I discussed it briefly during the IBG, but the boys at One Foot Down did a nice job breaking down the recruiting wars that have been taking place between Palo Alto and South Bend the past few years.
If you want a better look give it a read, but here’s a cliffnotes version of the common battles between Stanford and Notre Dame and the wins and losses for the Irish and Cardinal last year.
2010 RECRUITING CLASS
NOTRE DAME WINS: Tai-ler JonesTate Nichols
Chris Badger
STANFORD WINS:
Devon Carrington
Blake Lueders
My take: TJ Jones is the recruit that’s done the most damage out of all these players, as Lueders and Carrington have only received spot duty, with each chipping in a few tackles thus far. Still, both Lueders and Carrington are in positions of need for the Irish, and Kelly would’ve taken them both.
Here’s One Foot Down’s breakdown of the 2011 recruiting class:
2011 Class
This year provides a truer measure of the Kelly vs. Harbaugh staff recruiting battles. The Irish have concentrated on OL and Defensive front seven needs and been quite successful.
Notre Dame Wins (5)
Matt Hegarty (OT, NM) - A top OT, Matt chose Notre Dame and has been solid. Rivals ranks Matt as a four star and the #5 OT in this class.
Conor Hanratty (OG, CN) - Conor had Stanford in his favorites, but when ND offered, he accepted.
Clay Burton (OLB/DE, FL) - Clay will play the position Lueders would have taken.
Tony Springmann (DE/OL) - This Indiana native stayed home, choosing the Irish. Stanford was one of his top choices, though.
Jarrett Grace (ILB, OH) - An April commit to the Irish, this Cincinnati Colerain prospect will be a solid addition to the Irish LB core and ranked the #22 ILB.
Stanford Wins (2)
Brendan Austin (OT, CO) - The Irish hotly pursued Brendan for our remaining ROT slot, but he has chosen the Cardinal. Brendan is a four star and the #22 ranked OT in this class.
James Vaughters (ILB, GA) - James was offered early by the Irish, but we did not make his top 5 favorites. He is a four star prospect, ranked the #5 ILB in this class.
Remaining Battles
Wayne Lyons (S, FL) - One of the top Safeties in this class, Wayne would be a terrific addition to the Irish class at a position of need. Both ND and Stanford have made his top 7, which also include the three Florida schools, Nebraska and UCLA. Wayne has made two Official Visits (ND and UCLA) with one set up for Nebraska.
Troy Niklas (TE, CA) - Troy has narrowed his list to Notre Dame and Stanford. Troy was initially considered a DE prospect for the Irish until commitments from two top DEs. Will the Irish have room?
Miles Shuler (Ath, NJ) - Miles plays QB in high school, but his 4.4 speed projects him as a WR in college. His top seven include Notre Dame but not Stanford.
Brennan Scarlett (DE/OLB, OR) - Brennan has offers from both schools, but ND has probably filled up at his position. He has yet to narrow his list, but may remain on the West coast.
While the recruiting battle for the 2011 is far from over, from Stanford’s perspective, the Cardinal want to get an Official Visit from Lyons, secure Niklas from ND, and make Scarlett’s list of favorites. Notre Dame would love to fill out their class with Lyons and Shuler among a few others.