Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Fighting Irish's Top Needs for Class of 2013

Brian Kelly did a fine job with the 2012 Notre Dame recruiting class, but now he must get to work on filling areas of need for the class of 2013. 

Bringing in the best talent possible has to be on the top or at least very close to the top of Kelly's list of things to do. Being a college football coach isn't easy. Balancing so many things at once takes a toll on these coaches, but they cannot falter in recruiting. 

The best way to improve a program is by recruiting, which is why the 2013 recruiting class is extremely important. There is plenty of time to lock up players who fit big needs, but a lot of recruits tend to commit early, so it's wise for Kelly to continue to pursue these skilled 2013 recruits. 

Of course, with so much time, an early commitment doesn't mean a ton. The Fighting Irish know this all too well, but that is no reason to stop fighting hard to land the best of the best. 

With that said, here are the top three areas of need for Kelly's 2013 recruiting class. 

1. Playmakers 

The Fighting Irish will soon find out what they're made of in 2012 without Michael Floyd to help move the chains. Once they realize that they're headed for hard times, Kelly had better be already recruiting some elite playmakers. 

The loss of Deontay Greenberry on national signing day was a big setback for Notre Dame, but all it means is that Kelly and his staff have to work extra hard for 2013. 

Skilled playmakers at wide receiver and/or running back will be greatly needed for the following year. Quarterback struggles are bound to happen when you have four good ones to choose from, but as long as the QB has legitimate threats to work with, then big plays are sure to occur. 

The Fighting Irish need to start dominating on offense, and the best way to do that is by bringing in immediate-impact players who will use their speed and agility to blow by defenders  

2. Defensive Backs 

Kelly picked up great players in Tee Shepard and Elijah Shumate, but the Fighting Irish have to continue to build great depth in the secondary. 

There are unanswered questions about rising juniors Bennett Jackson and Lo Wood. Jalen Brown and Josh Atkinson will get looks, as both should have learned a great deal while they were redshirted this past season. 

Still, though, defensive back is a position that needs to see a boost at every year. Notre Dame missed out big-time on guys like Yuri Wright and Ronald Darby this past season.

Missing again for 2013 will come back to haunt them, which is why Kelly has to make sure he lands elite corners next year. 

3. Linebackers 

Manti Te’o returning for his senior season may have been the best Kelly has done in his tenure at Notre Dame. 

However, Te'o is gone after 2012, and it's up to Kelly to find that next big star to lead his defense. Improving the defense with elite stars will not only make the Fighting Irish tremendously better against quality teams, it also helps out the offense. 

The Fighting Irish have decent depth at linebacker right now, with guys like Jarrett Grace, Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese. This doesn't mean Kelly is still all fine and dandy.

He needs to secure his roster with the best of the best. Landing that one elite recruit makes all the difference in the world.