitment.

Has Not Made a Decision

Nelson Agholor. WR/S, Berkely Prep HS, Tampa, Fla.

Nelson Agholor is a multi-talented player who would be able to play on either side of the ball for the Fighting Irish.

He is rated the third-best wide receiver prospect by Rivals.com and the fifth-best safety by Scout.com.

In his junior year, he had 1,494 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, 356 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, 27 total tackles and three interceptions, and he returned punts and kickoffs (Maxpreps.com).

Agholor is described by Tom Lemming as a "natural athlete" that "makes everything look easy."

Committed to USC on 2/1

Demetrious Cox, S, Jeannette HS, Jeannette, Penn.

It doesn't seem like Demetrious Cox has Notre Dame on the top on his list, but the Fighting Irish are still in the running. He decided not to take an official visit to South Bend, opting to see Ohio State instead, as reported by ESPN (he did take an unofficial visit to Notre Dame).

Cox is a quick (runs a 4.48 40-yard dash), lengthy athlete that is rated the 13th-best safety prospect by Rivals.com. He is rated the eighth-best safety by Scout.com.

Cox finished 2010 rushing for 1,350 yards and 16 touchdowns as well, posting 55 tackles, a sack and two interceptions on defense (Rivals.com).

Status: Considering Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin

Updated Status: Committed to Michigan State 

Ken Ekanem, OLB/DE, Centreville HS, Clifton, Va.

At 6'3", 226 pounds, Ken Ekanem would likely end up at outside linebacker for the Fighting Irish (unless he bulked up enough to play a 3-4 defensive end).

Ekanem is ranked the 15th-best outside linebacker by Rivals.com and 25th-best defensive end by Scout.com.

He is extremely explosive and had an amazing junior year. Ekanem finished the 2010 season with 75 tackles and 17 sacks (Rivals.com).

However, after reports on Washingtonpost.com that Ekanem cancelled a last-minute trip to Notre Dame (and his coach said the team was hesitant about his knee injury), all signs point to a commitment to Virginia Tech. The Irish still have an outside chance, though.

Committed to Virginia Tech on 2/1

Davonte Neal, WR, Chaparal HS, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Running a 4.4 40-yard dash, Davonte Neal is rated the 17th-best wide receiver by Rivals.com, but the Arizona product can play on the other side of the ball, too.

He is rated the fifth-best cornerback by Scout.com.

At 5'10", 175 pounds, Neal is a big hitter on defense and a big-play threat on offense.

He racked up a laundry list of statistics his senior year. He finished the season with 1,317 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing, 1,113 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving, 12 passes defensed and 31 total tackles, as well as returning punts and kickoffs (Maxpreps.com).

Status: Considering Arizona, Arizona State, North Carolina, Arkansas, Notre Dame and Ohio State

Gunner Kiel, QB , East HS, Columbus, Ind.

While the hopes of many Irish fans have been hoisted upon the top-rated quarterback prospect in the nation (by both Scout.com and Rivals.com), Gunner Kiel will still have to compete with the other three scholarship quarterbacks currently on the roster.

One thing that plays in Kiel's favor: He is known for his exceptionally high football IQ.

According to ESPN, he threw for 2,517 yards and 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions his senior year.

In his junior season, Kiel passed for 2,645 yards and 36 touchdowns with six interceptions (Maxpreps.com).

Status: Committed and Signed Letter of Intent 

Sheldon Day, DT, Warren Central HS, Indianapolis, Ind.

Sheldon Day, who stands at 6'2", 287 pounds, is rated the sixth-best defensive tackle by Scout.com and 18th at the same position by Rivals.com.

In 2011, Day used his stellar combination of strength and quickness to post 67 tackles, nine sacks, two fumbles recovered and 11 tackles for loss (Rivals.com).

With a number of players on the defensive line leaving, Day should be able to come in and provide immediate depth at either the defensive end or tackle position.

