How Notre Dame Stacks Up Against Texas and Oklahoma for 4-Star CB Cole Luke

Getting a commit from 4-star cornerback Cole Luke would be a massive recruiting win for Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but they're going to have to beat out the likes of Texas and Oklahoma in order to do so.

While the Irish certainly have a lot to offer, this is going to be easier said than done, as the Sooners and Longhorns are great choices for the defensive back out of Chandler, Ariz. as well.

So, how does Notre Dame stack up against the two Big 12 powers? According to JC Schurburtt of 247Sports.com, the Irish have two things Luke really likes:

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Playing time and academics are the two major drawing points to Notre Dame for Luke, who would like to major in Architecture or Business.

“They have a big hole on the depth chart at cornerback,” Luke said. “That’s always good and that means I can play early over there. Academically, it’s a great school for the long run. People tell me all the time that it’s a four-year choice, but it’s a 40-year decision.”

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Luke has visits lined up to all three schools, so it appears as if all of them have a shot, but I believe that the Fighting Irish will eventually get a commit from the 4-star corner.

First off, the depth chart is a huge plus. Luke is an extremely talented athlete and should be able to get on the field right away for the Irish. He's a very natural corner, meaning that he plays the position with comfort and poise generally reserved for the elite. He's got great vision, can turn and run with just about any pass and has the ability to go up, get the ball and return it the distance.

He's a player that can and should make an immediate impact in college football, and with Notre Dame he has a great chance to do so.

According to quotes via Schurburtt's article, playing for a program that sends a lot of corners to the NFL is a plus for Cole, and Texas would have the advantage there, but the future of Notre Dame football is very bright. They are proving this season that Notre Dame football is more than just hype, and with the growth of this team plus the strong 2013 class Kelly is bringing, it's not unrealistic to foresee the Irish making a big splash on the national scene.

Whether it be big bowl games or even a national championship, there will be plenty of NFL eyes on Cole if he chooses to go to Notre Dame.

Finally, the Irish have an advantage via the visiting process. Luke will visit Notre Dame this weekend to watch them take on the Michigan Wolverines—a game that if won could be a huge draw for the Irish, especially after beating Michigan State—and then he will see them again on October 26 at Oklahoma.

The Irish have the huge advantage here of being able to play in front of Luke twice, and if they can  bring in a win over the rival Wolverines and the Sooners with him in attendance, it's hard not to see him committing.

The Irish have a desperate need for a big time corner and Luke can be that guy for them. The good news is, I believe they have the advantage over Texas and Oklahoma.