Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Tracking All 2013 Commits

Notre Dame football has an extremely bright future, and this 2013 recruiting class is going to be a huge part of that future.

Brian Kelly and his staff have done a great job of recruiting during this cycle, and the Fighting Irish will walk away with one of the best classes in the nation when all is said and done.

Needs were addressed, star power was added and the hype surrounding this group of players is going to be undeniable.

They project to be very good as a unit.

Here's a breakdown of Notre Dame's 2013 recruiting class:

Note: Information via 247Sports.com, ESPN.com or Scout.com unless otherwise noted. Star rankings according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Eddie Vanderdoes

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 310 lbs.

Position: DT

Star Ranking: 5-star

High School: Placer High School (Calif.)

Senior Stats: 72 TCK, 9 SCK, 2 FF, 1 FR

Other Finalists: Alabama, USC, Washington, UCLA

Commit Date: Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET

Analysis:

Vanderdoes could be Notre Dame's next great nose tackle once Louis Nix goes to the NFL. He's extremely strong, he has great size and he's also very quick. He can be a dominant defensive lineman at Notre Dame. This was a monumental recruiting win for the Fighting Irish.

Jaylon Smith

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 218 lbs.

Position: OLB

Stars: 5-star

High School: Bishop Luers High School (Ind.)

Senior Stats: 75 TCK, 20 TFL, 8 SCK

Other Finalists: Purdue, Ohio State

Commit Date: 6/2/12

Analysis:

Jaylon Smith is going to be a superstar for Notre Dame. He's a big, aggressive linebacker with elite speed. He runs a 4.44 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be a major difference-maker on the edges of the 3-4 defense and he'll also be a great pass-rusher. He'll be a starter for the Fighting Irish from day one. He''s too talented not to be on the field.

Max Redfield

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 195 lbs.

Position: S

Stars: 5-star

High School: Mission Viejo High School (Calf.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: USC, Washington

Commit Date: 1/4/13

Analysis:

Max Redfield is an extremely talented safety, and he should be able to come in and fill Zeke Motta's old position. That will allow him to get some valuable playing experience right away, but he's also athletic enough to make plays. He can be a physical defender, but he's also very good in open space and in coverage. He has great height for a safety and he'll be able to disrupt a lot of passes in the secondary.

Greg Bryant

Height: 5'11''

Weight: 196 lbs.

Position: RB

Stars: 4-star

High School: American Heritage Boca-Delray High School (Fla.)

Senior Stats: 1,500 YD, 17 TD

Other Finalists: Oklahoma, Auburn

Commit Date: 12/9/12

Analysis:

Greg Bryant has star running back potential. He has great size and he's very quick. He runs a 4.48 40,according to 247Sports. He's the type of back that can pick up tough yards, and he's always fighting forward. He has the speed to break a few runs as well though, so overall, the future is very bright. Expect Bryant to be platooned with George Atkinson as the lead back. In time though, probably by his sophomore year, Bryant should work his way into the starter's role.

Mike Heuerman

Height:  6'4''

Weight: 220 lbs.

Position: TE

Stars: 4-star

High School: Barron Collier High School (Fla.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Ohio State, Miami, LSU

Commit Date: 4/26/12; Enrolled: 1/15/13

Analysis:

Mike Heuerman has the potential to be a very good tight end for Notre Dame. He has good size and complements that with exceptional speed. He runs a 4.76 40, according to 247Sports. He's big enough and fast enough to be a huge mismatch as a receiver, and he'll see the field sooner rather than later. Heuerman is talented enough to challenge for the starting spot.

Malik Zaire

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 185 lbs.

Position: QB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Archbishop Alter High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Alabama, Pittsburgh, Washington

Commit Date: 3/25/12; Enrolled: 1/15/13

Analysis:

Malik Zaire could be a great quarterback for Notre Dame. He has a strong arm and can run with the ball as well, so he really fits with the system. The issue for Zaire is that he'll have Everett Golson and Gunner Kiel in front of him on the depth chart. Don't be surprised if he gets redshirted.

Durham Smythe

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 233 lbs.

Position: TE

Star Ranking: 4-star

High School: Belton High School (Texas)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan, Stanford

Commit Date: 1/27/13

Analysis:

Smythe is a huge pickup for Notre Dame, although tight end isn't necessarily a need. That said, he has star potential. He's the No. 8-ranked tight end in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports composite. He has great size and runs a 4.75 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be a able to stretch the defense vertically in the seams, but he's also big enough to stay in and block. 

Steven Elmer

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 315 lbs.

