Notre Dame Adds 23 to 2011 Football Roster

Feb. 2, 2011

– Und.com Signing Day 2011

Twenty-three high school seniors will have their names added to the University of Notre Dame football roster and begin playing for the Irish in 2011.

The 23 student-athletes represent 14 states – four from Ohio, three from California, two each from Florida, Indiana, North Carolina and Texas, plus one each from Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

As listed by group, Notre Dame adds eight power players, eight skill players, six big skill players and one specialist. As listed by position, Notre Dame adds six defensive linemen, four defensive backs, four linebackers, three offensive linemen, two wide receivers, one quarterback, one running back, one tight end and one kicker/punter.

Five of the 23 players – kicker/punter Kyle Brindza, defensive lineman Brad Carrico, quarterback Everett Golson, defensive lineman Aaron Lynch and linebacker Ishaq Williams – enrolled at the University in January and are taking classes. They will participate in Notre Dame’s spring football practices that begin March 23. The other 18 players have signed national letters of intent.

Among the 23 players are:

2011
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
NATIONAL LETTER-OF-INTENT SIGNEES

^ group refers to the collection of positions the players workout with based on size and ability (Skill = QB, RB, WR and DB; Big Skill = FB, TE and LB; Power = OL and DL; Specialists = K, P and LS)
* not required to sign letter of intent because they enrolled at Notre Dame in Jan. 2011

2011 University of Notre Dame Football National Letter-of-Intent Signees

George Atkinson III, 6-2, 190, Skill/WR, Livermore, Calif. (Granada) – Rated 89th on Rivals.com list of top 100 players nationally . . . rushed 172 times for 1,669 yards and 17 TDs in 2010 as running back, wide receiver and defensive back for Granada High School in Livermore, Calif. . . . top games featured 206 rushing yards on five carries and three TDs vs. Castro Valley (and a 60-yard punt return for a TD), plus rushing games of 202 yards vs. Amador Valley (TD runs of 26, 68 and 71), 178 vs. Livermore and 177 vs. College Park (also 157 receiving yards in that second-round playoff game) . . . named Bay Area News Group athlete of the week after win over Amador Valley . . . 41-16 win over Castro Valley included a 79-yard TD run and three Atkinson TDs in the first 90 seconds of the game . . . also caught 27 passes for 678 yards and six TDs, including five for 167 and two TDs vs. Sierra . . . made 23 tackles and broke up 10 passes as free safety on defense, helping team to 8-5 record after loss to power De La Salle in California high school North Coast Section Division I playoff semifinals as Matadors reached playoffs for first time since 2005 . . . scored game-winning TD in second overtime in first playoff game vs. Freedom . . . scored on plays of 68, 55 and 65 yards in playoff game vs. College Park . . . first-team pick as utility player on San Francisco Chronicle all-metro squad . . . played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl and served as captain of West team . . . first-team all-East Bay Athletic League pick for 2010 at running back and a second-team all-league pick at defensive back . . . third-team all-East Bay in 2010 as utility player as selected by Bay Area News Group . . . played in Holiday Classic between Sacramento and Bay Area standouts . . . selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas . . . carried 106 times as junior in 2009 for 965 yards and 10 TDs, caught 13 passes for 260 yards and one TD and had 295 yards in kickoff returns . . . scored four TDs in 2009 opener vs. Antioch and later rushed 11 times for 200 yards (TD runs of 65, 80 and 20, plus a 95-yard kickoff return for a TD) vs. Foothill . . . second-team all-EBAL defensive back as junior . . . had TD runs of 51, 14 and 23 yards as sophomore in 2008 in 56-15 victory over Livermore . . . standout in track who medaled in California state track meet in 100 (third at 10.66) and 200 meters (fourth at 21.46) as sophomore in 2009 . . .father is former all-pro Oakland Raider defensive back George Atkinson Jr. who played professionally with Raiders from 1968-77, helped Oakland to Super Bowl XI title and now is part of Raider radio broadcast team . . . twin brother Josh also will be Irish freshman on 2011 roster . . . played for coach Tim Silva at Granada High School . . . born Nov. 29, 1992.

Josh Atkinson, 6-0, 185, Skill/DB, Livermore, Calif. (Granada) – Played both running back and defensive back for Granada High School in Livermore, Calif. . . . carried 30 times for 218 rushing yards and three TDs in 2010 – including 73-yard touchdown run vs. Sierra . . . also made 20 tackles on defense and broke up 11 passes . . . second-team all-East Bay Athletic League as defensive back in 2010 . . . helped team to 8-5 record after loss to power De La Salle in California high school North Coast Section Division I playoff semifinal as Matadors reached playoffs for first time since 2005 . . . made 38 tackles and broke up 15 passes as honorable mention all-East Bay Athletic League defensive back as junior in 2009 . . . selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas . . . father is former all-pro Oakland Raider defensive back George Atkinson Jr. who played professionally with Raiders from 1968-77, helped Oakland to Super Bowl XI title and now is part of Raider radio broadcast team . . . twin brother George III also will be Irish freshman on 2011 roster . . . played for coach Tim Silva at Granada High School . . . born Nov. 29, 1992.