Status: Committed and Signed Letter of Intent

Tee Shepard, CB, Washington Union HS, Fresno, Calif.

Tee Shepard doesn't have blazing speed.

In fact, he runs a 4.71 40-yard dash according to Scout.com (some organizations have him faster). However, he is rated the fourth-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and the third by Scout.com.

He doesn't need track-star quickness in order to be a lockdown defender. Shepard is already known as one.

Tom Lemming says of Shepard that "He rarely gets beat deep and has the size and aggressiveness to come up and stop the run."

Status: Committed and Signed Letter of Intent

Nicky Baratti, S/LB, Klein Oak HS, Spring, Tex.

Like many of the other commits and prospective commits, Nicky Baratti will bring great versatility with him when he comes to South Bend.

In his junior year, Baratti passed for 1,873 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 1,267 yards and 17 touchdowns (Rivals.com).

He was rated the 17th-best middle linebacker by Scout.com and the 29th-best athlete by Rivals.com.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Chris Brown, WR, Hanahan HS, Hanahan, S.C.

Chris Brown was a jack-of-all-trades during his junior year in South Carolina. In 2010, he had 52 receptions for 1,098 yards and 16 touchdowns (Scout.com).

On defense, he had three interceptions, three fumble recoveries (three returned for touchdowns) and four defensive touchdowns, and he returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns.

At 6'2",185 pounds, Brown is rated the 86th-best wide receiver by Scout.com and the 81st by Rivals.com, but running a 4.4 40-yard dash, the wideout from South Carolina could see the field early in his career.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Scott Daly, OL/LS, Downers Grove South HS, Downers Grove, Ill.

At 6'4", 230 pounds, Scott Daly might not look like the prototypical offensive lineman, and that is because he has committed to Notre Dame as a long-snapper.

Daly is rated a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com as an offensive lineman, but he's rated the No. 1 long-snapper in the nation by Scout.com.

Chris Rubio on Scout.com says Daly "Works like a horse and built like one too. Kid is beyond smooth and fast. He is a no brainer scholarship Long Snapper."

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Justin Ferguson, WR, Flanagan HS, Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Adding even more depth to wide receiver is Florida product Justin Ferguson. 

At 6'1", 210 pounds, Ferguson is rated the 61st wideout in the nation by Scout.com and the 58th by Rivals.com.

With his excellent hands and his deep-threat ability, Ferguson pulled down 44 receptions for 953 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior campaign playing at Flanagan (Rivals.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Mark Harrell, OL, Charlotte Catholic HS, Charlotte, N.C.

Mark Harrell is one of the few offensive linemen in this year's class currently committed to Notre Dame (Jarron Jones could add depth, but he will likely play on the defensive line).

He is rated the 25th-best offensive guard by Rivals.com and the 52nd-best offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com. The North Carolina lineman could end up a playing at either spot for the Irish.

Harrell blocked for an offense that rushed for over 4,904 yards in 2010 (Scout.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Jarron Jones, DT/OT, Aquinas Institute HS, Rochester, N.Y.

The possibility of Jarron Jones playing alongside Sheldon Day for years to come could cause the Irish to reconsider playing so many snaps in a 3-4 defense.

The 6'7", 308-pound New York product towers over just about everyone. He is rated the 28th-best offensive tackle by Scout.com and the 14th-best defensive tackle by Rivals.com.

Jones had 54 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, five sacks, nine passes deflected, a blocked kick and a fumble recovery during his senior season at The Aquinas Institute of Rochester (Maxpreps.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Deontay Greenberry, WR, Washington Union HS, Fresno, Calif.

Deontay Greenberry is the highest-rated wide receiver in Notre Dame's recruiting class and one of the best commitments overall.

Greenberry, rated the seventh-best wideout by Rivals.com and Scout.com, finished his senior year at Washington Union with an eye-popping 105 receptions for 2,108 yards and 32 touchdowns (Maxpreps.com).

With the departure of Michael Floyd, Irish fans have high hopes that Greenberry could become Floyd's successor sooner than later.

