The biggest news of the day, at least in the college football world, is Notre Dame landing #2 quarterback, #20 overall in the class of 2012 according to ESPNU recruit Gunner Kiel- who de-committed from both LSU and the Hoosiers to get here.
Today, recruits are more about getting playing time now, and less about redshirting and waiting in the wings. With Dayne Crist gone to Kansas, and the flux of the Tommy Rees vs. Andrew Hendrix situation, Kiel’s decision says a lot about the QB situation in South Bend. Coach Brian Kelly may love Tommy Rees, and there is future potential in both Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson, but apparently Kiel feels he can get the QB1 gig in reasonably short time.
Let’s look at who else is going to the Golden Dome with Kiel today.
Additions to Notre Dame football team:
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School)
Amir Carlisle^ RB 5-10 180 Santa Clara, CA (Kings Academy)
Sheldon Day* DL 6-2 286 Indianapolis, IN (Warren Central)
Gunner Kiel* QB 6-4 220 Columbus, IN (Columbus East)
Tee Shepard* DB 6-1 186 Fresno, CA (Washington Union)
^ – Transfer from USC
* – Early-enrollee freshman
Carlisle will have to sit out 2012 but will have three seasons of eligibility remaining beginning in 2013.
Carlisle played in eight games for USC in 2011. He totaled 19 rushes for 118 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and posted seven receptions for 41 yards with one touchdown. His best game for the Trojans came at Colorado when Carlisle had 90 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 31 yards, including a 19-yard TD reception.
Shepard was rated the third-best cornerback in his class by Scout.com and the number-36 player nationally by MaxPreps and Tom Lemming. Shepard was forced to sit out his senior season after transferring from Central East High School in Fresno. He made 10 interceptions in his high school career and played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix.
Day was a second-team selection on the SI.com High School All-America team. The Indianapolis Star Super Team Player of the Year for 2011 was also runner-up for 2011Indiana Mr. Football award chosen by Indiana Football Coaches Association
Notre Dame will lose a good chunk of their offensive line, and team MVP wide receiver Michael Floyd on offense. Seven starters graduate on defense, so these replenishments will help them out greatly in rebuilding/reloading next year.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
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