We're just about a week until fall practice starts and 5 weeks until kickoff against Purdue, but the Irish Football program is buzzing this weekend with verbal commitments from FOUR new recruits for the 2011 class.  The additions of RB Justice Hayes, DE/OLB Anthony Rabasa, CB Jalen Brown and DE Aaron Lynch bring the current class of ND recruits to a whopping 16 before Brian Kelly's inaugural season even begins.  Here's a breakdown of each player:

Justice Hayes, RB (Grand Blanc, MI) - Hayes (5'10", 180)  is a shifty back who reminds me of Darius Walker, but also did this as a sophomore.  Notre Dame beat out home-state Michigan and MSU, and picked up a player who fits Brian Kelly's offense and has a great name.

Scout: 4-star/#16 RB, Rivals: 4-star/#5 All-Purpose Back/#75 Overall, ESPN: 4-star/#22 RB.

Anthony Rabasa, OLB/DE (Miami, FL) - When Rabasa (6'3", 230) announced that his final four consisted of Florida, Florida State, Miami and the Irish, not many Notre Dame fans were holding their breath.  However, lead recruiters Tony Alford (WR Coach) and Mike Elston (DL Coach) must had some magic in that old silk hat they found because Rabasa popped for the Irish Friday afternoon before he had even spoken with Brian Kelly.  Rabasa will likely find himself in the OLB position currently occupied by Darius Fleming and Steven Filer.  Extensive video here.

Scout: 3-star/#51 DE, Rivals: 3-star/#14 Weakside DE, ESPN: 4-star/#10 DE/#98 Overall

Jalen Brown, CB (Irving, TX) - By the time Brown (6'0", 180) enrolls at Notre Dame, he'll likely be one of only three (four if ND picks up TX S Quincy Aldridge in this class) players from the state of Texas.  New OLB Coach Kerry Cooks was allegedly brought on in part because of his ties to the Lone Star State, and it appears to have paid off.  Brown is tall for a CB and fits the profile of what Kelly looks for in a defensive back.  Limited film has him rated lowly by Scout and Rivals.

Scout: 3-star/#75 CB, Rivals: NR/NR, ESPN: 3-star/#23 CB

Aaron Lynch, DE (Cape Coral, FL) - Lynch (6'6", 245) is a monster (Monstar?) DE with great quickness, motor and room to grow.  After receiving reassurances from Coach Alford that Notre Dame would provide the highest standard in academic support, Lynch chose the Irish over Florida, FSU and about 40 other offers.  Lynch also plans to enroll early in January, which should give some piece of mind to Irish faithful worried about Urban Meyer convincing another Florida DL prospect to switch to the Gators on signing day.

Scout: 4-star/#9 DE, Rivals: 4-star/#6 Strong Side DE/#90 Overall, ESPN: 4-star/#9 DE/#46 Overall

Quick recruiting wrap-up - With 16 players already verbally committed and a good amount of 5th-year eligibility for the 2011 season, look for Notre Dame to take no more than 3-6 more players depending on what Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph decide with their NFL futures.  The Irish are still looking to add another OT, WR, DE/OLB and a couple more for the defensive backfield/ATH.  Most of the remaining prospects are looking to take official visits before committing, but the Irish are in great shape right now with Kelly's first true class.