Another Stud is in the Fold

The number one tight-end recruit in the country, Konrad Reuland, became the 25th known verbal commitment for the Fighting Irish today. Reuland is big (6'6" & 240 lbs), fast (4.7-40), has good hands ("the best hands of a tight end in the last couple years," according Scout.com), and has a striking resemblance to Ivan Drago and Ian Ziering from Beverly Hills 90210. In short, he's the perfect package.

And what I like best about this verbal commitment is that Weis beat USC in its own backyard for a player they wanted very badly. This verbal commitment speaks volumes about recruiting ability of Charlie Weis. If you don't believe me, just listen to Reuland's own words from his press conference today, "They've done a great job recruiting me and I really felt wanted over there." I don't think you're heard that too much when Davie or Willingham was the coach.

How much Reuland plays next season will depend on whether Fasano comes back. If Fasano comes back, I don't think Reuland is going to see the field that much, but if Fasano is gone, Reuland should see significant playing time and be another big target for Brady Quinn. With Reuland's verbal commitment that leaves at least two more spots on Weis' first full recruiting class. Additional spots could become available if there are additional players who decide to enroll early. The most likely candidates to fill the remaining spots in the Class of 2010 are offensive tackle Sam Young, offensive tackle Matt Carufel, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle Jason Kates and wide receiver Terrence Austin. All of these players are some of the top players in nation at their respected position, so Notre Dame should finish up with #1 or #2 recruiting class in the country. Not too bad for a program that didn't matter anymore before the season started.