Notre Dame football recruiting is off to a strong start for the 2014 class, which currently includes nine 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 five commitments. Plenty of major prospects remain on the board for the Irish.
Verbal commitments since last update: Elijah Hood, Nick Weishar, Sam Mustipher, Quenton Nelson
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.
Elijah Hood, Charlotte (NC) Catholic School: Hood is a big back who could (and probably should) play linebacker in college. Notre Dame has recruited him as a power back. He is a consensus four-star recruit, and chose Notre Dame over several other major BCS offers.
Nick Weishar, Chicago (IL) Marist High School: Weishar is a talented tight end with a quality frame at 6'6 and 215 pounds. He is a consensus three-star recruit, but has been on the rise as he continues to develop and mature. Weishar has multiple BCS offers.
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.
Sam Muphister, Olney (MD) Good Counsel School: Muphister is a solid guard prospect. A consensus four-star at 6'3 and 284 pounds, he picked Notre Dame over multiple BCS offers. Muphister is regarded as one of the 20 best guards in the country.
Quenton Nelson, Red Bank (NJ) Catholic: Nelson is a consensus four-star and is widely regarded as one of the 15 best offensive tackle recruits nationally. He has excellent size at 6'5 and 295 pounds.
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 still 40 weeks away. Verbal commitments are non-binding and change frequently.
For more on Notre Dame Fighting Irish football recruiting, visit One Foot Down.