Rockne's Roundtable

Well, here I go again. Just like I did in 2012, I am putting out my best attempt of a top prospects list. I realize that I am not staff nor do I pretend to be. I am just a guy that likes recruiting, enjoys watching film, and loves thinking about the future possibilities for the Irish. I have also added hyperlinks to all of the players’ 247 pages. It took a lot longer to do, but I think it’s a quality feature that adds a lot to the thread.

If you have anyone you want me to add, remove, or edit, just let me know. I am open to anything. I just want to keep this thread as active and current as possible through NSD 2014.

Also, I want to give a special thank you to Star69 and Jiggafini19 for helping me compile the list when I was running low on names. It is early on so might as well make the list big and take it from there.

Staff, you are more than welcome to help me out as well. If someone on here doesn’t belong or if I am missing a big name, please let me know.
________________________________________________________________________

ATH Jabrill Peppers – #8 overall/#1 ATH – 6’1”/205 lbs. – Paramus, NJ – Offered – Probability: Medium

-In my opinion, one of the top three targets for the Irish in 2014. He is an incredible athlete with great fluidity and ball skills. Likely a lock-down pure #1 CB, but the possibilities are endless. A must have.

ATH Nathan Starks – #26 overall/#3 ATH – 5’11”/200 lbs. – Las Vegas, NV – Offered – Probability: Medium

ATH Budda Baker – #56 overall/#6 ATH – 5’10”/170 lbs. – Bellevue, WA – Offered – Probability: Low

ATH Jamil Kamara – #96 overall/#8 ATH – 6’2”/195 lbs. – Virginia Beach, VA – No Offer – Probability: Low

ATH Elijah Hood – #106 overall/#9 ATH – 5’11.5”/209 lbs. – Charlotte, NC – Offered- Probability: LOW

-Seems to be focused in on the Irish. Listed as an athlete, but likely destined to be a running back. He’s a very good prospect and very good student. Tailor-made to be Irish.

ATH Dareian Watkins – #119 overall/#10 ATH – 6’2”/192 lbs. – Galion, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

-Listed as an athlete, but also a DT QB. Not sure if he is Jalin Marshall and going to make the switch going into college or Denard Robinson and going to wait until he has to.

ATH Kiy Hester – #172 overall/#15 ATH – Wayne, NJ – No Offer – Probability: Low

ATH Montae Nicholson – #185 overall/#16 S – 6’3”/200 lbs. – Monroeville, PA – No Offer – Probability: Low

-List as a S, but 6’3” and rangy. Could also work at WR or be that Seattle-type long CB.

ATH Joe Mixon – #20 ATH – 6’2”/195 lbs. – Oakley, CA – No Offer – Probability: Low/Medium

ATH Tommy Mister – #33 ATH – 6’2”/185 lbs. – Oak Lawn, IL – Offered – Probability: High

QB DJ Gillins – #116 overall/#1 Dual – 6’3”/185 lbs. – Jacksonville, FL – No Offer – Probability: Medium

QB Brandon Dawkins – #9 Dual – 6’3”/190 lbs. – Thousand Oaks, CA – Offered – Probability: Medium

-Has the Notre Dame connection already being from Thousand Oaks. One of the top QB’s in the nation and a true dual threat. He is a pass-first dual-threat QB. I can see him developing into a very good college QB and doesn’t lack the height like many dual QB’s.

QB DeShone Kizer – #7 Dual – 6’5”/207 lbs. – Toledo, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

QB Randall Cunningham II – NR – 6’4”/180 lbs. – Las Vegas, NV – No Offer – Probability: Low

QB Morgan Mahalak – NR – 6’3”/190 lbs. – Greenbrae, CA – No Offer – Probability: Low/High

-I am sure you are wondering how his probability could be low/high. I rated him at that level because I don’t know if he ever gets the offer he wants so the odds of him ending up Irish probably are not good. However, if he does get it you can almost be assured he would commit. He is a huge Irish fan. Family is all about the Irish. He's an impressive athlete, but very raw as a QB. I would really love to see him get an opportunity to compete at the Elite 11 Camp with Trent Dilfer to see what he can do. Maybe just maybe he ends up Irish.

RB Leonard Fournette – #2 overall/#1 RB – 6’/215 lbs. – New Orleans, LA – Offered – Probability: Low

-An elite RB prospect. The best I’ve seen since AP2K. I know our odds aren’t good, but I just hope he doesn’t end up at Alabama.

