Notre Dame heavier on defensive recruiting for '08

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish pulled together an outstanding recruiting class in 2007 that was headlined by Rivals' top-ranked prospect, Jimmy Clausen; this simply cannot be reasonably disputed. That said, the Irish's eighth-ranked class did receive some criticism because it was heavier on offense than defense.

Only three of the 12 four-star athletes the Irish brought into the fold in 2007 were definitively slated for defense.

Still, the Irish seem to be getting more balanced in their recruiting performance in 2008, as five of their 12 verbal commitments are on the defensive end. Further, all five of these defensive players are listed on the Rivals 250 to watch Class of 2008 list.

For a little more on these potential defensive stars, read on.

Sean Cwynar (DT: Woodstock, Ill.) - Cwynar is a 6-foot-4, 284-pounder who benches 385 pounds and squats 490 already. In other words, he's one strong hombre who has the frame to put on even more weight. Along with this, as a junior in high school in 2006, Cwynar put up 102 total tackles and 17 sacks.

Even better, he's smart (4.2 GPA).

Darius Fleming (DE: Chicago, Ill.) - The 6-3, 230-pounder could conceivably play outside linebacker or defensive end. Further, he was No. 3 on Irish Illustrated's Ten on Top list. Fleming managed 105 total tackles, nine sacks, and 15 tackles for a loss in 14 games as a junior last season.

Anthony McDonald (LB: Sherman Oaks, Calif.) - When you're 6-3, 220, people often assume you're going to play football. But when you have a football lineage (father Mike played football for USC and the Los Angeles Rams), run the 40 in 4.5, bench 350, squat 450, and post 101 tackles as a high-school junior (including 10 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss), people assume more than that.

They assume that you're going to be a football star.

David Posluszny (LB: Alquippa, Pa.)- Had been a safety prior to this season. Unfortunately, Posluszny (yes, Paul's brother) separated his shoulder and fractured his collarbone only four games into this season. Thus, he's somewhat of a question mark. That said, he has speed (4.62 in the 40) and athleticism to give away.

So, Notre Dame is counting on him to bring a pass rush, particularly if he can bulk up from the 206 pounds Rivals reports that he currently weighs.

Hafis Williams (DT: Elizabeth, N.J.) - Williams is an athletic 6-3, 285-pound D-tackle who posted 106 tackles last season. Ranking No. 8 on Irish Illustrated's Ten on Top list, Notre Dame believes he can be a real space eater inside.

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