Here's a recap of how our guys did at the US Army All-American Game today:

Dayne Crist (QB) - Putting aside the one fumble Crist had, he played really well today.  He hooked up for one touchdown with Michael Floyd and threw some nice balls.  He was considered the best QB there not named Terrelle Pryor and looked good all week.  He was the West captain and I think that his team really respects him.  People make a big deal out of him following Clausen, but I think he'll be a perfect fit because while he's a confident player, he wants what's best for the team and I just love his maturity.

Jonas Gray (RB) - Jonas didn't get a whole lot of carries, only a few in the second half of the game but looked pretty good on those runs.  He was hurt the majority of the week and didn't get a whole lot of practice in, so he couldn't show the coaches or "scouts" his abilities.  From what I could tell, he looked pretty quick and definitely looks well put together in a totally heterosexual way.

Kyle Rudolph (TE) - The East team did not utilize the TE very much in the All-American Game, but scouts and coaches raved about his ability this week.  One scout said he was the best tight end they have had at the game in the past five years.  That's a heck of a compliment for a guy who figures to get some looks as a second or third tight end next season.

Michael Floyd (WR) - Not a bad day at all for Floyd.  4 catches, 118 yards, and 2 TD's for the talented wide receiver out of Minnesota.  After today and this week, I think it's fair to say he's definitely one of the top one or two receivers in the country.  Be excited about him because he can play very early on in his career at Notre Dame.

John Goodman (WR) - Goodman was the other Irish receiver with a touchdown pass, this time from Terrelle Pryor in the first half of the game.  He's got to bulk up a bit, but looked very quick running the touchdown route.  He also attempted a pass to Pryor earlier in the game, something he isn't afraid of doing since he doubled as his high school's QB this year.  The scouts in San Antonio said he was a pleasant surprise.

Trevor Robinson (OL) - Trevor Robinson must make little children cry when he's around town.  The 6-6, 310 pounder sports long brown hair and is just a mean looking fella.  The Irish could use some of the meanness on the offensive line and when Trevor Robinson shows up on campus in a few weeks, he should be in the mix immediately.  He's got tremendous size and intensity and I could see him playing some significant minutes early on.

Mike Golic, Jr. (OL) - Golic played most of the game at center for the East squad despite being about 40 pounds lighter than his counterparts (I think he's on Nutrisystem with his Pops).  He's got a good frame but desperately needs to gain some weight before playing college football.  The South Dining Hall should definitely help.  When he was in the game, he made most of his blocks and looked like a fundamental player.  I really like the kid.

Lane Clelland (OL) - I didn't see much of Clelland but it sounds like he had a tough week in San Antonio.  He's another guy that needs to add some weight and muscle to his smaller frame.  It will be interesting to see if he comes in at guard or tackle since the Irish really need him to play one of the tackle positions.

Sean Cwynar (DL) - Cwynar took a little time to get adjusted during the week but turned out a solid set of practices.  I didn't get an opportunity to watch him as much as I'd like but he did get pressure on Crist's fumble and recovered it.  I'm sure he'll give Crist crap for that when they get on campus.  Cwynar, like Trevor Robinson, has only one more week of vacation until he heads up to South Bend to enroll early.  The Irish could use some depth on defense and his arrival is good news for the Irish.

Brandon Newman (DL) - After a tough senior season, Newman really turned things around this week after a solid week in practice and the game.  He's a smaller defensive tackle at 6-1, 310 lbs but has a quick burst and fits the 3-4 tackle mode.  After the decommitment from Omar Hunter, Newman will have the opportunity to play some minutes next season and early in his career and if this week was any indicator, he should be able to do that.

Steve Filer (LB) - Filer was the jack of all trades at the Army All-American game.  He lined up at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and defensive end before finally settling at inside linebacker in the game.  He had a solid week of practice and showed a lot at all positions, surprisingly a lot at defensive end.  Still, he's got the size and instincts to be an inside linebacker in Corwin Brown's system and should be a good one.

Darius Fleming (LB) - Reports from practices had Fleming as an absolute monster on the edge, but unfortunately I did not focus on him as much as I could have.  He almost had a tackle for a safety but other than that, did not make many more plays.  He has the raw athletic talent to be a special player and Fleming, Brian Smith, and Kerry Neal should be forces at outside linebacker in the next few years.

Anthony McDonald (LB) - Smaller than I thought he would be, McDonald made a number of nice plays for the West team at middle linebacker where he will suit up for the Irish.  It's tough for linebackers to really shine during the practice week so most of the praise goes to the athletic freaks, which McDonald is probably not.  He'll need to bulk up a bit before he gets to Notre Dame but looks like a natural at inside linebacker.

Robert Blanton (DB) - Robert Blanton surprised a lot of people in San Antonio this week, both at cornerback and safety.  He might not run the fastest 40 time or be able to jump out of the roof, but he plays excellent coverage and can tackle, as evidenced in his tackle in the backfield early on in the game.  He reminds me a bit of Raeshon McNeil a few years ago and has the same type of ability.  He had a great week at practice.

In other news, we got a commitment from WR Deion Walker at the Under Armor All-American game in Florida this afternoon.  Walker chose Notre Dame over PSU and Florida State.  He is regarded as a top 10 WR and with his commitment, the Irish have arguably the best WR recruiting coup this year.  Our other WR target, Gerrell Robinson, chose Arizona St. over Notre Dame at the Army game today.