RB Sony Michel – #18 overall/#3 RB – 5’11”/190 lbs. – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Offered – Probability: Medium

-As the high school teammate and friend of Michael Deeb, not to mention one of the most productive HS RB’s I’ve ever seen, he has to be a main target for the Irish. A difference maker from day one.

RB Jeff Jones – #89 overall/#7 RB – 6’/195 lbs. – Minneapolis, MN – No Offer – Probability: Medium (Committed to Minnesota)

-Despite his recent commitment to the University of Minnesota, I still feel he could end up Irish if the offer is extended. Given the size of the class we are taking, we will let Hood and Michel make their decisions before we decide on Jones.

RB Nick Wilson – #113 overall/#11 RB – 5’11”/196 lbs. – Fresno, CA – No Offer – Probability: Low

RB Mikale Wilbon – #152 overall/#12 RB – Chicago, IL – No Offer – Probability: Low

RB Jonathan Hilliman – #33 RB – 6’1”/210 lbs. – Jersey City, NJ – No Offer – Probability: Low/Medium

APB Justin Jackson – #170 overall/#3 APB – 5’11”/180 lbs. – Carol Stream, IL – No Offer – Probability: Low

WR Speedy Noil – #17 overall/#1 WR – 5’10”/175 lbs. – New Orleans, LA – Offered – Probability: Low

WR Mark Andrews – #63 overall/#8 WR – 6’6”/225 lbs. – Scottsdale, AZ – Offered – Probability: Low

WR Michiah Quick – #75 overall/#9 WR – 6’/170 lbs. – Fresno, CA – Offered – Probability: Medium

-I don’t what it is, but a Fresno WR with offers from Notre Dame AND Houston scares me. All laughs aside, very good WR.

WR Drake Harris – #36 overall/#3 WR – 6’4”/180 lbs. – Grand Rapids, MI – Offered – Probability: Low

-Harris is a very intriguing prospect. Great athlete. Also a stand out basketball prospect. I would love to land him as another target for our QB’s.

WR Artavis Scott – #114 overall/#14 WR – 5’10”/175 lbs. – Tarpon Springs, FL – Offered – Probability: Low/Medium

WR Derek Kief – #130 overall/#20 WR – 6’5”/185 lbs. – Cincinnati, OH – Offered – Probability: Low

WR Trey Quinn – #118 overall/#15 WR – 6’1”/192 lbs. – Lake Charles, LA – Offered – Probability: Low

WR Terry Googer – #32 WR – 6’4”/211 lbs. – Atlanta, GA – Offered – Probability: Low/Medium

-You can’t teach size. This is one kid I would like to see attached to Notre Dame more on the recruiting trail.

WR Dominique Booth – #223 overall/#25 WR – 6’1”/195 lbs. – Indianapolis, IN – No Offer – Probability: Low

WR Corey Holmes – #38 WR – 6’1”/175 lbs. – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Offered – Probability: Medium

WR Justin Brent – #50 WR – 6’3”/190 lbs. – Indianapolis, IN – Offered – Probability: COMMITTED

-One of the four Irish commits and a player I think will shock some people. Big WR, physical for thin frame, and catches the ball well. We have been looking for that ‘big’ target on the outside to replace MF3, he could be it in 2014.

WR Austin Roberts – #49 WR – 6’2”/210 lbs. – Carmel, IN – No Offer – Probability: Low

WR Dallas Todd – #90 overall/#11 WR – 6’5”/205 lbs. – La Mirada, CA – Offered – Probability: Medium

WR Lonnie Johnson – #52 WR – 6’3”/190 lbs. – Gary, IN – No Offer – Probability: Low/Medium

-An Indiana kid, but the small class ND looks to take may be too tight to fit him in.

TE Tyler Luatua – #24 overall/#1 TE – 6’4”/230 lbs. – La Mirada, CA – Offered – Probability: Medium

-Given the recent history of great TE’s at Notre Dame, I am hopefully we have a good shot at getting this kid out of CA. He is far and away the best TE in the class and one that I think could be special.

TE Jeb Blazevich – #198 overall/#5 TE – 6’4.5”/230 lbs. – Charlotte, NC – Offered – Probability: Medium

TE Nic Weishar – #231 overall/#6 TE – 6’5”/215 lbs. – Chicago, IL – Offered – Probability: Medium/High

-A prospect I have always liked. He has outgrown the WR position perhaps, but could be used as a split out TE all the same. Great size and hands. It will be interesting to see how the staff handles the TE’s they are recruiting with all having some interest in ND and the Irish looking to take a smaller class in 2014.