Kyle Brindza (BRIND-zuh), 6-1, 219, Specialist/K/P, Canton, Mich. (Plymouth) – Set Michigan state high school record with 19 made field goals as a senior in 2010, including six of nine from 50 yards or more . . . averaged 43.2 yards per punt and 60 of 63 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks in 2010 while handling kicking and punting duties for Plymouth High School in Canton, Mich. . . . played in Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Dec. 31 . . . rated ninth-best player in Michigan by Detroit Free Press . . . named 13th-best prospect in Michigan by Detroit News . . . selected to Detroit News Dream Team as junior and senior . . . named first-team all-state kicker by Associated Press following senior season . . . tabbed nation’s best kicker by Scout.com and was rated sixth best by Rivals.com . . . helped lead high school team to state championship game and 11-3 record in 2010 . . . lost to Lake Orion in state finals 21-13, but recorded 70-yard punt (longest in Michigan playoff history) and booted 43-yard field goal (second longest in title game history) in the championship game . . . booted 47-yard field goal into wind to secure playoff victory against archrival Canton and converted game-winning field goal with 38 seconds remaining to help Plymouth defeat Detroit Catholic Central and win the Michigan Division 1 regional championship . . . averaged 48.2 yards per punt as a junior in 2009 to earn first-team Associated Press all-state honors as punter . . . named all-area as sophomore in 2008 by Ann Arbor News . . . converted nine field goals, with a long of 45 yards, made 24 of 29 extra-point attempts and 25 of 43 kickoffs went for touchbacks in 2008 . . . in addition to football was starting goalkeeper for soccer team and threw shot put and discus for track and field team . . . born Jan. 13, 1993 in Valparaiso, Ind. . . . graduated from high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011 with Brad Carrico, Everett Golson, Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams . . . played for coach Mike Sawchuk at Plymouth High School.

Jalen (JAY-lun) Brown, 6-1, 180, Skill/DB, Irving, Texas (MacArthur) – Recorded 37 tackles with 13 passes broken up, one interception and one fumble recovery as junior in 2009 . . . played cornerback at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas . . . rated one of top 100 players in Texas by Fort Worth Star-Telegram . . . in final high school game vs. unbeaten Euless Trinity blocked a PAT and ran it back 90 yards for two points to conclude 4-6 campaign in 2010 . . . previously ran back blocked PAT to score vs. Hurst L.D. Bell . . . rated one of top 100 players in Dallas area coming into 2010 by Dallas Morning News . . . first-team all-Texas District 7-5A pick at cornerback as junior in 2009 . . . started several games for Cardinals as sophomore in 2008 . . . has run 10.8 in 100 meters and 4.37 in 40 and also runs on 400 and 1,600 relay squads for MacArthur . . . played for coach Brian Basil at MacArthur High School . . . born April 4, 1993.

Brad Carrico (CARE-uh-co), 6-5.5, 287, Power/DL, Dublin, Ohio (Coffman) – Starter at offensive tackle as senior in 2010 at Coffman High School in Dublin, Ohio . . . helped Coffman to 8-3 campaign in 2010 including loss to Westerville South in first round of Ohio state playoffs . . . recorded 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine sacks and five passes broken up as junior defensive end in 2009 . . . played quarterback through his sophomore season in 2008 before making switch to become lineman . . . stood 6-3 and 200 pounds as a freshman signal-caller . . . played defensive end in Dec. 31 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., while playing along with future Irish classmates Jarrett Grace and Eilar Hardy . . . played basketball as freshman and participated in track and field (shot and discus) as sophomore . . . from same high school that produced former Irish football standouts Brady Quinn and Chinedum Ndukwe and basketball star Chris Quinn . . . father Doug played quarterback at Bowling Green, including on 1985 Falcon team that finished regular season unbeaten before losing in California Bowl to Fresno State . . . graduated high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011 with Kyle Brindza, Everett Golson, Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams . . . played for coach Mark Crabtree at Coffman High School . . . born Dec. 4, 1992.

