Davonte Neal Chooses Notre Dame: What the WR Adds to the Irish Recruiting Class

So there you have it, folks. Davonte Neal has chosen to attend Notre Dame in a whirlwind day. Neal called a presser this morning and didn't attend, reportedly due to some indecision between schools.

But later on in the day, we got word that Notre Dame was the choice, and I'm here to give you quick insight into what Neal will bring to South Bend and this 2012 Irish recruiting class.

Here we go.

2012 Notre Dame Recruiting Class Capsule

Here was my final write-up on the Notre Dame 2012 recruiting class on NSD.

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The Irish have 18 commitments this cycle, and at least five are in the ESPNU 150. Obviously the headliner is QB Gunner Kiel, who's already enrolled and expected to compete for the starting job.

Tee Shepard is one of the best CBs in the country, Sheldon Day and Jarron Jones are men in the trenches and Elijah Shumate can play SS or OLB, as could Nick Baratti and RB William Mahone.

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Neal's Skill Set on Offense

Neal is a 5'9", 175 lb. stick of dynamite on the football field. He shows tremendous speed and game-breaking ability wherever he lines up.

If he's to play receiver in South Bend, Neal can be used on smokes, slants, bubbles, reverses and still be an excellent deep threat.

He should give the Irish an excellent RAC type of WR that can also return kicks and punts.

Neal's Skill Set on Defense

As a defender, Neal projects best to CB, as his 5'9", 175 lb. frame will allow him to excel on the defensive perimeter. 

While he may not possess elite size to combat big WRs these days, Neal plays bigger than his listed size, is tough and has excellent athleticism.

With the proper college coaching and player development to season up his technique, Neal could easily develop into a standout defensive back for the Irish defense.

What Does Neal Add to Notre Dame's Class?

That question is easy to answer: a speedy playmaker. This is a huge coup for Brian Kelly because ND lost out on Deontay Greenberry to Houston.

Plus the Irish lost Ronald Darby to Florida State, and Neal is a very, very similar player to Darby. Both can play WR, and both can play CB.

So if you're Notre Dame, this is a great addition because Neal is talented enough to ease the blow of two lost recruits.