TE Daniel Helm – NR – 6’5”/220 lbs. – Chatham, IL – No Offer – Probability: Low

TE Devin Pike – NR – 6’5”/225 lbs. – Cincinnati, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

TE Ethan Wolf – NR – 6’6”/221 lbs. – Minster, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

OT KC McDermott – #23 overall/#3 OT – 6’6”/285 lbs. – West Palm Beach, FL – Offered – Probability: Medium

OT Jamarco Jones – #47 overall/#4 OT – 6’6”/290 lbs. – Chicago, IL – Offered – Probability: Medium

OT Roderick Johnson – #86 overall/#9 OT – 6’7”/310 lbs – Florissant, MO – No Offer – Probability: Low

OT Casey Tucker – #133 overall/#13 OT – 6’6”/270 lbs. – Chandler, AZ – Offered – Probability: Low/Medium (Committed to USC)

-Despite his commitment to USC, I think it could be considered very soft at this point. Since USC’s recruiter of AZ was fired they have not spoken with him. He goes to the same HS as Cole Luke. He is interested in visiting ND. I think his recruitment is a long way from being over.

OT Alex Bars – #201 overall/#20 OT – 6’6”/286 lbs. – Nashville, TN – Offered – Probability: Low

OT Jovan Pruitt – #35 OT – 6’6”/290 lbs. – Dallas, TX – Offered – Probability: Low

- I can’t say I understand this. Offer the #35 OT who has little to no interest in ND when we have the #15 OT in Reilly Gibbons drooling at the mouth for an Irish offer.

OT Ka’John Armstrong – NR– 6’5”/270 lbs. – Detroit, MI – No Offer – Probability: Low

OG Braden Smith – #19 overall/#1 OG – 6’6”/282 lbs. – Olathe, KS – Offered – Probability: Medium

-Whether he’s a guard or a tackle, he’s a dominate run blocker and developing in the pass pro. He’s well built and has plenty more room to add weight. He could be an immediate contributor and is one of my favorite OL prospects of the year. Along with Peppers, Michel, and McDowell, he’s one of the must-haves in my 2014 Irish class.

OG Isaiah Wynn – #181 overall/#8 OG – 6’3”/265 lbs. – St. Petersburg, FL – No Offer – Probability: Low

OG/DT Sam Mustipher – #199 overall/#11 OG – 6’4”/285 lbs. – Olney, MD – Offered – Probability: Medium/High

OG Steven Moss – #14 OG – 6’5”/275 lbs. – Fredericksburg, VA – No Offer – Probability: Low

OG Jimmy Byrne – #22 OG – 6’4”/275 lbs. – Cleveland, OH – Offered – Probability: COMMITTED

-Jimmy is a prospect I love. He is an underrated prospect in my opinion and one that I believe will see a significant rise in his rankings before NSD 2014. Not only that, but a RKG and from a school that we could use a pipeline to.

DE Da’Shawn Hand – #1 overall/#1 DE – 6’5”/247 lbs. – Woodbridge, VA – Offered – Probability: Low

DE Lorenzo Carter – #3 overall/#2 DE – 6’6”/232 lbs. – Norcross, GA – Offered – Probability: Low

DE Malik McDowell – #25 overall/#4 DE – 6’7”/290 lbs. – Detroit, MI – Offered – Probability: Medium

-We are all enamored with the size of Stephon Tuitt and McDowell is bigger already. He is far and away the best option for our 3-4 and has to be a priority. Put him in Longo’s system and he will be a dominant DE for us immediately.

DE Nifae Lealao – #36 overall/#4 SDE – 6’5”/282 lbs. – Sacramento, CA – No Offer – Probability: Low

-We need to get involved before he commits to Stanford. He is a big talent. Perfect for our defense. With an offer to Stanford we know that grades aren’t an issue. I suspect the offer is coming soon.

DE/OLB Jalyn Holmes – #40 overall/#8 DE – 6’5”/225 lbs. – Norfolk, VA – No Offer – Probability: Low

DE Gerald Willis – #71 overall/#5 SDE – 6’2”/246 lbs. – New Orleans, LA – No Offer – Probability: Low

DE Andrew Trumbetti – #101 overall/#13 DE – 6’5”/250 lbs. – Demarest, NJ – Offered – Probability: COMMITTED

DE Jesse Aniebonam – #110 overall/#14 DE – 6’4”/230 lbs. – Olney, MD – No Offer – Probability: Medium

-Evidently could be part of a package deal with Sam Mustipher. If that's the case, the Irish are going very good. He's a big prospect and could fit the DE/OLB position.

