Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 2012 Class Incomplete Until Davonte Neal Decides

Brian Kelly's 2012 recruiting class is one of the best in the nation, but it is not yet complete.

Obviously, there could be some surprising decisions on national signing day with the commitments they've already received and the ones they are still after, but the Irish have lost a bit of steam since Gunner Kiel's commitment.

Rivals' recruiting analysts indicated in their live chat today that they believe something stunning would have to happen for Ronald Darby, the decommitted defensive back, to recommit to Notre Dame.

The South Bend Tribune also reported that 3-star defensive back Anthony Standifer may no longer be an option for the Irish either.

Cornerback is one of the positions the Irish need help at the most.

And while all that is still in play, the 2012 class won't be complete until ESPNU 150 5-star athlete Davonte Neal makes his final decision.

The Rivals recruiting analysts, however, believe he is nowhere near a decision. Adam Gorney said during a chat:

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Very difficult to tell on Neal since he's waiting until after signing day and will visit Arizona. I actually think the Wildcats could steal him but Notre Dame and Ohio State are definitely there plus he just visited UNC. I don't think he has any idea right now.

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Neal can play on either side of the ball and is the type of cornerback the Irish need if they miss out on the likes of Darby and Standifer.

And offensively he's an elite playmaker that any program would love to have. His playmaking skills, unfortunately, fit into Urban Meyer's offense at Ohio State extremely well, and they are the top competition for his services.

According to the Tuscon Citizen, Oklahoma is now involved as well.

It goes without saying that Davonte Neal still has a lot of balls in the air and is not yet ready to make a move.

As the Irish prepare for a big signing day on Wednesday, it is important to remember that they are very much in play for the athletic 5-star recruit.

Whether Wednesday turns out positive or negative for the Irish, the class won't be complete until Neal commits somewhere.