Notre Dame Football: Top Recruits in Notre Dame's 2012 Class

Upon taking the job at Notre Dame as the head coach, many critics doubted Brian Kelly’s ability to recruit—particularly in South Bend. In years past, the Irish have had success bringing in talent on the offensive side of the football. However, the defense has lacked talent. Aside from highly touted LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame simply has not been able to compete at a high level on defense.

This is changing under Kelly—and changing fast. When asked about recruiting early in his tenure, Kelly said that he wanted to bring in defensive players, because he was not worried about his ability to recruit and develop offensive talent. The coaching staff has done just that. Elite prospects such as Troy Niklas, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt and Ishaq Williams, prove the Notre Dame staff will beat out top programs for their services.

Many Irish fans are familiar with the story of the recruitment of Ishaq Williams. For those that do not know, Williams—a linebacker from Brookyln, New York—was all but committed to Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. That is, before Bob Diaco decided to show up in the wee hours of the morning to sway Williams to don the Blue and Gold.

These are the type of stories that have me excited to be a Notre Dame fan.

I remember the days under Charlie Weiss when a former teammate of mine, Jeff Samardzija, was setting records in South Bend. The offense was unbelievable, but the defense simply did not compete, as evidenced by several bowl losses under Weiss.

Now fans in South Bend are excited to watch the Irish defense that through five games are in the top 25 in several defensive categories; and after the demolition of in-state rival Purdue, the D appears to look better after each game.

The sky is bright once again in Notre Dame. Let's take a look at who will be suiting up for the Irish next fall.

Tee Shephard

According to Scout.com, Shepard is the No. 3 CB in the country, and he has recently decided to enroll early at Notre Dame. And as an added bonus his cousin is four-star WR Deontay Greenberry, who is also committed to the Irish.

Shepard has been offered by every big name program in the country, and for good reason. At 6’0'' and 172 lbs., this CB has the size and speed to cover any WR that is put in front of him. 

Sheldon Day

Playing football in the state of Indiana for three years, I am well aware of Warren Central. The team has been absolutely dominant for the football landscape over the last two decades. Sheldon Day is yet another great Warren Central football player who has been dominant in central Indiana.

This player is the ideal DT in a 3-4 scheme.

Notre Dame caught a lot of flack for rescinding their offer to fellow DT Tommy Schutt. However, with a commit from Day, they have one of the elite prospects in the country. He has the size, intellect and ability to be a dominant force for the Irish defense in the near future.

Day has drawn comparisons to Hall of famer Warren Sapp—enough said.

Jarron Jones

Quoting a famous hip-hop lyric, “If you don’t know, now ya know.” If you are unfamiliar with DT prospect Jarron Jones, I'm here to inform you.

Jarron Jones is arguably the best DT tackle in the nation. Jones and Shedlon Day will form an outstanding defensive line for the Irish.

Irish fans, picture this: Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day. Every one of these prospects have NFL talent. In the 3-4 scheme under Bob Diaco’s tutelage, look for ND to dominate the line of scrimmage.

Deontay Greenberry

There is one word to describe Greenberry’s game: NASTY.

He will fill in nicely for record-setting WR Michael Floyd. His aspirations for this season are as follows: average 200 yards receiving each game.

Not bad right?

Ronald Darby

Ronald Darby is arguably the fastest recruit in the nation.

He has blazing speed, and his teammates call him “nitro” for his ability to speed up the offensive attack. Do not count out the possibility for this prospect to play tailback in South Bend. He has that amount of talent, and skill set.

David Perkins

Perkins is yet another in-state product. This LB/RB prospect out of South Bend is a very solid addition for the Irish.

He is one of the best players in the country, and whatever side of the ball he lands on, he will be one of the best.