In a shocking signing day move, Deontay Greenberry has flipped to Houston.

Committed to Houston on 2/1

William Mahone, RB, Austintown Fitch HS, Austintown, Ohio

William Mahone is one of many Irish commits that has the ability to play both sides of the ball.

In 2010, he had five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and four interceptions, but he also rushed the ball for a 7.7 yards-per-carry average (Scout.com). It seems the 5'11", 205-pound player will fit best at running back.

Mahone is explosive enough to take the ball to the house whenever he gets a touch, but he can also pound the ball between the tackles to pick a short yardage.

He is rated the 23rd running back by Scout.com and 18th by Rivals.com at the same position.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Romeo Okwara, DE, Ardrey Kell HS, Charlotte, N.C.

Romeo Okwara is another commit helping add an overwhelming defensive presence to the Fighting Irish's current recruiting class.

While Okwara is rated the 65th defensive end by Scout.com and the 35th weakside defensive end by Rivals.com, he could also end up as an outside linebacker for the Irish because of his edge rushing ability.

In 2010, Okwara 70 tackles, two forced fumbles, nine sacks and a block field goal (Scout.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

CJ Prosise, S, Woodberry Forest School HS, Woodberry Forest, Va.

Standing at 6'2", 202 pounds and running a 4.4 40-yard dash, it's no question why CJ Prosise is rated the a 3-star recruit by Rivals.com and the 21st safety prospect by Scout.com.

But there is one legitimate question about Prosise: Why isn't he ranked higher?

As a senior, Prosise rushed for 672 yards, caught 13 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns, recorded 40 tackles and seven interceptions (Rivals.com and Scout.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

KeiVarae Russell, WR/RB/DB, Mariner HS, Everett , Wash.

Ranked the ninth-best athlete by Rivals.com and the 24th-best running back by Scout.com, it is hard to tell which position KeiVarae Russell will end up playing for the Fighting Irish (wideout or running back likely spots).

As just a sophomore for Mariner, Russell rushed for 1,232 yards and 14 touchdowns, caught five passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns and racked up 25 tackles and three interceptions as a defensive back (Scout.com). 

While Russell has the talent to fill a skill position spot on offense, he is aggressive and could certainly playing on the other side of the ball.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, Nev.

At  6''7", 287 pounds, Ronnie Stanley will be ready to make an impact in his first year after strength and conditioning coach Paul Longo gets a hold of him for a month or so.

Stanley is ranked the 11th-best offensive tackle by Scout.com and 15th by Rivals.com.

Tom Lemming says Stanley "played both LT and RT in 2010 showing excellent quickness, speed, length, strength, agility, and heart. A very determined tackle, he has exceptionally long arms and a very quick first step."

Lemming did say Stanley needs to get in the weight room, but that is music to Longo's ears.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

Elijah Shumate, S, Don Bosco Prep HS, Ramsey, N.J.

Elijah Shumate is one of the highest-rated prospects at his position. Rivals.com ranks Shumate the eighth best safety in the country. Scout.com has him ranked fourth.

Shumate is an spectacular talent on defense.

He drops into coverage as a safety or an extra cornerback, but he plays outside linebacker as well.

Shumate finished his junior season with 65 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered and one interception (Scout.com).

Status: Signed Letter of Intent

John Turner, RB/S, Cathedral HS, Indianapolis, Ind.

John Turner is rated a 3-star recruit at safety by Rivals.com and the 49th-best safety by Scout.com

However, with a class that already has a number of defensive backs committed and could have more, Turner might end up at linebacker if he bulks up. He could even end up playing offense at wide receiver or running back. 

But Tom Lemming says that "He shows good range, reads well, shows pretty instincts, takes good angles to the ball, and shows good strength for the position, and he also brings good ball skills to the FS spot."

So, even with a position that is growing more crowded by the minute, Turner may just end up staying at safety.

Status: Signed Letter of Intent