Irish crack top 10 of ESPN class rankings

Notre Dame's success on the recruiting trail in the past month has the Irish climbing up the latest ESPN class rankings. The school checks in at No. 9 in the current pecking order, with 22 players ranked as three- or four-star prospects and six ESPNU150 player commitments.

Even with Stephon Tuitt decommitting this week, the Irish are still loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive ends Aaron Lynch, Anthony Rabasa and Ishaq Williams -- who may be moved to linebacker -- are all in the final ESPNU150. Lynch is the highest-rated prospect at No. 15 overall.

Of course, plenty of Notre Dame classes in the past have earned high ratings. The difference in this class appears to be the strength on the defensive side of the ball, especially up front. That has been an area of need for years in South Bend.

The Irish are still in the mix for ESPNU150 running back Savon Huggins. While nothing is certain until recruits sign on the dotted line beginning Feb. 2, and even then nothing is promised until they develop on the field, Notre Dame appears to be building well for the future.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/38377/irish-crack-top-10-of-espn-class-rankings

Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo