The Notre Dame Fighting Irish currently boast the #11 overall recruiting class in the Class of 2016, and a lot of that has to do with the work head coach Brian Kelly and his staff have done to boost the team's influx of defensive talent. Here's 3 things you need to know about the team's defensive recruiting haul so far.
Daelin Hayes Highlights A Packed Field
The four-star Ann Arbor (MI) product is the marquee pledge on the defensive side of the ball -- mixing size, pure skill and athleticism, while serving as a versatile piece who can be used as both an inside and outside linebacker. He's naturally strong and fast enough to put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer, but he's got the intelligence to stay upright on the outside while reading and reacting. The #10 outside linebacker in the nation, Hayes has defensive captain written all over him.
Balance Is Key
Notre Dame has four 4-star hard commits on defense and 6 3-stars. There's plenty more to come with National Signing Day just a couple months away. Currently there's two linebackers, three defensive ends, two cornerbacks and three safeties on the ledger. Throw in some more linebacker signings and some depth at defensive tackle and this will be an extremely balanced defensive class for Brian Kelly and his coaching staff.
Keep An Eye On Caleb Kelly
The aforementioned Hayes could have a five-star partner lined up alongside him if Kelly decides to defy expectations and choose the Irish over Oklahoma. The Fresno (CA) standout is the #3 outside linebacker in the country and the #23 overall recruit in the Class of 2016. Notre Dame's whole class takes on a different shape if Kelly commits. Hayes would likely move inside and the rest of the class's stockpile of defensive talent would be boosted by an absolute cornerstone in the middle. He had a great time on his official visit a week ago, so there's hope yet.
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