Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 7 Offensive Targets to Keep an Eye On

Notre Dame's 2012 recruiting efforts are off to a great start as the Irish have landed 13 commitments thus far.

Eight of those 13 commitments will be playing defense in South Bend, so it is crucial for Brian Kelly and his staff to lock up more offensive players by National Signing Day.

The Irish are in the mix for many high profile offensive recruits, and a few may even be signing during the season.

Following are seven offensive targets to keep an eye on.

7. WR Corey Smith

Corey Smith of Akron (OH) Butchel High has received offers a slew of major programs including Notre Dame.

His intentions are still unknown, but it's promising that the Irish are still in the running as Corey Smith begins his senior season.

Smith is a shifty athlete at 6'0" and 175 pounds who has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40. That type of athleticism is an ideal fit in Brian Kelly's spread offense. 

Notre Dame certainly has a great shot at landing Corey Smith as Ohio State is in turmoil and as Brian Kelly has many connections in the state of Ohio.

6. RB KeiVarae Russell

Another shifty athelte, KeiVarae Russell of Everett, Washington has narrowed in on the Irish.

He's set to make an official visit the weekend of the highly anticipated matchup against USC on Oct. 22.

It's the only official visit that KeiVarae Russell has scheduled so far, and that may be the sign of a commitment-in-waiting.

If he were to commit, it would be a major signing for the Irish as the team is in desperate need at running back.

5. RB Byron Marshall

Byronon Marshall of San Jose, California is one of the nation's premier blue chip running backs and has been rated as the 90th best player in the country by Rivals.com.

He recently trimmed his list of schools down to six schools, and Notre Dame made the cut.

At 5'10" and 195 pounds, Byron Marshall would be a power back in the role of Robert Hughes if he were to commit.

It's expected that he'll announce an official visit to Notre Dame soon.

4. OT Zach Banner

Perhaps one of the largest linemen in this class, Zach Banner of Lakewood, Washington stands at 6'9" and weighs in at 310 pounds.

Also, according to Rivals.com, Banner recorded a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40. For a player of his size to be that quick is scary.

The Irish recently received great news from Banner that he will be making his official visit the weekend of Oct. 22 for the game against arch-rival USC.

3. WR Nelson Agholor

Tampa, Florida native Nelson Agholor has received offers from many of the nation's elite schools, but Notre Dame may have a slight advantage over the field.

Agholor recently spoke with Irish Sports Daily writer Christian McCollum about his professional approach to the recruiting process.

In the interview, Nelson Agholor admitted he desires to play receiver at the college level but is willing to do what is best for the team.

The Irish are in need of another receiver in this class and to have a "RKG" (Right Kind of Guy), as Brian Kelly would call him, would be paramount for the program.

2. RB William Mahone

Austintown, Ohio running back William Mahone is inching closer to a decision as he has trimmed his list to four schools which includes Notre Dame.

Irish Sports Daily recently had a four-part article over William Mahone's recruiting experience with his mother by his side.

I also spoke of his skills in a previous article.

Mahone is set to take his official visit to Notre Dame the weekend of Sept. 17 for the game against the Michigan State Spartans.

1. RB Keith Marshall

Keith Marshall of Raleigh (NC) Millbrook High is the nation's best uncommitted running back.

Rivals.com has rated him as the 55th best player in the nation.

The 5'11", 190-pound athlete recently announced his list of official visits, and a trip to Notre Dame for the weekend of the USC game was one of them.