DE Deondre Clark – #173 overall/#21 DE – 6’3”/230 lbs – Oklahoma City, OK – Offered – Probability: Medium

DE Andrew Williams – #191 overall/#26 DE – 6’4”/231 lbs. – Mcdonough, GA – Offered – Probability: High

DE/OG Kendall Baker – NR – 6’6”/275 lbs. – Atlanta, GA – No Offer – Probability: Low

-Listed at OG, but ranked as DE and I think that’s what we would recruit him as. A big kid already we could play DE in the 3-4 or slide inside during the 4-3 look.

DE/OLB Gelen Robinson – #20 SDE – 6’2”/232 lbs. – St. John, IN – No Offer – Probability: Low

DT Khairi Clark – #46 overall/#4 DT – 6’3”/285 lbs. – Hollywood, FL – Offered – Probability: Medium

DT Jay Hayes – #125 overall/# 9 DT – 6’5”/270 lbs. – Brooklyn, NY – Offered – Probability: COMMITTED

DT Enoch Smith Jr. – #19 DT – 6’3”/270 lbs. – Chicago, IL – Offered – Probability: Medium/High

DT Daniel Cage – #31 DT – 6’3”/275 lbs. –Cincinnati, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

DT Thomas Holley – NR – 6’4”/285 lbs. – Brooklyn, NY – Offered – Probability: Low

DT/OG Natrell Curtis – #18 OG – 6’3”/285 lbs. – Phoenix, AZ – Offered – Probability: Low

-While his ranking is at OG, we are recruiting him as a NT. Just like many of our other recruits, the positional flexibility provides additional value.

-From the same HS as Ishaq Williams. Very raw talent. Worth keeping an eye on.

ILB Raekwon McMillan – #13 overall/#2 ILB – 6’3”/236 lbs. – Hinesville, GA – Offered – Probability: Low

ILB Nyles Morgan – #63 overall/#4 ILB – 6’2”/228 lbs. – Crete, IL – Offered – Probability: Medium/High

ILB Davonte James – #14 ILB – 6’3”/220 lbs. – Springfield, OH – No Offer – Probability: Low

ILB Greg Miclisse – NR – 6’1”/235 lbs. – Palm Bay, FL – No Offer – Probability: Low/High

OLB Dwight Williams – #118 overall/#5 OLB – 6’/190 lbs. – Gardena, CA – No Offer – Probability: Low

-He’s a phenomenal athlete, but that size is a major concern. It may win out, but it will be interesting to see how his recruitment goes because of it. Is he a safety? Is he capable of adding 50 lbs.? We shall see.

OLB Chris Register – #150 overall/#11 OLB – 6’4”/210 lbs. – Greensboro, NC – No Offer – Probability: Low

OLB Dillon Bates – #214 overall/#15 OLB – 6’3”/218 lbs. – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Offered – Probability: Medium

OLB Greer Martini – #219 overall/#16 OLB – 6’3”/210 lbs. – Woodberry Forrest, VA – Offered – Probability: COMMITTED

-The HS teammate of 2013 commit Doug Randolph was our first commitment of 2014 and looks to be another very good prospect. While I do think he needs to add 20-30 lbs., he shows instincts and good agility and quickness on tape. He’s another one that should rise in the rankings.

OLB Brandon Lee – #21 OLB – 6’3”/215 lbs. – Indianapolis, IN – No Offer – Probability: Low

OLB Melvin Keihn – #21 DE – 6’3”/225 lbs. – Baltimore, MD – No Offer – Probability: Medium

OLB Vincent Jackson – #31 OLB – 6’2”/235 lbs. – Tampa, FL – Offered – Probability: Low

-I can’t believe I forgot my dude from Tampa. I think he’s insanely underrated although he does lack the foot speed of an elite OLB (See: Jaylon Smith). However, I don’t think he’s necessarily a Calabrese (downhill banger almost exclusively) either. Perhaps Dan Fox-type athleticism.

CB Jalen Tabor – #22 overall/#3 CB – 6’1”/182 lbs. – Washington, DC – Offered – Probability: Medium

CB Adoree’ Jackson – #34 overall/#4 CB – 5’10”/170 lbs. – Gardena, CA – Offered – Probability: Low

CB Parrker Westphal – #171 overall/#14 CB – 6’/186 lbs. – Bolingbrook, IL – Offered – Probability: Low

CB Troy Vincent Jr. – #26 CB – 5’10”/192 lbs. – Rockville, MD – No Offer – Probability: Low

-Another player with a very good player father. I firmly believe that a kid with a famous dad knows the ropes and will be that much better for it. Another to watch.

