2 questions:

Why does Jonas Gray not have an offer? Is it grades? Un-impressive film? I ask because he's universally ranked as a top 8 back and is a self-proclaimed ND fan. Florida offered him right off the bat. It seems that ND and Michigan are/were very hesitant, as UM didn't offer until just recently and their fans are upset that Carr waited much too long.

 

Also, do we have a need for a back in this class? I think it's wise to take at least one back in every class, but it seems that ND isn't really pushing all that hard. If they get one, great, if not, no biggie. Is Carlton Thomas the main target?

Thomas is third in line behind 1) Ryan William 2) Cyrus Gray. From some anectdotal stories, i've heard we are looking good for RW. He's gonna be a good one.

 

I don't really know why JG didn't get an offer but it definately wasn't grades. He has a 3.2 gpa. I think that ND was slow rolling him because they had bigger fish to fry, and it bit em in the butt. JG has somewhat exploded and ND could have had a good shot with him but they waited too long....ND is in the favorable position to sit back and only take the best of the best at 2 positions, QB and RB. They don't have to settle in this class at least. Next year too, but not as comfortably.

Thomas is third in line behind 1) Ryan William 2) Cyrus Gray. From some anectdotal stories, i've heard we are looking good for RW. He's gonna be a good one.

 

I don't really know why JG didn't get an offer but it definately wasn't grades. He has a 3.2 gpa. I think that ND was slow rolling him because they had bigger fish to fry, and it bit em in the butt. JG has somewhat exploded and ND could have had a good shot with him but they waited too long....ND is in the favorable position to sit back and only take the best of the best at 2 positions, QB and RB. They don't have to settle in this class at least. Next year too, but not as comfortably.

 

Where's Carlton Thomas on your list?

Third behind Ryan Williams and Cyrus Gray. BTW thats not my list, it's the staffs list (as postulated by the II staff).

 

If Notre Dame can’t land Ryan Williams, Cyrus Gray or Carlton Thomas – with the program’s preferences probably falling in that order – don’t be surprised if the Irish take a pass at this position. Notre Dame owns too much quality depth to take a flier at tailback, although there’s no doubt the coaching staff would like to land one marquee rusher in this campaign. Sam McGuffie and Darrell Scott remain on the list, but don’t look for Notre Dame to end up among the finalists for either. Jonas Gray was dropped this week due to a lack of interest. While he listed the Irish as his top choice early in the process, Notre Dame has been hesitant to move on the Michigan standout. Gray recently called Michigan State the leader for his services, and that’s after picking up an offer from Michigan. As for the players atop the list, don’t look for much summer movement from the group. In fact, it would be a mild surprise if Williams, Gray or Thomas even visited Notre Dame before the season. All three are likely bets for an official visit during the fall and the Irish will have ample opportunity to pour the attention on considering the current state of recruiting affairs. After landing three Rivals100 backs in the past two classes, the Irish can be very choosy in this class. Landing one back from the A-list will extend that selectivity into next year’s recruiting campaign too.

I'd like to take a back every year but it wouldn't break my heart to miss out this year. Its puts the pressure back on next year but I'm looking forward to seeing what the 3 guys with eligibilty left can do

i agree with soko, we should take a back every year. We have good depth right now at RB but it is very unproven and it's not like we have an amazing amount of depth. We just have decent depth right now.

 

As for the rankings at RB, IMO its Ryan Williams followed by Carlton Thomas. Personally, I'm not really interested in Cyrus Gray.

why no grey rock?????????

why no grey rock?????????

 

schell, your post looked funny next to your avatar I agree w/ Soko and Rock, I like taking a back in each class but getting Hughes took pressure off this class (Hughes was a huge pickup, we will see that soon).

i agree with soko, we should take a back every year. We have good depth right now at RB but it is very unproven and it's not like we have an amazing amount of depth. We just have decent depth right now.

 

As for the rankings at RB, IMO its Ryan Williams followed by Carlton Thomas. Personally, I'm not really interested in Cyrus Gray.

 

 

I'll state again, I'm big on Carlton Thomas. I think he's special. There's a great Ryan Williams type back every year. And actually, I like Williams and i think it would be good for him to go to V Tech...they use their running backs well and he could play there earlier.

I believe the coaching staff has said that carlton thomas' tape is more impressive than anyone they have seen in this class. No matter how long the recruiting services continue to snub him, I think he is a top five back.

back to Jonas Gray...the free scout artcile also said he ran a 4.37 40! once UM saw that: he got the offer. But like ND, UM slow plays the kid, and my hunch he goes to MSU and will do some damage long term, well be playing him once a year w/ cip on his shoulder. know some guys from my work who live in Livonia who have seen him play and they say the kid is a STUD RB, man vs boys at the HS level (i know doesnt always translate but...)