Ben Councell, 6-5, 220, Big Skill/LB, Asheville, N.C. (A.C. Reynolds) – Ranked 91st on Rivals.com list of top 100 players nationally for 2010 . . . also rated by Rivals.com as fifth-best weak-side defensive end nationally . . . rated ninth-best outside linebacker prospect in nation by Scout.com . . . tabbed 97th-best player in 2011 class and fourth-best prospect in North Carolina by Scout.com . . . listed 19th on Rivals.com North Carolina postseason top 30 chart . . . participated in Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, registered 13 tackles, one sack and one blocked punt – and was named a top 10 player of the game . . . totaled 141 solo stops, 47 assists and 25 tackles for loss as senior in 2010 for A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, N.C. . . . totaled 124 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and four interceptions as junior in 2009 . . . named 4A Defensive Player of the Year by ncprep.com following senior season in 2010 . . . also a North Carolina 4A all-state pick in 2010 . . . received 2010 All-Southern Team honorable mention accolades from Orlando Sentinel . . . was homeschooled until sophomore year in high school . . . named Mountain Athletic Conference defensive player of year following senior campaign in 2010 . . . selected to all-Western North Carolina football team by Asheville Citizen-Times . . . played for coach Shane Laws at A.C. Reynolds High School . . . born July 31, 1992.

DaVaris (duh-VAR-us) Daniels, 6-2, 175, Skill/WR, Vernon Hills, Ill. (Vernon Hills) – Named best prospect in Illinois and 63rd-best player in nation by 24/7 Sports . . . rated ninth-best wide receiver and 64th-ranked player in country by Sporting News . . . ranked 65th on ESPNU Top 150 list . . . named to Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 5A all-state team in 2010 . . . played in Under Armour All-American Bowl . . . tabbed area athlete of year by Pioneer Press . . . selected as senior in 2010 to Lake County all-area and all-North Suburban Conference teams . . . Chicago Tribune first-team all-state selection and Chicago Sun-Times all-area first team as senior in 2010 . . . named to Arlington Heights Daily Herald all-area team after senior season . . . helped lead Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Ill., to Illinois Class 5A quarterfinals in 2010 state playoffs . . . accounted for 19 total TDs during senior season in 2010: 10 rushing TDs, five receiving TDs, two punt returns, one interception return and one blocked field goal return . . . posted 23 catches for 513 yards (22.3 yards per reception) in 2010 . . . accounted for 888 all-purpose yards (221 receiving, 344 rushing, 323 passing) as junior in 2009 . . . led Vernon Hills to 8-3 record in 2009 . . . first varsity touch for Vernon Hills came in freshman season in 2007 and resulted in 93-yard kickoff return for TD . . . father Phillip was 15-year NFL veteran as defensive end and was drafted by Seattle Seahawks in fourth round of 1995 NFL Draft . . . Phillip played four years with Seahawks, for Chicago Bears from 2000-03, then has played last seven seasons for Washington Redskins . . . Phillip played college football at Georgia . . . member of Vernon Hills basketball and track and field teams . . . played for coach Tony Monken at Vernon Hills . . . born Dec. 18, 1992.

Matthias Farley, 6-0, 194, Skill/DB, Charlotte, N.C. (Christian) – Led Christian High School to 2010 North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state football title . . . selected to NCISAA Division I all-state team as wide receiver by Charlotte Observer following senior season in 2010 . . . did not start playing football until junior year in high school . . . played soccer first two years at Christian . . . helped North Carolina defeat South Carolina 31-24 in Oasis All-Star Shrine Classic . . . ranked 18th on MaxPrep Top 25 Safeties list . . . tabbed first-team all-conference wide receiver in 2010 by Charlotte Observer . . . named to 2010 all-Mecklenburg Team first team by Charlotte Observer as defensive back after totaling 39 tackles and two interceptions in 2010 at Christian High School in Charlotte, N.C. . . . registered 49 tackles and one interception during senior season . . . caught 37 passes for more than 600 yards and registered 10 touchdowns in 2010 . . . named one of top 25 players in North Carolina in 2010 by Charlotte Observer . . . recorded 37 receptions for more than 900 yards and 12 TDs as junior in 2009 . . . helped guide Christian to state runner-up spot in North Carolina playoffs as junior in 2009 . . . played for coach Jason Estep at Charlotte Christian High School . . . born July 15, 1993.

