With DT Darnell Ewell's Commitment, Notre Dame Now Needs 1 Major Target

Remember the Voltron cartoons? Remember how five lions formed to make a giant robot to battle the opponent in every episode?

Consider Notre Dame's Voltron nearly complete.

Emphasis on the word "nearly."

Many who follow college football recruiting will admit that Darnell Ewell's commitment to Notre Dame late Friday morning wasn't a huge surprise. What Ewell's announcement did, however, was give the Fighting Irish that big-name prospect to spearhead the defensive line. Although Notre Dame already had defensive linemen committed in 3-stars Kurt Hinish and Jonathon MacCollister, Ewell gives added pop to that defensive class as a national top-10 tackle and top-150 overall player.

The Irish now have 16 commits in their 2017 class. Eleven of the 16 are 4-star pledges, including Ewell, a stud from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia. He committed to Notre Dame at his high school over offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan, Clemson and others.

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Welcome to The Family Darnell Ewell pic.twitter.com/79VsrgKxqG

— Irish Turning Point (@TheIrishTP) July 15, 2016"

Notre Dame has a 4-star pledge at every major offensive and defensive position, sans one. Ewell is the defensive lineman. David Adams and Pete Werner are the linebackers. Isaiah Robertson is a safety commit, and Paulson Adebo, a legit, two-way option, can play safety, cornerback or wide receiver. Adebo confirmed to Bleacher Report Friday afternoon that he will play in the secondary for the Irish.

Offensively, Avery Davis is the 4-star leader at quarterback. After his play at The Opening, there's a good chance C.J. Holmes, also listed as an athlete, could take snaps at a receiver position upon his arrival. Notre Dame, additionally, is hoping to eventually land 4-star receiver Osiris St. Brown, the younger brother of sophomore receiver Equanimeous St. Brown.

Robert Hainsey, a recent commit, headlines Notre Dame's offensive line class. He and fellow 4-star Joshua Lugg will challenge for playing time early in their career. And this doesn't even include the possibility of landing a few more studs for the line, including 5-star Foster Sarell, and 4-stars Jedrick Wills Jr. and Trey Smith.

That only leaves the running back position vacant for Notre Dame. Pretty easy, right?

Think again.

Eleven of the top 15 running backs are committed to other programs. None of the four uncommitted targets—5-star Cam Akers, and 4-stars Ty Chandler, A.J. Davis and Colin Wilson—are predicted in their respective 247Sports "Crystal Balls" to choose Notre Dame.

Credit: 247Sports

Devan Barrett is a major player to watch as the Irish look to fill that void. Barrett had Notre Dame in his top 10, which he announced via Twitter last month. Barrett rushed for nearly 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior for Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, Florida.

If Notre Dame fails to land a running back for the 2017 class, it should be OK at least for the upcoming season. The position is loaded with depth, led by Tarean Folston and featuring four underclassmen who could see starter's minutes and a junior in Justin Brent who is ready for a breakthrough season.

If the Irish, however, do finish their 2017 class with an elite running back, consider it a huge win. And look for their version of Voltron to be successful in the near future.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles