Too Good To Miss

It’s a big recruiting weekend for Notre Dame, which is hosting a number of standouts. Can you blame them? They get a sun-splashed day and a big-time opponent (No. 19 Penn State) and all the season-opening hoopla you could ask for.

The highest rated recruit was wide receiver Arrelious Benn, rated No. 8 nationally by recruiting expert Tom Lemming.

Also on hand was defensive tackle Joe Barksdale, rated No. 20 by Lemming, offensive lineman Chris Little (No. 33), safety Harrison Smith (No. 89) and offensive lineman Trinton Sturdivant.

Little and Barksdale are huge. Little is 6-6 and 327 pounds. Barksdale is 6-6 and 310. Barksdale, who is from Detroit, is actually on campus for an unofficial visit. He’ll officially visit during next Saturday’s Michigan game.

Also expected for the Michigan game is super-heralded quarterback Jimmy Clausen (who committed in the spring), plus wide receiver Greg Little (No. 38 rating), running back Armando Allen (No. 40), linebacker Lorenzo Edwards (No. 51), cornerback Gary Gray (No. 54) and athlete Malcolm Smith (No. 58).

Overall, Notre Dame hopes to sign 25 players. It has oral commitments from eight.