Everett Golson, 6-0, 170, Skill/QB, Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Myrtle Beach) – Finalist for Mr. Football of South Carolina in 2010 . . . ranked sixth nationally among 2010 quarterbacks with 151 career touchdown passes . . . tabbed SCPrep.com co-player of year following senior season in 2010 . . . rated 79th-best player in nation for 2010 by MaxPreps . . . named SuperPrep All-American in 2010 . . . selected to all-Southern first-team offense in 2010 by Orlando Sentinel . . . named second-team all-state by SCVarsity.com in 2010 . . . led South Carolina to victory in Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas . . . ranked 16th on Rivals.com dual-threat quarterback list . . . rated 12th on Rivals.com South Carolina postseason top 30 list . . . finished 44-5 in his career as starting quarterback at Myrtle Beach High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C. . . . threw for 11,634 yards and 151 TDs in his career . . . led Myrtle Beach to 14-1 record and South Carolina Class AAA state championship vs. South Pointe in 2010 . . . missed half of 2010 season due to injury, but still threw for 1,770 yards and 25 TDs as senior . . . led Myrtle Beach to South Carolina Class AAA state runner-up finish in junior season in 2009, completing 224 of 356 passes for 3,529 yards with 47 TDs and three interceptions . . . named MaxPreps junior All-American in 2009 . . . 2009 Associated Press South Carolina all-state selection . . . two-time recipient of WPDE Zoneman award as top player in Florence/Myrtle Beach area in 2008 and 2009 . . . as a sophomore in 2008 guided Myrtle Beach to 13-1 record and South Carolina Class AAA State Championship, throwing for 3,570 yards with 44 TDs and 10 interceptions . . . led Seahawks to 12-1 record as freshman in 2007 and completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 2,765 yards with 35 TDs and 11 interceptions . . . played point guard for Myrtle Beach basketball team and led team to 2008 South Carolina Class AAA state championship . . . named all-state in basketball by South Carolina basketball coaches association after averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game as junior in 2009-10 . . . could be candidate to join Notre Dame basketball team for 2011-12 season . . . plays piano and drums with his father at Mount Olive AME Church . . . graduated from high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011 with Kyle Brindza, Brad Carrico, Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams . . . played for coach Mickey Wilson at Myrtle Beach High School . . . born Jan. 2, 1993.

Jarrett Grace, 6-3, 235, Big Skill/LB, Cincinnati, Ohio (Colerain) – First-team Associated Press Division I Ohio all-state linebacker as senior in 2010 . . . Greater Miami Conference defensive player of year for 2010 . . . helped Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, to 11-1 record and GMC co-championship in 2010, with only loss coming by 24-23 count to St. Xavier in second round of Ohio state playoffs . . . regional playoff win over Hamilton marked 59th straight Colerain victory at home . . . made 92 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and added four sacks and four passes broken up in 2010 . . . had 15 tackles in 48-6 win over Oak Hills to end the regular season . . . Cincinnati Enquirer first-team Division I All-Star at linebacker for both 2010 and 2009 . . . also an AP Ohio first-team all-Southwest district selection and an Enquirer all-GMC first-team linebacker . . . made team-leading 95 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, caused five fumbles and had four sacks and two interceptions as junior in 2009 . . . all-league middle linebacker in 2009 when he led team to eight straight wins to end season . . . second-team all-Ohio Central District as junior . . . . had 10 tackles and recovered a fumble as sophomore in 2008 . . . made five tackles, one tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in Dec. 31 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., while playing with future Irish classmates Brad Carrico and Eilar Hardy . . . three-year starter in basketball and also is member of track and field team (discus and shot put) . . . uncle Eric Kattus played tight end at Michigan and was fourth-round pick of Cincinnati Bengals in 1986 NFL Draft . . . played for coach Tom Bolden at Colerain High School . . . born Oct. 8, 1992.

Conor Hanratty, 6-4, 295, Power/OL, New Canaan, Conn. (New Canaan) – Ranked third-best player in Connecticut by Rivals.com . . . named first-team all-state by Connecticut High School Coaches Association as senior in 2010 . . . selected all-Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference . . . landed on 2010 Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut Team . . . tabbed one of top 30 players in Connecticut for 2010 by New Haven Register . . . second-team offensive selection for MaxPreps Junior All-American Team in 2009 . . . named first-team all-state as junior by Connecticut High School Football Coaches Association and New Haven Register . . . aided New Canaan High School in New Canaan, Conn., to 11-2 record as senior in 2010 . . . assisted offense in rushing for 233 yards against Trinity Catholic in 48-8 victory in 2010 . . . helped open rushing lanes as New Canaan gained 292 rushing yards in 49-0 triumph over Seymour in 2010 . . . started as sophomore and junior in 2008 and 2009 and helped guide New Canaan to Connecticut state titles both years . . . threw discus for first time on track and field team as junior in 2010 . . . father Terry played as starting quarterback at Notre Dame from 1966-68 and was sophomore standout on 1966 Irish national championship squad . . . Terry earned consensus All-America honors as senior in 1968 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting . . . Terry set Notre Dame career marks for pass completions, passing yards and passing TDs, completing 304 of 550 career passes for 4,152 yards and 27 TDs . . . Terry was second-round 1969 NFL Draft selection (30th overall pick) and went on to play for NFL Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969-75 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976 . . . played for coach Lou Marinelli at New Canaan High School . . . born Aug. 28, 1993.

Eilar (EYE-lar) Hardy, 6-0, 172, Skill/DB, Reynoldsburg, Ohio (Pickerington Central) – First-team Associated Press Ohio Division I all-state pick as defensive back for 2010 . . . first-team defensive back on Columbus Dispatch all-metro team . . . first-team defensive back on Associated Press Ohio Central All-District squad . . . rated 209th on Rivals.com list of top 250 players nationally . . . four-year starter at safety for Central High School in Pickerington, Ohio . . . made 63 tackles as senior in 2010 to go with five tackles for loss and six passes broken up . . . intercepted four passes as senior and returned one for a score . . . also played at running back . . . helped Pickerington Central to 11-1 record mark as senior, with only loss coming 13-6 to Hilliard Davidson in Ohio state playoffs, with Hilliard Davidson becoming first team in nine games to score 10 or more points against Central defense . . . rushed for 60 yards vs. Grove City . . . scored on 70-yard punt return vs. Lancaster in win that also included 55 rushing yards and eight tackles . . . scored on 37-yard rushing play and ran an interception back for a TD in first round of Ohio playoffs vs. Troy . . . helped Central record six shutout wins in 2010 . . . ran opening kickoff back 98 yards and later scored on 26-yard run in playoff win over Westerville South that also included six tackles on defense . . . made 75 tackles, three interceptions and forced three fumbles as junior in 2009 . . . second-team defensive back on Associated Press Ohio All-Central District squad as junior in 2009 . . . played cornerback in Dec. 31 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., playing along with future Irish classmates Brad Carrico and Jarrett Grace . . . brother Eisen finished sophomore football season in 2010 at Ohio Dominican . . . brother Terrance Brown played wide receiver at Michigan State in 1998-2001 . . . played for coach Jay Sharrett at Pickerington High School . . . born Sept. 15, 1992.

Matt Hegarty, 6-5, 280, Power/OL, Aztec, N.M. (Aztec) – Ranked 43rd nationally on Sporting News Top 100 list for 2010 . . . rated 36th on ESPNU Top 150 list and 40th in Rivals.com national prospect rankings . . . top-rated player out of New Mexico and sixth-best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com . . . selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl . . . selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas . . . RivalsHigh.com second-team All-American . . . finalist for Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year Award at U.S. Army All-American Bowl . . . named first-team all-state as a junior and senior in 2009 and 2010 . . . Sports Illustrated High School Player of the Week for Dec. 18, 2010 . . . helped Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., to 13-1 record and New Mexico state runner-up finish in 2010 . . . totaled 81 pancake blocks while not giving up a sack in senior season . . . also played on defensive line where he made 11 tackles and half a sack . . . helped Aztec rushing attack tally 2,340 yards and 36 TDs in 2010 . . . member of offense that generated 4,176 passing yards and 48 TDs overall in 2010 . . . helped pave way for 242 yards rushing and 521 yards passing in 35-28 win over Durango (Colo.) in 2010 . . . helped opened holes for Aztec running backs for 280 yards and three TDs vs. Kirtland in 2010 . . . played for coach Brad Hirsch at Aztec High School . . . born July 3, 1992.

Chase Hounshell, 6-5, 255, Power/DL, Kirtland, Ohio (Lake Catholic) – Associated Press Ohio Division II co-defensive player of the year for 2010 . . . standout two-way lineman at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor, Ohio . . . helped Cougars reach Ohio Division II state semifinals in both 2009 and 2010, as Lake Catholic finished 12-2 both years . . . had 36 tackles, five sacks, nine tackles for loss and three forced fumbles as senior in 2010 . . . first-team defensive lineman on Associated Press Ohio Division II all-state squad as senior . . . Northeast Lakes District Division II Defensive player of the year for 2010 . . . named Willoughby News-Herald Ohio Division II player of the year . . . first-team defensive lineman on Cleveland Plain-Dealer prep all-star team for 2010 . . . one of five finalists for Tony Fisher Award (named after former Notre Dame running back) that goes to top high school player in area . . . first-team offensive lineman on News-Herald all-star team . . . Plain-Dealer made him North Coast League preseason defensive MVP for 2010 . . . had six sacks and 18 tackles for loss on defense as junior in 2009, helping offense rushing for 215 yards per game and allowing only three sacks . . . first-team offensive lineman on Associated Press Ohio Division II all-state squad as junior in 2009 . . . first-team offensive lineman on Cleveland Plain-Dealer prep all-star team as junior in 2009 . . . brother Chad was redshirt sophomore offensive guard in 2010 at Central Florida on 11-3 Liberty Bowl champion squad . . . . twin sister Colette will play basketball at St. Francis (N.Y.) beginning in 2011-12 . . . played for Mike Bell at Lake Catholic High School . . . born April 1, 1993.

