Ishaq Is Irish

Notre Dame recieved the verbal commitment from an elite prospect, Ishaq Williams (Brooklyn, NY) is ESPN's 29th ranked player nationally. The 6'6" 230lbs OLB/DE recruit, Williams, choose Notre Dame over Syracuse, Penn State, and a Miami squad which got involved late in the process. Williams was prepared to announce at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but decided to wait. Williams has the intention to enroll early, foregoing the second half of his senior year of high school and getting a jump on college academics and participating in spring practices.

Williams marks the 21st recruit to this class. Irish eyes are certainly smiling.

Brady Hoke vs. Brian Kelly: The Matchup

These two coaches will definitely get to know each other over the next couple years. Brady Hoke, former San Diego State head coach was hired Wednesday, January 12th as Michigan's new head coach, taking over after Rich Rodriguez was let go. Brady Hoke was hired based the success he has endured at his previous head coaching stops: Ball State and San Diego State. Also, Hoke was proclaimed a "Michigan Man" by not only growing up a Michigan fan, but also because he was an assistant coach in Ann Arbor from 1995 to 2002. Hoke and Brian Kelly will be facing off in the years to come in the annual rivalry between Notre Dame and Michigan, so how do these two newly appointed coaches stack up against each other?

Kelly and Hoke already have a little bit of history between them. Both coached at Grand Valley State: Hoke as the defensive line coach in 1983, Kelly as graduate assistant and assistant coach from 1987 to 1989, then head coach from 1991 to 2003. Both coaches would eventually end up head coaching at schools in the MAC conference: Kelly at Central Michigan and Hoke at Ball State. During the 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons these two coaches squared off against each other; Kelly winning each time.

2004- CMU 41 - BSU 40
2005- CMU 31 - BSU 24
2006- CMU 18 - BSU 7

Currently, Kelly is 3-0 when coaching against Hoke.

When comparing overall Division 1A records, Kelly's is more impressive.

Kelly - 61-27, total 88 games
Hoke - 47-50, total 97 games

This matchup will be a good one to watch in future. Both coaches have done great jobs at turning their programs around to become successful and competitive.

If you ask me, after looking at the numbers, I'm very pleased that Notre Dame has Brian Kelly coaching on their sidelines.

The Decision: Floyd stays Irish another year

Junior wide receiver Michael Floyd has decided to stay at ND for the 2011 season. The 6-3, 227 lb. receiver from Cretin-Derham High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota announced his decision today in a statement given to the media. In his statement, Floyd admitted, "This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make in my life" but also added what he hopes to achieve by staying another season, "I want to show everyone in the country that I'm the best wide receiver in college football in 2011."

Obviously, Brian Kelly was very pleased in Floyd's decision. Getting to keep the team's top receiver, playmaker, and possibly run blocker for another year will be extremely helpful in getting this team to a BCS game next season. Poised as always, Kelly commented on Floyd's decision, "I would have supported Michael's decision either way, but obviously I am thrilled he will be part of our team in 2011." Thrilled and relieved are reactions shared by most Irish fans across the country.

Next year Floyd, barring injury, could take over the ND record books for career receiving stats.

He is currently 1st in the following categories:
   Career Receiving Touchdowns - 28
   Career Receiving Yards Per Game - 84.6

In 2011, he could break:
   Career Receptions - 171 - Currently 2nd
   Career 100 yard Games - 13 - Currently Tied for 2nd
   Career Receiving Yards - 2,539 - Currently 3rd

Along with these there are many single-season and single-game records he could and hopefully will demolish next year.

To see the whole transcript of Michael Floyd's announcement click below.
http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011211aac.html

OL Recruit is Irish

Nick Martin, OL recruit from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis, IN and younger brother of current ND offensive tackle Zack Martin has committed to the Irish. The 6'5" 260lbs OL recruit switched his commitment from Kentucky to Notre Dame early Tuesday morning.

The Irish only landed two true offensive line recruits (Christian Lombard and Tate Nichols) in last year's class (2010). Prior to Nick Martin's commitment, ND only had two offensive line recruits (Matt Hegarty and Conor Hanratty) pledged to this year's class (2011).

Nick Martin's pledge makes the 20th such for Notre Dame's 2011 recruiting class.

Aaron Lynch back on radar

Aaron Lynch is will be taking an official visit to Notre Dame next friday (1/14/2011). It seems he will be decommitting from Florida State.

The Cape Coral, FL prospect was originally committed to Notre Dame, following the loss to Tulsa he decommitted and committed to Florida State.

UF recruit up for grabs

With the coaching change taking place at the University of Florida, Notre Dame is in perfect position to do what the Gators have been doing to the Irish for years, poach recruits. Will Muschamp is set to take over for the retired Urban Meyer and he is bringing Charlie Weis in to run his offense. The former Notre Dame head coach and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator is holding off on recruiting until the Chiefs have finished the playoffs. This will leave a very small window for Weis to build a relationship with the current UF commitments. Weis will also be bringing his pro-style offensive scheme.

Chase Hounshell (Kirtland, OH) is a current Florida commit who has reopened his recruitment. Hounshell, a 6'5'' 242lbs offensive/defensive line recruit was set to enroll early at the University of Florida, however he has decided to remain in high school for the rest of his senior year and explore his options. He has reopened his recruitment to the University of Florida and the University of Notre Dame.