CB Al Harris Jr. – NR – 6’/170 lbs. – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – No Offer – Probability: Low

-Not rated yet, but he’s a 6’ CB with some excellent lineage. He’s one to watch in the secondary.

CB Nicholas Ruffin – NR – 6’/165 lbs. – Atlanta, GA – No Offer – Probability: Low

S John ‘JuJu’ Smith – #16 Overall/#3 S – 6’1”/200 lbs. – Long Beach, CA – Offered – Probability: Medium

S Jamal Adams – #84 overall/#8 S – 6’/185 lbs. – Carrollton, TX – Offered – Probability: Low

S Deion Singleton – #27 S – 6’1.5”/165 lbs. – Tallahassee, FL – No Offer – Probability: Low

K Connor Foley – NR – 6’1”/195 lbs. – Philadelphia, PA – No Offer – Probability: Low

K Steven Weyler – NR – 5’11”/170 lbs – Springfield, PA – No Offer – Probability: Low

Side Note: I tried to add South Bend's very own short-yardage everything player IrishBob, but unfortunately I couldn't find his page to link. I will provide his statistics for those interested.

SYE IrishBob - NR - taller than 6'/bigger than 250 lbs. - South Bend, IN - No Offer - Probability: Very Low/Guaranteed

-While IB isn't the most amazing prospect I have ever seen, he shows a lot of heart and determination. There are questions about his quickness, speed, agility, acceleration, strength, etc., but he can drink! Once you look past all the physical limitations you find a prospect that is Irish as they come and belongs on this team. I say throw him an offer. If nothing else, the team will be kept loose and laughing. There is value to that. Ask the B&G Rockne's Roundtable. He's a valuable asset for any team.

ATH- Jabrill Peppers/Nathan Starks/Budda Baker/Jamil Kamara/Elijah Hood/Dareian Watkins/Kiy Hester/Montae Nicholson/Joe Mixon/Tommy Mister
QB- Caleb Henderson/Drew Barker/DJ Gillins/Brandon Dawkins/DeShone Kizer/Randall Cunningham II/Morgan Mahalak/Shelby Spence/Mason Rudolph
RB- Leonard Fournette/Sony Michel/Jeff Jones/Nick Wilson/Mikale Wilbon/Johnathan Hilliman/Chris James/Mikel Horton/Ish Witter
APB- Justin Jackson/Christian McCaffrey
WR- Speedy Noil/Malachi Dupre/Mark Andrews/Michiah Quick/Dallis Todd/Drake Harris/Josh Malone/Artavis Scott/Derek Kief/Trey Quinn/Jalen Harvey/Terry Googer/Johnnie Dixon/Dominique Booth/Trevon Lee/Corey Holmes/Justin Brent/Austin Roberts/Lonnie Johnson/Saeed Blacknall/Adonis Jennings/Dorian Leonard/Dionte Sykes
WR/TE- Ian Bunting/Moral Stephens
TE- Tyler Luatua/Jeb Blazevich/Nick Weishar/Daniel Helm/Devin Pike/Ethan Wolf/Dalton Schultz
OT- Jamarco Jones/Roderick Johnson/Alex Bars/Ka'John Armstrong/Jovan Pruitt
OG/OC- Braden Smith/Mason Cole/Isaiah Wynn/Sam Mustipher/Steven Moss/Corey Martinez/Jimmy Byrne/Brian Allen/Nick Allegretti
DE- Da’Shawn Hand/Lorenzo Carter/Malik McDowell/Nifae Lealao/Jalyn Holmes/Gerald Willis/Andrew Trumbetti/Jesse Aniebonam/Deondre Clark/Dewayne Hendrix/Andrew Williams/Kentavius Street/Kendall Baker
DT- Khairi Clark/Josh Frazier/Jay Hayes/Craig Evans/Enoch Smith Jr./Thomas Holley/Adam Torres/Natrell Curtis
OLB- Dwight Williams/Chris Register/Dillon Bates/Greer Martini/Brandon Lee/Melvin Keihn/Gelen Robinson/KeShun Freeman
ILB- Raekwon McMillan/Nyles Morgan/Davonte James/Greg Miclisse
CB- Jalen Tabor/Adoree Jackson/Parrker Westphal/Kyle Gibson/Troy Vincent Jr./Al Harris Jr./Nicholas Ruffin
S- JuJu Smith/Jamal Adams/Deion Singleton/Quincy Wilson
K- Connor Foley/Steve Weyler