Ben Koyack (koy-ack), 6-5, 242, Big Skill/TE, Oil City, Pa. (Oil City Senior) – Received first-team Pennsylvania all-state honors from Pennsylvania Sportswriters and Associated Press in 2010 . . . also Pennsylvania Football News/Coaches AAA first-team Pennsylvania all-state in 2010 . . . named SuperPrep Northeast Offensive Player of the Year . . . rated best tight end in country and 25th-best prospect overall by Scout.com . . . ranked 34th on Sporting News Top 100 list . . . named to ESPNU Top 150 and MaxPreps Top100 recruiting lists . . . named to Rivals100 list . . . chosen to play in Under Armour All-American Bowl . . . Pennsylvania Region 5 all-star in 2010 . . . selected top player in Pennsylvania by Pittsburgh Sports Report and second-best player in state by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette prior to 2010 season . . . guided Oil City Senior High School in Oil City, Pa., to 9-3 record as senior in 2010 . . . recorded 62 receptions for 1,031 yards and 11 TDs as senior . . . averaged 16.6 yards per catch . . . totaled 65.5 tackles and six and a half tackles for loss on defense in 2010, adding one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups . . . set Pennsylvania District 10 records with 152 career receptions for 2,591 yards . . . caught eight passes for 135 yards and a TD in a 35-21 win over DuBois in 2010 . . . made 11 tackles in 49-28 victory vs. Girard in 2010 . . . had four receptions for 121 yards and two TDs while making nine tackles on defense vs. Franklin in 2010 . . . caught eight passes for 171 yards and two TDs in 42-26 win over Slippery Rock in 2010 . . . played in seven games as junior in 2009 and caught 43 passes for 748 yards and seven TDs . . . averaged 17.4 yards per catch in 2009 . . . registered nine receptions for 249 yards and two TDs in 2009 season opener vs. Meadville . . . won Pennsylvania state title in javelin with personal best throw of 192-11 in 2010 . . . caught 47 passes for 812 yards and 10 TDs as sophomore in 2008 . . . over final three game of 2008 season caught 22 passes for 434 yards and seven TDs . . . besides tight end, played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive end and linebacker . . . hails from family of musicians and is proficient playing trombone, piano and euphonium . . . mother is a music teacher . . . played for coach Matt LaVerde at Oil City High School . . . born April 9, 1993.

Aaron Lynch, 6-6, 240, Power/DL, Cape Coral, Fla. (Island Coast) – Rated sixth-best player nationally in 2010 by 24/7 Sports . . . ranked as third-best defensive end and 15th-best prospect overall in ESPN 150 ratings . . . listed 36th on SuperPrep Elite 50 squad . . . ranked 22nd on MaxPreps Top 100 breakdown . . . rated 28th-best player overall and third-best strong-side defensive end in nation by Rivals.com . . . ranked 19th on Rivals Florida Postseason 100 list . . . rated 91st-best prospect nationally by Sporting News . . . listed 10th on Scout Top 100 breakdown . . . played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl and registered two and a half sacks . . . ranked sixth in sacks among Florida Division 2B players and 83rd in state in 2010 . . . selected Florida first-team all-state in 2010 at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral, Fla. . . . tabbed by Gainesville Sun as one of Florida’s top 50 seniors in 2010 . . . selected to Florida Times-Union Super 75 squad following senior season . . . named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Division 16 team in 2010 . . . Fort Myers News-Press all-area selection in 2010 . . . registered 31 solo stops and 10.5 sacks during senior campaign in 2010 . . . led team to 11-2 record and Florida 2B state semifinal playoff appearance as senior in 2010 . . . tallied seven tackles in 55-0 win over Clewiston in 2010 . . . recorded eight tackles and sack vs. Cape Coral in 2010 . . . led Island Coast to 28-0 win over Tampa Catholic in 2010 with three sacks . . . completed his junior season in 2009 with 52 total tackles, 35 assists, 16 sacks, and two fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown . . . graduated from high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011 with Kyle Brindza, Brad Carrico, Everett Golson and Ishaq Williams . . . played for coach Joe Bowen at Island Coast High School . . . born March 8, 1993.

