Notre Dame Football: An Update of the 2012 Recruiting Class at Each Position

When Brian Kelly and his staff first arrived in South Bend, their ability to recruit big-time athletes was questioned.

Those critics were silenced at the conclusion of last February's national signing day.

The Irish staff headed into the last recruiting cycle knowing it needed to bring in speed along the defensive front seven.

Mission accomplished.

Five-star defensive ends Stephon Tuitt, Ishaq Williams and Aaron Lynch all committed to the Irish.

The goal of the current recruiting cycle is to secure a commitment from an elite running back or two. Next on the list is to bring in speed and talent in the secondary, and following that is a few athletes at wide receiver.

Follow along as we analyze the current state of Notre Dame Football recruiting.

Running Back

Running back is, by far, the biggest need in the 2012 recruiting cycle.

The Irish have yet to secure a commitment from an elite back, but they are certainly in the mix for a few of the nation's best.

Commitments: none

Top Targets:

- Drew Harris (6'2", 195, 4.47) ****

- Keith Marshall (5'11", 190, 4.4) ****

- Brian Kimbrow (5'9", 165) ****

- I'Tavius Mathers (6'0", 195, 4.5) ****

- Byron Marshall (5'10", 195) ****

- Chris Mangus (5'11", 170, 4.46) ***

- Chris Brown (5'11", 200) ***

- David Smith (6'1", 190) ***

Defensive Back

The secondary is in need of depth and the Irish staff has made the position a top priority.

Tee Shepard, Ronald Darby and C.J. Prosise have already committed.

Commitments: 3

Top Targets:

- Armani Reeves (5'11", 185) ****

- Elijah Shumate (6'1", 205, 4.52) ****

- T.J. Davis (6'0", 180) ***

- Ishmael Adams (5'10", 185) ****

- John Turner (6'2", 200) ***

- Reggie Daniels (6'0", 170) ****

- Will Hines (6'1", 175, 4.47) ***

- Geno Smith (5'11", 170, 4.45) ****

Linebacker

With the possibility of Manti Te'o not being in South Bend for the 2013 season, it is essential for the Irish coaching staff to secure a few elite linebackers.

Commitments: none

Top Targets:

- Ken Ekanem (6'3", 226, 4.75) ****

Defensive Line

Last season's recruiting class was spectacular, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

That was due in large part to commitments from defensive linemen Ishaq Williams, Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt.

It remains to be seen if the Irish coaching staff can bring in top-tier defensive linemen.

Commitments: none

Top Targets:

- Noah Spence (6'4", 245) *****

- Courtnye Wynn (6'6", 240) ***

- Tyriq McCord (6'3", 222, 4.76) ****

- Sheldon Day (6'2", 268) ****

- Korren Kirven (6'4", 272, 5.16) ****

- Romeo Okwara (6'4", 235, 4.7) ***

- Carlos Watkins (6'4", 275) ****

- Tommy Schutt (6'3", 301) ****

- Jordan Watkins (6'5", 265) ****

- Kenderius Whitehead (6'5", 210) ***

Offensive Line

Notre Dame will be solid on the offensive line this season with seniors Braxston Cave and Trevor Robinson leading the way.

Once their eligibility is exhausted, other players will have to fill their shoes so the staff needs to lock up a few commitments from offensive line prospects.

Mark Harrell and Taylor Decker are the lone 2012 offensive line recruits who have committed to the Irish thus far.

Commitments: two

Top Targets:

- John Theus (6'6", 292, 5.2) *****

- Zach Banner (6'9", 310) ****

- Andrus Peat (6'7", 305) *****

- Jordan Diamond (6'6", 289) ****

Quarterback

The Irish coaching staff has shown that quarterback isn't a major concern this recruiting cycle as they only have a realistic shot at one elite quarterback in Maty Mauk.

Commitments: none

Top Targets:

- Gunner Kiel (6'4", 220) ****

- Maty Mauk (6'2", 185) ***

Tight End

Notre Dame is known as "Tight End U" and that tradition hopefully will continue in the current recruiting cycle.

There isn't a lot of need at the position as Tyler Eifert and Ben Koyack will be the primary tight ends the next few seasons.

Commitments: none

Top Targets:

- Kent Taylor (6'5", 220) ****

Wide Receiver

One of the most crucial elements to Brian Kelly's offense is speedy wide receivers.

The Irish coaching staff has already secured two commitments at the position in Deontay Greenberry and Justin Ferguson.

More receivers are sure to commit.

Commitments: two

Top Targets:

- Dorial Green-Beckham (6'6", 220, 4.43) *****

- Stefon Diggs (6'0", 185, 4.43) *****

- Dwayne Stanford (6'5", 185) ****

- Drae Bowles (6'1", 198) ****

- Bryce Treggs (5'11", 171) ****

- Aaron Burbridge (6'1", 175, 4.4) ****

- Davonte Neal (5'10", 175, 4.4) ****

- D'Vario Montgomery (6'2", 205) ****

- Amara Darboh (6'2", 190, 4.42) ****

- Leonte Carroo (6'1", 205, 4.4) ****

- Marvin Bracy (5'10", 162) ****