Notre Dame football recruiting is off to a strong start for the 2014 class, which currently includes five commitments. Head coach Brian Kelly and staff are trying to keep the momentum going from the strong class they put together in 2013. That class was one of the best in the Midwest, and ranked among the nation's top 10. One major area of focus in the 2014 class will be the lines, where the Irish already have three commitments.
Commitments since National Signing Day: Andrew Trumbetti
Decommitments since National Signing Day: None
Current Verbal Commitments
Andrew Trumbetti, Demarest (NJ) N Valley Reg School: Trumbetti is a powerful defensive end commitment with a big frame (6'5, 250). He seems like a perfect fit for Notre Dame's 3-4 defense at the five-technique end position. The Demarest product is a consensus four-star player and chose the Irish over numerous SE and Big Ten offers.
Jay Hayes, Brooklyn (NY) Poly Prep School: Hayes is another top defensive line recruit for the Irish. At 6'5 and 260 pounds, he might currently be a bit undersized, but he has the frame to eventually play at either the five-technique end position, or potentially line up at nose down the line. Hayes is a consensus four-star recruit.
Greer Martini, Woodberry Forest (VA) High School: Martini has an awesome name. But he's more than that. Martini is an athletic linebacker with a great build (6'3, 232) and plenty of room to grow and mature. He could play inside or out for the Irish, and chose Notre Dame over numerous other offers. Greer is a consensus four-star recruit.
Justin Brent, Indianapolis (IN) Speedway High School: Brent is another consensus four-star recruit in Notre Dame's class. He offers a good blend of speed, size and instincts at the receiver position, and chose Notre Dame in July of 2012.
Jimmy Byrne, Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius School: Byrne is pretty athletic for a 6'4, 290-pound high school offensive line recruit. He is a consensus four-star who projects to play at 300 or more pounds at the college level. He chose the Irish over offers from Ohio State and Michigan State.
National Signing Day is nearly a year away. Verbal commitments are non-binding and change frequently.
For more on Notre Dame Fighting Irish football recruiting, visit One Foot Down.