Nick Martin, 6-4, 270, Power/OL, Indianapolis, Ind. (Bishop Chatard) — First-team Indiana all-state pick on Associated Press Class 3A team as offensive lineman . . . also named to Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 all-state team as one of 10 offensive linemen . . . named to 2010 Super Team by Indianapolis Star . . . second-team offensive lineman on U.S. Air Force Medium Schools Prep All-America squad . . . helped fourth-ranked Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, Ind., to 2010 Indiana Class 3A state title with 28-14 win over South Bend St. Joseph’s in state title contest that marked Chatard’s record 10th state title . . . Chatard ended season with 11-4 record and 10 straight wins after early three-game losing streak . . . helped team to number-three state ranking in IFCA final regular-season poll for 2010 . . . starter on both offensive and defensive lines . . . rated second-best Class 3A defensive player in Indianapolis area in preseason listings by Indianapolis Star . . . . helped Chatard to 12-2 mark as junior in 2009 before losing to Evansville Memorial in Indiana state playoff semi-state round . . . brother Zack was Notre Dame offensive tackle starter as sophomore in 2010 . . . father Keith played football at Kentucky . . . played for coach Vincent Lorenzano at Bishop Chatard High School . . . born April 29, 1993.

Cam McDaniel, 5-10, 192, Skill/RB, Coppell, Texas (Coppell) — Second-team all-state running back as senior on 2010 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 5A team . . . MVP of District 7-5A by Fort Worth Star-Telegram . . . second-team running back pick on Dallas Morning News all-area squad . . . rushed 301 times for 1,906 yards and 32 TDs as senior in 2010 at Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas . . . also caught 40 passes for 492 yards and three TDs . . . . led Dallas area 5A players in scoring with 37 TDs and ranked third in rushing . . . helped Coppell to 13-1 record and #2 ranking in Texas Class 5A, losing only 41-40 to Euless Trinity in state quarterfinals . . . Coppell finished regular season 10-0 and ranked fifth in Texas Associated Press Class 5A poll . . . rated one of top 100 players in Dallas area (one of six running backs) coming into 2010 by Dallas Morning News . . . helped 2009 Cowboys team as junior to 11-2 record ending in 5A playoff loss to Arlington . . . prep teammate of fellow 2011 Irish freshman Bennett Okotcha . . . played for coach Joe McBride at Coppell High School . . . born Sept. 20, 1991.

Troy Niklas, 6-7, 240, Big Skill/TE/DL, Fullerton, Calif. (Servite) – Los Angeles Times lineman of the year as senior in 2010 . . . two-way standout as both offensive and defensive lineman at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., where he played offensive guard and defensive tackle in 2010 . . . helped Servite to 14-1 record in 2010, a second straight CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division title and runner-up in state playoffs . . . named co-lineman of the year as senior in Trinity League by Orange County Register . . . an offensive lineman on Los Angeles Times high school all-star football team for 2010 . . . first-team all-state offensive lineman by CalHiSports . . . rated 215th among all prospects nationally on Rivals.com 250 list . . . rated 11th by SuperPrep among all prospects in California, Nevada and Hawaii . . . all-CIF Southern Section Pac-5 as defensive lineman as senior by Orange County Register . . . first-team defensive lineman on Orange County Register all-county team for 2010 . . . two-time first-team all-Trinity League selection . . . played tight end on offense until switch to guard as senior in 2010 . . . made 14 tackles as senior in 48-8 CIF State Open Division title game loss to De La Salle . . . helped Servite to 2009 California state title (33-20 victory over Rocklin in Division II championship), in addition to Pac-5 and Trinity League crowns . . . caught 16 passes as tight end for 128 yards and three TDs in 2009 . . . also helped Servite to Trinity League title as sophomore in 2008 . . . brother Austin was sophomore linebacker at Air Force in 2010 . . . uncle Bruce Matthews played at USC, was ninth overall pick in NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors 14 times while playing with NFL Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1983-2001 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 . . . from same high school as former Irish quarterback standout, NFL veteran and current CBS Sports analyst Steve Beuerlein . . . born Sept. 18, 1992.