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Midland High School (Mich.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: N/A

Commit Date: 9/17/11; Enrolled: 1/15/13

Analysis:

Steven Elmer is going to be a star offensive lineman for Notre Dame in time. He has great size and exceptional speed for a lineman. He runs a 5.02 40, according to 247Sports. Christian Lombard should be the starter at right tackle, and Zach Martin will most likely start at left. Look for Elmer to compete to replace one of those starters when they move on.

James Onwualu

Height: 6'1.75''

Weight: 205 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: Cretin-Derham Hall High School (Minn.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan, Iowa

Commit Date: 3/14/12; Enrolled: 1/15/13

Analysis:

Onwualu has the potential to be a very good receiver, but he'll likely be a depth player and special teams guy for the first part of his career with Notre Dame. T.J. Jones, DaVaris Daniels and Davonte' Neal will get major time this season. Once he's an upperclassman, though, Onwualu will compete for playing time as a wideout.

Isaac Rochell

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 260 lbs.

Position: SDE

Stars: 4-star

High School: Eagles Landing Christian Academy (Ga.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Alabama, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Tennessee

Commit Date: 6/6/12

Analysis:

Isaac Rochell has a lot of potential at 6'5'', 260 pounds. Realistically, he'll have to put on some mass to compete as a 3-4 defensive end, though, but Notre Dame will have the luxury of time with him. Sheldon Day should be an adequate replacement for Kapron Lewis-Moore and Stephon Tuitt will fill the other defensive end spot. Giving Rochell a redshirt in year one would be a good idea.

Cole Luke

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 170 lbs.

Position: CB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Hamilton High School (Ariz.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Texas, Oklahoma, USC

Commit Date: 11/1/12

Analysis: 

Cole Luke is an extremely talented cornerback, and he was a big addition to Notre Dame's 2013 class. He has great size for a corner and he was actually ranked as the No. 14 cornerback in the 2013 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Luke may not see the field much as a starter right away, with players like KeiVarae Russell and Bennett Jackson in front of him, but he can compete for the nickelback job. In time, Luke has the talent to be one of the main corners for Notre Dame opposite of Russell.

Corey Robinson

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 205 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 3-star

High School: San Antonio Christian High School (Texas)

Senior Stats: 67 REC, 1,414 YD, 20 TD

Other Finalists: Iowa

Commit Date: 3/27/12; Enrolled: 1/15/13

Analysis:

Corey Robinson has the build of a possession receiver, and he can become a huge deep threat for Notre Dame in time. He obviously has terrific size, but he also runs a 4.45 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be a receiver that can stretch the defense vertically, and he'll be a good jump-ball receiver because of his size. Robinson will compete for playing time in year one because of his abilities.

Hunter Bivin

Height: 6'7''

Weight: 290 lbs.

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Apollo High School (Ky.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Michigan

Commit Date: 3/24/12

Analysis:

Hunter Bivin is a big offensive tackle recruit at 6'7'', 290 pounds. He could play either tackle position, and he'll be a great player to have on the depth chart. Notre Dame could also consider giving him a redshirt so he can gain an extra year of eligibility, but also an extra year of experience.

Mike McGlinchey

Height: 6'9''

Weight: 275 lbs.

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: William Penn Charter High School (Penn.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Penn State, Maryland, Michigan State, Florida, Florida State

Commit Date: 3/25/12

Analysis:

Mike McGlinchey is a big offensive tackle. At 6'9'', 275 pounds, he has the ability to make even the biggest offensive linemen look small. Obviously the potential that he possesses is huge, and he has the ranking to back his size up. He's the No. 11-ranked offensive tackle, according to the 247Sports composite. McGlinchey will be a major competitor for one of the two starting spots at tackle once they open up.

Tarean Folston

Height: 5'9''

Weight: 185 lbs.

Position: RB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Cocoa High School (Fla.)

Senior Stats: 222 ATT, 1,722 YD, 16 TD, 9 REC, 2 RECTD

Other Finalists: Oregon, Tennessee, Florida State, Miami

Commit Date: 1/2/13

Analysis:

Folston has the chance to be a great running back for Notre Dame, but he's going to be overshadowed by Greg Bryant. That said, he can be a more than adequate No. 2 in time, and he can even take a redshirt in the hopes of creating some room on the depth chart. He runs a 4.40 40, according to 247Sports.

John Montelus

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 305 lbs.

