In the Hunt for a LB

Rivals.com is reporting:The transformation from Hawkeye to Irish is complete for Overland Park (Kan.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star linebacker Brian Smith. After five days of long family meetings and numerous talks with friends, family and college, coaches Smith has come to a final decision.

ND needs defense and there is one kid out there that can make a difference.

Brian Smith Profile

Some sites are stating that He has switched his committment and will be Irish.

STORY--(SBT)

2008 Notre Dame Recruiting

Now that signing day is upon us and the Irish have faired well on the offensive side, it's time to look ahead to the recruiting class of 2008.

Notre Dame didn’t issue many scholarship offers during the junior day held on Saturday, but one player that did receive an offer was Dave Posluszny of Hopewell High School (Aliquippa, Pa.) Posluszny didn’t have many expectations heading into the weekend, but he certainly was happy with how everything played out.

Notre Dame needs to sign top defensive talent in order to help new defensive coordinator, Corwin Brown, solidify the defense. One player the Irish have targeted for the 2008 recruiting class is linebacker David Posluszny (6-2, 200 pounds)

"It went really... and they offered me,” Posluszny responded when asked about his junior day visit. “We got there, and coach Latina net with us. He introduced us to the new linebackers coach (coach Polian). My family and I met with him and he asked us a few questions. Then all the recruits gathered together for a presentation.

“I learned a lot more about the academics side of the school and I also got to see more of the facilities. I really liked everything. I was really impressed with everything that they have to offer

And One More:

Paterson Catholic (N.J.) head coach Benji Wimberly still gets questions from college recruiters about whether or not Jarel Lowery could still play tight end. The answer is yes, but at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds and growing, Lowery will be one of the most sought after defensive tackles in the recruiting class of 2008.

Lowery’s junior season didn’t go as originally anticipated. He was the returning starter at tight end for the defending state champions. He was expecting a bigger role at defensive end, after playing spot duty as a sophomore. Colleges across the country were interested in him as a tight end. He was ready to really bust out.

Then in August, Wimberly approached Lowery and told him that after analyzing what personnel the team had, it would be better if he moved to defensive and offensive tackle. Back in June, Lowery shocked everybody by weighing in at 275 pounds, even though he appeared to be much smaller. Muscle outweighs fat, and that was certainly the case here, and that’s what originally sent this solution in motion

Paterson Catholic lined up mostly in a 4-3 defense, and sometimes a 5-2, but Lowery wouldn’t be against playing in the 3-4 on the next level.

“I’d be interested in that because I would love to learn something new. I would look into that a lot.”

That has already been proven.

“I think he is a Notre Dame type kid,” Wimberly said. “I think he has the character they’re looking for. I think he is a Penn State, Boston College, Notre Dame type kid. Excellent student (3.2 GPA), and that doesn’t hurt at all.”

Jerome Bettis Grille 36

Bettis

Former Steeler and Notre Dame Fighting Irish Bettis' restaurant, opening in May, is part of a surge of development expected around the stadiums this year

Recruit Profile

Steve Paskorz--Big, Physical and versatile. Something the Irish need in the coming years.

SCOUT.COM

Notre Dame commitment Steve Paskorz typifies the type of player the Irish coaches are bringing into the program. The standout from Hampton high school (Allison Park, Pa.) has the athleticism to play multiple positions and his attitude is all about winning.

He is 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and has fought his way through two injuries during the past year. Now that he is healthy he’s focusing on being prepared for the next stage of his career.

Paskorz built his reputation as being a physical, punishing running back throughout high school. He certainly has the ability to work into the backfield rotation at Notre Dame, but the Notre Dame staff intends to use him on the defensive side of the ball.

Steve is anxious to get rolling at Notre Dame, but until he reports he is going to enjoy his final days of high school.

“I think I’m going to enjoy being a regular student the last couple months,” he said. “I thought about the early graduation thing, but you just miss a lot of high school things and that’s just something I don’t want to do. I might take a couple visits to Notre Dame, because I know a couple students that are from around my area. I’ll definitely make it to the spring game.”

Paul Stefanik update

Paul Stefanik

A few days ago I mentioned that he was a guy that is getting recruited late in the game. Some big schools are stepping up now. ND has not offered yet, but from the sound of this story, they don't need to.

CHOICES