Notre Dame’s on the field success in 2012 continued to pay dividends on the recruiting trail on Sunday when Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish secured a commitment from 5-star running back Greg Bryant filling a potentail void in the backfield for next season.
With Theo Riddick set to graduate after a fantastic senior season and whispers of Cierre Wood possibly heading to the NFL instead of returning for a 5th year, Notre Dame was in need of a running back in this year’s class like Bryant – especially with rumors of fellow Notre Dame commitment Jamel James leaning towards taking visits elsewhere right now.
Bryant, a 5’1’1″, 197 lbs back, has the ability to step in and compete for a starting role next year with Amir Carlisle, Cam McDaniel, and Will Mahone should Wood forgo a 5th season. Rivals lists the Florida native as a 5-star recruit and both Rivals and ESPN have Bryant as their #2 running back in the entire nation.
Notre Dame came on very strong late in the game for Bryant after he had originally committed to Oklahoma earlier this year. Just as they did in Norman back on Halloween weekend though, the Irish came out on top of Sooners in this recruiting battle after Bryant committed to the Irish following his official visit to Notre Dame this weekend.
Tony Alford was the primary recruiter for Bryant and just as he has done time and time again, Notre Dame’s running backs coaching/recruiting coordinator did a bang up job in securing Bryant’s commitment. Aflord, known for his success in Florida, continues to show why he is one of the most highly regarded recruiters in the country and why he is so valuable to Brian Kelly’s staff.
With Bryant in the fold, the Irish are in great shape at running back even if James does indeed end up elsewhere. Bryant is the kind of every down, combo back that Notre Dame has not had much of over the last decade. Listed with sub 4.5 speed, Bryant is built to be an every down back at the college level who can also bust the long run.
With the addition of Bryant, Notre Dame also continues to climb the ranks of the recruiting rankings and is now sitting at #2 behind only USC in Rivals’ list of top classes with several high profile recruits left on the board that could fall the Irish’s way.
Just as Notre Dame has climbed the actual rankings this year, they have done the same in the recruiting rankings in large part to their success on the field. Notre Dame has added four commitments since the season started and all four of them – Bryant, Cole Luke, Torii Hunter Jr, and Doug Randolph – are considered 4-star or better recruits by Rivals.
Notre Dame also remains in the mix for highly rated recruits such as Max Redfield, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tarean Folston, and Eddie Vanderdoes. Securing a few more commitments from that cast of recruits could end up pushing the Irish past the Trojans in the recruiting rankings giving them the edge on the field and on the recruiting trail in the same year for the first time in a while.
I’m sorry, guys, but I might have missed the conversation about the disappearance of Davonte Neal in the ND’s running back future. He’s a freshman, he was electrifying in high school. Is there a chance he can return kickoffs not punts where he can pick up some blocks. Where does Neal fit in ND’s future?
GEORGE ATKINSON NEEDS TO BE COACHED BY THE ROCKET, WE CAN BEAT ALABAMA WITH A COUPLE OF ROCKET LIKE RETURNS TO BREAK THEIR SPIRIT, WE WOULD HAVE WON A FEW MORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH THE ROCKET WITHOUT THOSE FAKE CLIPPING CALLS
The problem with Atkinson, and go back and watch video, is he is afraid to get hit. He constantly shys away from contact.
I dont have to look back at video on this. I fully agree with you Rick. GAIII is not the same player he was his freshman year. He definately seems to shy away from contact. He also doesnt seem to be able to make defenders miss or break tackles like Riddick and Wood. Hopefully im wrong on this but we will see. Hope C. Wood returns next year.
What about George Atkinson III? I understand that he has not had an incredible season, but with the re-emergence of Riddick and Wood, he didn’t have as many carries this season. The guy is electric and I think would be the incumbent starter should Wood forgo a 5th year (hopefully he doesn’t). What playmakers ND will have for the next several years at QB and RB. Returning a haymaker of talented young receivers and the majority of the defense. Very exciting to be an Irish fan right now…oh yeah…we’re in the National Championship this year too haha. Go Irish!
CIERRE WOOD CAN STAY AND WIN THE HEISMAN NEXT YEAR, STAY WITH US MY FRIEND
Might have won it this year had he not gotten into Kelly Doghouse to start the season.
If our prior running back recruits are to be emulated, Mr. Bryant will be our next lock-down corner (maybe safety in his case)!!!!
Nice article Frank… Did you read about what Greg Bryant’s father said about Notre Dame? This is pasted from an IrishIllustrated article….
“One hundred percent (graduation rate) for minority athletes, 97 percent for team graduation,” father Greg Bryant Sr. said of the reasons behind his son’s commitment. “I like those odds. Everyone else 50 percent or below. It’s bigger than the game of football.”
That is a very strong statement for why Notre Dame is cut above most programs in the nation. Great athletes from strong families want to go to school and learn. Like Greg Bryant Jr said “It’s bigger than the game of football.”
I’ve heard Jemel Jones commitment might be wavering at this moment. Along with Cierre Wood thinking pro, which would be a mistake by his part, getting Greg Bryant was very necessary. He should push Atkinson and the rest for playing time.
THANK YOU NOTRE DAME FOR HAVING A GREAT YEAR IN FOOTBALL. NOW YOU CAN REAP YOUR REWARDS BY GETTING TOP PLAYERS. I ALSO THANK THE COACHS ABILITY FOR GETTING TOP QUALITY PLAYERS TO COMMIT TO THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM. KEEP UP THR GOOD WORK.
LETS GET ONE MORE WIN AND SHOW THE REST OF THE HATERS THAT WE CAN COMPETE WITH ANYONE. GO IRISH