 

bottom line: if a Top 10 RB in the Nation from ALL the recruiting services, runs a 4.37, weeighs over 200#, grew up rooting for ND, would have commited more than likely if we offered doesnt even get that offer from ND, ND is either crazy, feels they are going to get RW or CG or CT, or we are going to have the best recruiting year ever.

the more i think about the more i think the last 2 scenarios.

I love Cyrus Gray. Samrt kid and a team player. He will line up at Quarterback this season for the desoto eagles because he gives them the best chance to win.

As for the rankings at RB, IMO its Ryan Williams followed by Carlton Thomas. Personally, I'm not really interested in Cyrus Gray.

i agree with rockne here. after watching video of all three, i just don't see anything to special about him also im not sure how his running ability would crossover to the college level.

I havent heard much about Ryan Williams yet, whats his deal?

Just watched his highlight tape on rivals...#6.

 

Looks like a good- really good all around running back. He has some good agility, enough speed to turn the corner and some strength in short yardage. Its hard to tell from one highlight video but I like what i see compared to the other backs in this class. I think Darrell Scott is the top back in the class but this guy could be a close 2nd at the worst.

Im a big fan of Carlton Thomas. I hope we get him.

My vote is Ryan Williams as well. He is an ideal combination of size and speed. Of the ND RB targets, he is by far the most physically ready to play at the next level.

I havent heard much about Ryan Williams yet, whats his deal?

 

A kid who is VERY quiet with the media, and plays everything extremely close to the vest. I'm not sure any of the Irish recruiting gurus have made contact with this kid, and if so it's probably only been once. Hence, we really don't know whats going to happen.

 

The whispers we've heard are that he likes Notre Dame, and he likes Virginia Tech. Mom would like him to be close to home, but she also understands the importance of education. So at this point, nobody really knows where we stand with him - 'cause who knows if the whispers about his interest and his mother's priorities are even very accurate? We could be dealing with 2-3 month old news, which is an eternity in the recruiting game.

I havent heard much about Ryan Williams yet, whats his deal?

 

I've recently heard good things about our position with Ryan Williams. If we only take one, my choice is Carlton Thomas. The game breaker who appears to have the potential to be special and the extra gear in the open field. He's the type of back in a Charlie Weis offense that would scare the hell out of opposing DC's. Yes, Armando Allen will too.

 

no matter what Jonas Gray ran or what some say about him, the bottom line is that Charlie and staff did not want him and that's all that matters to me.

 

Calves, I can't keep up with your avatars.

NC - not doubting your friends who have seen him play, but one other factor with him is he plays in Michigan's Class C (or what it used to be called), and their competition is against very small schools. His school Country Day usually dominates in this class and usually cranks out a good D-1 prospect each year in either hoops of football.

 

I'm not saying he couldn't be very good on the D1 level - the numbers don't lie and all those schools chasing him probably aren't wrong, but that could be one reason why his tapes look so good.

 

I'm thinking that plus the other thoughts on this thread that the staff is probably much higher on CT and feels good about the chances with them.

NC - not doubting your friends who have seen him play, but one other factor with him is he plays in Michigan's Class C (or what it used to be called), and their competition is against very small schools. His school Country Day usually dominates in this class and usually cranks out a good D-1 prospect each year in either hoops of football.

 

I'm not saying he couldn't be very good on the D1 level - the numbers don't lie and all those schools chasing him probably aren't wrong, but that could be one reason why his tapes look so good.

 

I'm thinking that plus the other thoughts on this thread that the staff is probably much higher on CT and feels good about the chances with them.

 

i hear ya DFence re: Class C-how could he not dominate, your right.

i confess i live out East, dont know the Mich HS scene...i just figured an RB w offers from Florida, now Mich, Nebraska, loves ND...

 

on C Thomas i am in the CT camp if could have the pick of all we have offered, i would take CT also.

a scout said while back CT is the closest to a "Barry Sanders" RB he had seen since he had been scouting at the HS level (about 8 years). ill take that upsaide any day of the week...if he is 1/2 the player sanders was he'll be a STUD!

loved CT's tape as well...this little guy runs into a dust pile at the LOS, and poof here he comes full speed out of it running for the end zone!...and on his sweep runs, he waits for the blocks and BAM! he makes his cuts and is gone! its like your watching the tape, say to yourself no way he makes something out of this mess and couple seconds later hes handking the ball to the ref in the end zone.