Anthony Rabasa, 6-3.5, 233, Big Skill/LB, Miami, Fla. (Columbus) – Ranked 11th nationally on Rivals weak-side defensive end list . . . selected to Florida Times-Union Super 75 team of Florida’s top players . . . listed 123rd on ESPN 150 list of top players nationally for 2010 . . . selected to play in Team USA vs. The World game Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas . . . tabbed as best defensive lineman and fifth-best prospect in Miami-Dade County by Miami Herald . . . named to Orlando Sentinel Florida Top 100 list as fourth-best defensive end in state . . . led Columbus High School team in Miami, Fla., to 6A regional quarterfinals of 2010 Florida state playoffs . . . registered 80 tackles and 10 sacks for Columbus as junior defensive end in 2009 . . . named first-team all-county in 2010 by Miami Herald . . . 2009 first-team all-Dade County selection . . . named second team all-state defensive line by Florida sportswriters and first team all-county by the Miami Herald following junior campaign in 2009 . . . played for coach Chris Merritt at Christopher Columbus High School . . . born April 9, 1993.

Tony Springmann, 6-6, 275, Power/DL, Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger) – First-team Indiana all-state pick on Associated Press Class 4A team as offensive tackle . . . also named to Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 all-state team as one of eight defensive linemen . . . helped Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Indiana Class 4A state title game before losing to Indianapolis Cathedral 31-20 . . . Dwenger in 2010 finished 13-1, won the Summit Athletic Conference title for fifth straight year and set an all-time record with 36 consecutive league wins . . . first-team all-Northeast Indiana offensive tackle by Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette . . .returned an interception seven yards for a score in 42-0 win over Harding . . . recorded 11 tackles and a sack in 46-45 double overtime win over Snider . . . IFCA Junior All-State 4A defensive lineman as junior in 2009 when he made 73 tackles and 10 sacks . . . also an Associated Press first-team all-state selection on defensive line and SAC first-team offensive lineman in 2009 . . . had 89 tackles and nine sacks as sophomore defensive lineman in 2008 . . . from same high school as current Irish players John Goodman and Tyler Eifert . . . played football with Eifert and played basketball with Goodman when Goodman was a senior and Springmann a freshman . . . played for coach Chris Svarczkopf at Bishop Dwenger High School . . . born June 10, 1992.

Stephon (stuh-FON) Tuitt (TWO-it), 6-5, 270, Power/DL, Monroe, Ga. (Monroe Area) – Rated 38th nationally on Sports Illustrated list of top players from 2010 . . . Georgia Class 3A all-state first-team defense selection for 2010 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution . . . one of four Georgia players to be named to all-Southern team by Orlando Sentinel . . . second on Rivals strong-side defensive end list . . . ranked 22nd overall on Rivals 100 list . . . 23rd on Sporting News Top 100 list and 90th on ESPN 150 list . . . ranked 42nd nationally on MaxPrep Top 100 list . . . landed 13th spot on Atlanta Journal-Constitution Fab 50 breakdown and SuperPrep defensive line rankings . . . rated 35th on The Kickoff Top 150 Prospects list . . . played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and Team USA vs. The World All-Star Game in Austin, Texas . . . led Monroe Area High School in Monroe, Ga., to 11-2 record and third-round appearance in the Georgia Class AAA state playoffs during senior season in 2010, after Monroe Area had finished a combined 0-20 the previous two seasons . . . also played as tight end . . . first-team all-Georgia Region 8-AAA for 2010 by vote of area coaches . . . recorded 56 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered as junior in 2009 . . . played for coach Matt Figg at Monroe Area High School . . . born May 23, 1993.

Ishaq (EE-shaq) Williams, 6-5, 242, Big Skill/LB, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Lincoln) – Gatorade Player of the Year as top high school football player in state of New York for 2010 . . . ranked 45th nationally in 2010 by Sports Illustrated . . . ranked 16th nationally on Rivals 100 list . . . ranked second on Rivals weak-side defensive end listing . . . rated 42nd on ESPN 150 list . . . 84th among The Kickoff Top 150 high school prospects from 2010 . . . 17th on SuperPrep Elite 50 and was named SuperPrep Northeast Defensive Player of Year . . . fourth-ranked defensive lineman in country according to SuperPrep . . . 70th player nationally on MaxPreps Top 100 . . . U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection . . . first-team all-Borough pick in 2010 by New York Daily News . . . tabbed 2010 New York Daily News all-city selection … dubbed top player in New York state postseason rankings by Rivals . . . led Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., to 12-1 record and a Public School Athletic League playoff runner-up spot as senior in 2010 . . . had 22 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2010 senior season . . . recorded six tackles and fumble recovery in 28-7 victory over Port Richmond in 2010 . . . led Lincoln to 40-24 win over Boys & Girls in 2010 with five tackles and two sacks . . . 2009 first-team New York Post all-city and Daily News all-city selection as junior . . . tallied 43 tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles during junior season in 2010 . . . graduated from high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011 with Kyle Brindza, Brad Carrico, Aaron Lynch and Everett Golson . . . played for coach Shawn O’Connor at Lincoln High School . . . born Feb. 22, 1993.