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Everett High School (Mass.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Florida, Boston College

Commit Date: 4/21/12

Analysis:

With Mike Golic Jr. out of eligibility, you very well could see Montelus come in and win the starting job. He has terrific size at 6'5'', 305 pounds, and he's incredibly talented. Montelus is ranked as the No. 8 offensive guard recruit in the country, according to the 247Sports composite. If he doesn't win the job in year one, expect him to be a big-time contributor as a sub.

Michael Deeb

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 237 lbs.

Position: ILB

Stars: 3-star

High School: American Heritage High School (Fla.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan

Commit Date: 6/29/12

Analysis:

Michael Deeb is another very talented linebacker recruit for this class, and he can be very good in time. As an inside linebacker, he's going to fill a very valuable depth role and could eventually take over for Dan Fox once he moves on from the program. There's also Manti Te'o's role to fill. Jarrett Grace should fill Te'o's spot, and Deeb will be used as a very important backup. Look for him to compete for a starting spot in year two.

Devin Butler

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 180

Position: CB

Stars: 3-star

High School: Gonzaga College High School (D.C.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Washington, Michigan, Penn State

Commit Date: 4/4/12

Analysis:

Devin Butler will be an important part of Notre Dame's secondary in a few seasons. He has good height and terrific speed. He runs a 4.54 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be a player that will compete for playing time at corner in a few seasons, and he'll also be a good special teams option.

Doug Randolph

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 236 lbs.

Position: OLB

Stars: 4-star

High School: Woodberry Forest School (Va.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Stanford

Commit Date: 9/7/12

Analysis:

Notre Dame is getting a player with a lot of talent in Doug Randolph. He's ranked as an outside linebacker but he can also play tight end, so if anything he'll be a versatile talent. Right away, I see him being a big-play guy on special teams. In time, though, he could be the guy you want across from Jaylon Smith in the 3-4. He has great size, and he runs a 4.65 40, according to 247Sports. He'll be great in open space because of his speed, but he's big enough to play strong against the run.

Rashad Kinlaw

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 175 lbs.

Position: ATH/CB

Stars: 3-star

High School: Absegami High School (N.J.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Iowa

Commit Date: 3/26/12

Analysis:

Rashad Kinlaw is a very intriguing recruit. He's ranked as the No. 15 athlete in the 2013 class, but he'll most likely play defensive back for Notre Dame. He has good size and terrific speed (4.45 40, according to 247Sports) so he could make some moves on the depth chart in year one or two. He's a player I can see being very effective in the slot as a corner.

Colin McGovern

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 295 lbs.

Position: OT

Stars: 4-star

High School: Lincoln-Way High School (Ill.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

Commit Date: 3/24/12

Analysis:

McGovern is yet another big offensive tackle recruit for Notre Dame. He has good height and great size, and he's ranked as the No. 13 offensive tackle in the nation, according to the 247Sports composite. There's going to be a major competition at offensive tackle in the next year or two. McGovern has the talent to come away with a starting job in his sophomore season.

Torii Hunter Jr.

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 172 lbs.

Position: 4-star

Stars: WR

High School: Prosper High School (Texas)

Senior Stats: 71 REC, 1,235 YD, 14 TD

Other Finalists: Arkansas, Texas, Nebraska, Arizona State

Commit Date: 9/23/12

Analysis:

Torri Hunter Jr. has tremendous potential and he's a great athlete. He projects to be a very good slot receiver and he'll be able to make a ton of plays. The only issue here is that he suffered a broken left femur during a U.S. Army All-American Bowl workout. Because of that, the smart move will be to redshirt Hunter, and we'll see what he can do with a year of experience, recovery and training under his belt.

Will Fuller

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 165 lbs.

Position: WR

Stars: 4-star

High School: Roman Catholic High School (Penn.)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Penn State

Commit Date: 8/5/12

Analysis:

Will Fuller is going to add some depth to the wide receiver position for Notre Dame. He'll end up competing with the rest of the receivers in this class for looks and depth chart position, but he could end up being very good. He runs a 4.52 40, according to 247Sports, so he possesses good speed. As with most receivers from this class, he'll have to work hard in order to stand out from the group.

Jacob Matuska

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 240 lbs.

Position: SDE

Stars: 3-star

High School: Bishop Hartley High School (Ohio)

Senior Stats: N/A

Other Finalists: Michigan, Nebraska, Louisville

Commit Date: 3/7/12

Analysis:

I look at Matuska as a player who may want to redshirt in his first season, especially if he wants to play defensive in the 3-4. He's going to have to end up putting on a ton of weight, but the good news is that he does have great height. He could also consider a transition to outside linebacker, but either way, that year of working out and figuring out where he fits best would be huge for him.