NCAA Recruiting Scoop

Boy that tight end Mark Bavaro was something when he played for the New York Football Giants. First, he was an outstanding blocker, really a cut above. Second, he had excellent hands. Third, well, let’s face it: He was about as hard to bring down as a Mack Truck and the reality was that running into him was only slightly less alarming. Interestingly, just like nearly every other NFL player, Bavaro once went to college. In fact, he was an All American tight end for the University of Notre Dame.

Speaking of Notre Dame tight ends, here’s the second highest rated recruit coming to the Irish and head coach Charlie Weis next season. The name? How about Kyle Rudolph?

Kyle Rudolph is a 6-foot-6, 229 pound five star tight end from Cincinnatti, Ohio (Elder High School) that runs the 40 yard dash in 4.6 seconds, and possesses a 3.4 GPA. So on top of some pretty nice measurables- after all, what team doesn’t want a 6-foot-6 inch tight end- he’s also smart.

Then there’s his production. Last season Rudolph pulled in 32 balls for 400 yards and seven touchdowns, netting him First-Team All-City and All-Conference honors. He also was named to the All-Southwest Ohio Second Team. The best part? On top of it all, Rudolph is one heckuva blocker.

Altogether this has netted him a spot on the 2008 Rivals 100 at number 17. He’s also considered the best tight end in the country and the number one player coming out of Ohio.

Sounds darned good, doesn’t it? Even better if you’re a Notre Dame fan as that’s exactly where Kyle Rudolph has verbally committed to play next season. He chose to be a part of the Irish over the Ohio State Buckeyes, Tennessee Volunteers, Virginia Cavaliers, Boston College Eagles, Louisville Cardinals, Miami of Florida Hurricanes, and Michigan Wolverines.

Darn that Charlie Weis did well recruiting in 2008. Next up for Notre Dame is a little something on their four star recruits.