There was a time this winter when concerns arose that Mike Mickens was on his way out of South Bend. The Notre Dame football team was able to keep him in the fold, even if he didn't get the defensive coordinator position when Al Golden left. It turns out that was the easiest and best move Marcus Freeman made this year. It may be the best move he's made in his career.
Not only did Mickens stick around, but he continued to exert his influence over a recruiting run that started in December and just kept on going.