2016 Notre Dame Football Recruiting Class Breakdown

2016 Notre Dame Football Recruiting Class: Brian Kelly might not have been able to get as many of the big stars he wanted on National Signing Day, but he still came up with a tremendous class.

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2016 Notre Dame Football Recruiting Class Overview

It wasn’t quite the recruiting class head coach Brian Kelly and his staff might have wanted, especially after he signed a contract extension through 2021 – providing a little more stability for the program. Even so, and even with Notre Dame flying a bit under the radar with Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, and Texas mostly taking over the day, this was one of his better classes helped by getting WR Javon McKinley and CB Troy Pride Jr. late in the process. With a whopping 11 Scout.com four-star talents, there’s plenty to get excited about.

The Class Is Heavy On …

Defensive backs. The two offensive tackles – Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg – have the upside and potential to be next-level starters once Kraemer gets a little experience and Eichenberg packs on a few more pounds, but the secondary received the biggest influx of talent. Pride Jr. made a good group great, while safeties Donte Vaughn, Spencer Perry, and Julian Love were three key pickups among the six defensive backs brought in. Kelly went for defensive back size, and he got it.

The Star of the Class Is …

OT Tommy Kraemer, 6-5, 310 – There’s bulk at a few other positions, but again, the stars are at offensive tackle. Kraemer already has an NFL body, and he knows how to get shoving as an elite run blocker with the motor to send his man into the fourth row. He might project to a guard early on just to get his run blocking ability on the field, but once he refines his game and his feet, he’s at least a right tackle. Michigan, Ohio State, and Tennessee were among the few big schools interested.

The Team’s Biggest 2016 Depth Chart Hole Is …

Wide receiver. The offensive line needs work, the defensive front has to replace Sheldon Day at tackle, and the new linebackers have to step up to replace Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt, but the top three receivers from last year are done – four of the top five if RB C.J. Prosise counts. Can any of the new prospects make a big impact right away? That’s asking for too much, but they’ll get their chances with star William Fuller taking off early for the NFL and Amir Carlisle and Chris Brown done. The three combined for 141 catches for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns – with Fuller doing most of the heavy lifting.