Notre Dame Signs 18

If you’ve heard the rumors swirling around that highly touted quarterback Jimmy Clausen has injured his throwing arm, relax.

The nation’s No. 1 football recruit is just fine. He’s already enrolled at Notre Dame, is taking classes and will participate in spring practice.

What is true is that Clausen threw a lot in games and in practice this past season. Coach Charlie Weis wants him to rest his arm to avoid any overuse issues.

“I told him I did not want him throwing a ball until end of February,” Weis said. “I’ve shut him down. I’ve mandated him not to throw. It’s not because he has some dire condition.”

Clausen was one of 18 recruits who signed today in what experts agree is a top-10 class.

Weis said the Irish addressed all their needs and if some players, particularly on defense, don’t bring gaudy ratings, that doesn’t mean they won’t be impact players some day.

“These guys are just what we’re looking for,” Weis says.

For more information, check out tomorrow’s News-Sentinel.