Notre Dame Football Recruiting 2012: The Top 10 Players the Irish Have Signed

Notre Dame once was considered the most prestigious football program in America, having won seven (of 11) national championships from 1924-49.

However, since 1994, the Fighting Irish are just 2-10 in bowl games with no BCS wins. Notre Dame lost nine consecutive bowl games from '94-06, setting an NCAA record for consecutive bowl losses.

Still, even though it may not seem like it, UND football is on the rise and could be a dominant team once again within the next few years. Coach Brian Kelly has done an outstanding recruiting job, especially with the class of 2012.

Here are the top 10 players Kelly has signed so far.

C.J. Prosise, S

C.J Prosise was a highly recruited safety from Woodberry Forest High School (Woodberry Forest, Virginia) who's known for his incredible quarterback reading skills, football instincts, awareness and has great anticipation with where the ball is going.

A threat to score with the ball in his hands, the 4-star athlete recorded seven interceptions and four kick return touchdowns his senior season.

Keivarae Russell, RB

At 5'11" and 170 pounds, Keivarae Russell isn't your every down running back. But his ability to squeeze through gaps and get downfield are uncanny, and he shows versatility in the passing game.

The U.S. Army All-American will contend with a few other RBs for playing time, but could still be an immediate contributor to a team that returns its leading rusher from 2011.

William Mahone, RB

Arguably the best running back prospect from the state of Ohio, William Mahone committed to Notre Dame late September.

Unlike Russell, Mahone is able to carry a big load and could potentially be the Irish's every down RB by his junior season. His ability to fight through gaps and break tackles gives UND the depth it lacked before and he can even serve in the return game, if needed.

The 4-star athlete averaged a ridiculous 7.7 yards per carry in 2011 and had offers from eight Big Ten schools, including Penn State, Michigan State and Illinois.

Scott Daly, LS

Brian Kelly reeled in the nation's No. 1 long snapper last April. Scott Daly was the best in his class because of his hard work ethic, size (6'3", 230 pounds) and love for the Irish.

Although not too many long snappers receive scholarships, Daly's abilities earned him one and he'll be battling with Jordan Cowart for the starting job next season.

Nick Baratti, MLB

A quarterback in high school, Nick Baratti will be used as a middle linebacker on the Notre Dame defense. His 4.55 40-yard dash speed, knowledge of the game and experience at QB will help him flourish as a leader for the linebackers unit.

He won't be a starter his freshman year, but will likely play a role on special teams from the get-go.

Ronnie Stanley, OT

Ranked as the No. 11 overall offensive tackle by Scout.com, Ronnie Staley has proven that he's one of the best linemen in his class.

The 6'6", 285-pound giant will likely serve a one-year apprenticeship with the scout team learning from position coach Harry Hiestand. However, the 4-star OT will fight for a starting position in 2013 after senior-to-be Zack Martin potentially departs to the NFL.

Sheldon Day, DT

Notre Dame added a big pickup in August as Indianapolis defensive tackle Sheldon Day gave the Irish his verbal commitment.

"It was the academics, great football, and (defensive line) Coach (Mike) Elston and Coach (Brian) Kelly and the whole entire staff," Day told 247Sports.com.

The 6' 2", 286-pounder stood out at the Ohio State Nike Camp and The Opening last summer and held offers from schools such as Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Day is rated the No. 6 DT at his position, according to Scout.com.

Elijah Shumate, S

Don Bosco Prep School standout safety Elijah Shumate is an intriguing commit for a few reasons, but mainly for his potential to play more than one position at the collegiate level.

The 5-star athlete has elite balance, agility and quickness that allow him to make the big plays he's so used to doing. Shumate brings a lot of skill to the Irish and should be expected to see the field early. He fits perfectly as a safety in the Irish's 3-4 defensive scheme.

His physical play sets him apart from other safeties and when you combine the physical size and body flexibility you get a player with natural recoil abilities. The U.S. Army All-American could play wide receiver in college, but will likely mold better on defense.

Tee Shepard, CB

Shepard is a shutdown corner from Fresno, California. He tends to know where the ball is at all times and is a playmaker with his presice body control.

Although he missed his senior season due to ineligibility, the 5-star CB recorded two interceptions in the California State All-Star game and then had a strong outing in the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.

Shepard, who is rated Scout.com’s No. 4 cornerback, was the first member of Notre Dame’s 2012 class.

Gunner Kiel, QB

At 6'4", 200 pounds, Gunner Kiel is the prototypical quarterback. He is very accurate, almost always makes the right decisions and has terrific footwork.

A born leader, the No. 1 overall QB in the class of 2012 felt that South Bend was where he was supposed to be. This was after de-commitments from Indiana and LSU.

The highly-touted quarterback completed 139-of-239 passes (66.5 percent) for 2,645 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions, while compiling a 137.0 passer rating during his junior year. He did not play most of his senior season.

Drawing comparisons to Peyton Manning, Kiel received offers from every major Division-1A school in the country, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Stanford and USC.