Keith Marshall of Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.) is one of 11 Tom Lemming Top 100 recruits headed to the USC vs. Notre Dame game this weekend.
File photo by Damon Thomas
In terms of numbers and talent, the University of Notre Dame football team potentially could have the greatest weekend in history when it plays host to the University of Southern California on Saturday night, according to CBS/MaxPreps recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.
Jordan Payton took back his commitment to USC in July, and will be in South Bend this weekend.
File photo by David Hood
"It's the best-ever, in-season weekend," Lemming affirmed. "It's a who's who. Up until 2000, their big weekend always was their banquet weekend."
Eleven of Lemming's Top 100 seniors will be there, along with many of the top juniors, who will be making unofficial visits.
Lemming credits tight end coach Mike Denbrock for the bulk of the top recruits, because many come from his area in the west.
"He's on the verge of winning a 'Lemming,'" the veteran analyst said. "That's a very coveted recruiting prize I give at the end of the season."
The visitors from Lemming's top 100 seniors include:
(Updated: Gunner Kiel joins the list)
No. 2-Quarterback Gunner Kiel (6-4, 215), Columbus East (Columbus, Ind.)
No. 6 - Offensive tackle John Theus (6-6, 301), Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.)
No. 17 - Offensive tackle Zach Banner (6-9, 315), Lakes (Lakewood, Wash.)
No. 24 - Running back Keith Marshall (5-11, 190), Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.)
No. 27 - Two-way lineman Arik Armstead (6-7, 285), Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, Calif.)
No. 35 - Cornerback Tee Shepard (6-1, 190), Washington Union (Fresno, Calif.)
No. 39 - Safety/running back Shaq Thompson (6-1, 220), Grant (Sacramento, Calif.)
No. 41 - Offensive tackle Jordan Diamond (6-6, 310), Simeon (Chicago)
No. 48 - Running back Byron Marshall (5-10, 191), Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif.)
No. 49 - Linebacker Ifeadi Odenigbo (6-4, 220), Centerville (Ohio)
No. 74 - Wide receiver Deontay Greenberry (6-3, 187), Washington Union (Fresno, Calif.)
No. 81 - Wide receiver Jordan Payton (6-3, 200), Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Lemming added that 18 All-Americans will be among the large group of juniors on unofficial visits.
Four of the top juniors include:
Ty Isaac, a 6-3, 220-pound running back from Joliet Catholic Academy (Ill.).
Steve Elmer, a 6-5, 300-pound offensive tackle from Midland (Mich.).
James Quick, a 6-1, 175-pound wide receiver from Trinity (Louisville, Ky.).
Elijah Daniel, a 6-3, 230-pound linebacker from Avon (Ind.).
Lemming estimates that close to 60 players will be at the big game.
"There's always electricity in the air for the Notre Dame/USC game," he pointed out. "Ohio State and Michigan is the only other game that big in the Midwest."
He predicts that the Fighting Irish would not necessarily have to win the game to have a big recruiting haul, but the game needs to be close and exciting. And, he adds, the weather must be good, because recruits want to have fun and enjoy the trip.
Lemming will not have a special guest on this Friday's television show (The Lemming Report at 7 p.m., EST) on the CBS College Sports Network.
He had scheduled Marv Levy, the former Buffalo Bills coach, who is on a tour promoting his best-selling book, "Between The Lies." However, Levy has to attend the funeral of his long-time center, Kent Hull, who died earlier this week. He has been rescheduled for Nov. 18.
His program will revolve around the Top 10 college recruiting classes.
