It’s a winter wonderland in South Bend. With the first big snowfall of the new year falling earlier this week, Notre Dame will welcome four important guests to a very picturesque campus. For the four warm weather state recruits, a January weekend with temperatures in the 20s will pull no punches, giving kids a true picture of winter at its finest. But with less than two weeks to go before Signing Day, there’s good reason for highly touted players to give Notre Dame one of their last looks.
With 22 current commitments, there’s not a ton of room left on the bus. Earlier this week, one more prospective player took himself out of contention, with California wideout Sebastian Larue declaring the Irish out of the running. Multiple reports had Larue’s offer still contingent on some work in the classroom, and many believe the parting was mutual.
Let’s take a closer look at the four targets making their way to South Bend this weekend.
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Kylie Fitts, DE: 6-4, 260 lbs.
Fitts was long committed to USC until earlier this month, when Fitts was reportedly told he no longer had a spot to early enroll. After graduating early from high school, the Southern California native opened up his recruitment and Notre Dame was there from then on.
A USC Army All-American, Fitts looks like a prototype defensive end for the Irish, though he’ll need to continue to put on weight. Fitts is still considering UCLA, Oregon and Washington, with staying on the West Coast seemingly likely, but all bets are off until he finally visits Notre Dame’s campus.
Fitts might not be a huge need in the recruiting class, but Brian Kelly and Bob Diaco seem happy to stockpile big bodies. With Kapron Lewis-Moore moving on and Stephon Tuitt likely with a tough decision to make after next season, adding another defensive end -- especially a top 150 player in the country -- would be a good move.
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Deon Hollins, LB: 6-2, 225 lbs.
Hollins received a visit from Bob Diaco and Kerry Cooks this week, with the result an official visit set for the weekend. In Hollins, they have a player that’s a little bit outside profile, but he’s got pass rush skills that would immediately make an impact for the Irish.
Hollins is committed to UCLA, but taking visits the next two weekends. “Me and my dad and my family thought it’d be smart to weigh our options, visit other places, just make sure that UCLA is the right place for us,” Hollins said earlier this week.
Getting Hollins away from UCLA would be a major feat for the Irish coaching staff, especially with the Bruins recruiting class looking stronger by the day. But when the Irish staff fawns over Hollins’ pass rush skills and opportunity to thrive in the Irish defense, it won’t be lip service. He’s an elite athlete that’s got true difference making speed.
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Durham Smythe, TE: 6-6, 235 lbs.
Smythe is a guy that’s come onto Notre Dame’s radar late, with the Irish thought to be closed at the position once Mike Heuerman committed to the 2013 class. But Smythe’s de-commitment from Texas and reopening of his recruitment gave the Irish another opportunity to reconsider, and he’s built a ton of fans inside the program.
A quick look at Smythe’s offers gives you an idea of the type of prospect that he is. Michigan, Stanford, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, and Texas join a flock of others. Smythe may not be ranked in the final Rivals250, but he’s got elite recruiting cohorts, and that certainly says something.
Many think this is down to Stanford, Michigan and the Irish, but reading the tea leaves, Notre Dame could be in very good shape. The admissions process still isn’t finished at Stanford, and Michigan’s recruiting class already features two tight ends. Smythe has to see the Irish’s recent success with tight ends, and a favorable depth chart as reasons to give Notre Dame a very close look this weekend.
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Eddie Vanderdoes, DL: 6-3, 310 lbs.
There’s no bigger target left on Notre Dame’s radar than Vanderdoes. He’s an elite talent, a consensus top 25 players in the country, a five-star prospect, and the heir apparent to Louis Nix if he decides to come to South Bend. With the size to play inside and the speed to play outside, Vanderdoes’ versatility makes him a key weapon to any defensive front at the college level.
Vanderdoes visited USC again last weekend, spending time with Trojan players and commits as they tried desperately to get him back into the fold. Even athletic director Pat Haden was seen putting in work with the prized lineman, and the Trojans offered Vanderdoes’ 13-year old sister a basketball scholarship, hoping that’d help keep him in California (that move was also reportedly done by Alabama).
Vanderdoes will be visiting campus with both his parents, a key towards securing the commitment of one of the nation’s top players. But there’s still road to cover, with Vanderdoes tripping down to see Nick Saban next weekend as well. The Irish will put their best foot forward this weekend, with none other than Louis Nix hosting the recruit this weekend.
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