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What a terrible NSD. Lose Darby, lose Decker, never get Yuri, or either Armstead. Then gain Gunner, who I think is pretty overhyped and I really don't want to see him in the mix with Hendrix/Golson. Then not land anybody else to replace these guys. ND NEEDS CORNERS. ND NEEDS WRs. And then losing IMO the second best recruit in the class (Tee is 1st) and the best offensive player in the class?
As good as last years class was, I am severely underwhelmed at what has happened since the Stanford game. I am not calling for Kelly's head or anything but it's hard to get excited when the momentum of the program has been heading down since November.
Was it an underwhelming signing day? Sure. I won't try to act impressed with it. Losing Darby stung but he was really the only guy that hurts a ton and that was seen coming from MILES away. Greenberry leaving is what it is. Go to Houston, fine. We got DB's. Got a couple OL. Got some good DL. Still got WR's. It wasn't some blockerbuster day but quietly still a Top 10 class according to ESPN. Add in the three guys who early enrolled, including the top pro style QB(regardless of what you think of him and what he will do) and it was a good recruiting cycle.
I'm not blown away by it but I'm not down or depressed about it either. My bigger concern at this point is if Tommy Rees ever sees the field again.
I know Goodman is back but has there be an official announcement of who will be back for 5th years?
I don't think so. It seems weird that we haven't heard anything outside of Goodman considering there was a statement released at the end of January last year listing who applied for a fifth year.
Prize wide receiver recruit Davonte Neal, ranked No. 8 overall in the ESPNU 150, made up his mind and chose Notre Dame over Arizona, Arkansas and North Carolina on Tuesday.
Neal, the top-rated athlete in the nation and last unsigned member of the ESPNU 150, will inject another dose of star power into coach Brian Kelly's third class of recruits.
"It's huge," Neal told ESPN.com reporter Nick Ruland. "Not only people in South Bend can see me but people all across the country. My family. My grandmother who is in North Carolina."
He said he was impressed with Notre Dame's academic reputation, Kelly's coaching and the opportunity to play right away on either offense or defense for the Irish.
"That's exactly what I wanted," said Neal, who led Chaparral High School to back-to-back championships. "Go in and play in my first year. Be on special teams. Be on the offensive side and hopefully be on the defensive side as well."
Neal's decision came hours after he didn't show up to his originally-scheduled announcement at his former elementary school, which was attended by 600 elementary school children, friends and family. After waiting approximately 30 minutes, the morning assembly at the Kyrene de la Esperanza school ended.
According to Davonte's father, Luke, it was a "very serious family crisis" that kept Davonte Neal from disclosing Tuesday morning he is heading to Notre Dame.
"It's really bad right now and we just want to kind of keep that away," Luke Neal told Ruland. "It is a personal family trauma."
At 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Neal played receiver in the Under Armour All-America Game, though he was picked for the event as a defensive back. As a senior, the two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year scored 30 touchdowns on offense, added three on special teams and starred in the secondary with 12 pass breakups. He finished as the No. 8 overall prospect nationally.
He extended his recruiting by taking a visit to Arizona after signing day and also made trips to Arkansas, Ohio State, Notre Dame and North Carolina.
"[The Wildcats] were big because they are an in-state school," Davonte Neal said. "It's close to home. Close to family members. That was a pretty big influence."
This class for the Irish, with the addition of Neal, is now ranked ninth nationally by ESPN and features five other members of the ESPNU 150, headlined by No. 3-rated quarterback Gunner Kiel of Columbus, Ind. Neal is the lone five-star prospect in the group.
Quarterback EJ Manuel sustained a fractured fibula in his left leg in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame, but has healed nicely making him available for spring practice.
Those of you who noticed that EJ could not bend during the latter three quarters of the bowl game were correct. That's why FSU took all shotgun snaps from there on out.
Neal withdraws from his HS b/c of personal issues.
Scottsdale Chaparral football coach Dave Huffine confirmed that senior receiver/cornerback Davonte' Neal has withdrawn from school.
"It's a personal matter and I wish him the best of luck," said Huffine, who was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Charlie Ragle left to be part of Rich Rodriguez' staff at the University of Arizona in football operations.
Chaparral Athletic Director Sam Messina also confirmed Neal's withdrawal from school, saying all the school can say is that "It's a personal thing."
Neal still needs to finish his spring course load and graduate from high school. It is not know where and how Neal will finish up his academic work.
Luke Neal, Davonte's father, did not return a phone message and a text message from The Arizona Republic.
Neal was The Republic's Big Schools Football Player of the Year his junior season when he helped lead Chaparral to a second straight state championship. He was instrumental in Chaparral's third consecutive title last season, when he was the state's only player to exceed 1,000 yards both receiving and rushing.
Neal signed his letter of intent last Tuesday afternoon with Notre Dame at his former elementary school, Kyre de la Esperanza, after not showing up to a scheduled morning news conference in front of the school's student body because of personal reasons.
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