College Football 2011 Recruiting: Which Recruits Could Start for Notre Dame?

Brian Kelly begins his second season in South Bend and spring practice is already underway for the Irish. Kelly's biggest task this spring is to settle in on a QB between the strong armed Dayne Crist or the poised Tommy Rees.

Yet there is still is a talented incoming recruiting class bound to fly in to Chicago and take the drive over to South Bend this fall, and many of them have aspirations of being big time immediately. The Golden Domers are trying to restore the pecking order that has them atop college football, and they have several recruits that figure to help their cause early in 2011.

Come find out who they are.

5. Davaris Daniels, WR

As you likely have heard, Micheal Floyd has been suspended for his second alcohol related incident at Notre Dame in his career. There is growing concern around the program that Floyd has caught his last pass in South Bend and will try to enter the NFL Supplemental draft.

As the Irish may be down their No.1 receiver in 2011, that leaves a void to be filled in the passing game. Daniels comes on campus with eerily similar measurables to Floyd. 6'3", 190 pounds with solid speed to haunt a defense in the intermediate passing game, bet your bottom dollar that he is coming to campus with the intent on seeing time as a true freshman.

Daniels flashes some explosion and big play ability. He looks like a receiver that will be a great fit in the Irish spread offense.

4. Everett Golson, QB

I know, I know. I mentioned the starting QB race is between Crist and Rees, but neither player is fleet of foot like Golson, whom is viewed is as the future signal caller for the Irish.

With his athleticism and play-making ability, it is not a stretch to envision Golson having a Tim Tebow like role in Tebow's freshman year in Gainesville. Letting Golson be used on designed runs, a few options, and getting his feet wet as a passer this year may be a really good idea.

Golson is already in South Bend and will take part in spring practices as well.

3. Stephon Tuitt, DE

Tuitt will make the transition from a strong side 4-3 style defensive end, into a 3-4 defensive end in the Notre Dame 3-4 scheme. 6'5", 260 pounds already, Tuitt easily has the size, strength and anchor ability to develop into a fantastic player in this role.

While he my not start, I can see Notre Dame wanting to get him on the field a few snaps a game to monitor his progress and transition into his new role.

Attaching himself to the hip of starting end Ethan Johnson would serve as a wise action to pursue for Tuitt, as he is one of the future cornerstones of the Irish defense.

2. Aaron Lynch, DE

The difference between Lynch and Tuitt is that Lynch's defensive end position and role will as similar to a 4-3 end's role in a 3-4 scheme as can be. He won't have as much of a learning curve as Tuitt will, and the 6'6", 255 pounder should thrive early and often for Notre Dame.

Lynch is enrolled at Notre Dame already, and is another recruit slated to practice this spring. Talk around the program is that he is already viewed as the Irish' main sub-package rusher heading into 2011. So he is expected to see significant time on the field, and even make a few starts.

Securing Lynch's pledge was an elusive and up and down chase, but he will show why the Irish coaches were so hot after him as a true freshman.

1. Ishaq Williams, OLB

Williams is another player that is among the top incoming cavalry to the Irish defense. 6'6", 230 pounds he played defensive end for his New York City high school team, but will kick outside to rush end/outside linebacker for Notre Dame.

He possess future All-Americna potential as his skill set and athleticism should translate well to his new position. Quick off the ball, Williams has the length to stay clean easily as a rusher while converting speed to power. He has solid instincts and vision of ball carriers and his range should let him play and chase the run all over the field.

Oh, right, he too is already on campus and will suit up for the Irish during spring ball.