College football

Weis not only reason ND recruiting on rise

NBC contract, best brand in college football make Irish an easy sell

John Harrell / AP

Charlie Weis is a personable enough guy to sell the Notre Dame program in parent's living rooms, but thanks to three Super Bowl rings, he has had most prospects at ‘Hello,’ writes college football expert Joey Johnston.

Q: Based on what appears to be a solid recruiting class, it looks like Mississippi is getting what it was looking for when it lured Ed Orgeron from USC. How long until the Rebels contend for the SEC title?
— Michael from Tupelo, Miss.
A: Obviously, Michael, SEC title contention will be a tall task for Mississippi, which must contend with Alabama, Auburn and LSU (among others) in its division. But Ed Orgeron, the former assistant at USC and Miami, knows what it takes to compete at a high level. He’s a dynamic personality who will attract his share of top-flight players.

And as you’ve already seen, Orgeron is capable of shaking it up in recruiting. The Rebels are doing well in their home state — Orgeron’s stated priority — and adding some key players from places such as California and Florida. He also added some well-credentialed assistants, Dan Werner and Art Kehoe, who were fired in the Miami shakeup.

But this is a process. A successful signing day is another milestone, one that will help the Mississippi lineup and shape a more positive perception of the program. When Orgeron has his third and fourth signing class — or the 2007 and 2008 seasons — the Rebels should be making their move in the SEC West. And if his plans succeeds, you’ll be hearing more about Mississippi because Orgeron plans on building something that lasts.

Q: Are there often any top-notch recruits who don’t make up their minds by Signing Day?
— T.J. from Everett, Wash.
A: Not too often, T.J., unless there are some peripheral issues (academics?) that prevent a decision. With today’s landscape, when all the top players seem to want to announce their decisions on television, we’re actually seeing earlier announcements by the high-profile players.

Q: When does next season start? I can’t wait!
— Roger Coats from Midland, Texas
A: Neither can I, Roger. The 2006 season can’t begin soon enough for college football junkies. The season begins in force on Labor Day weekend — highlighted by USC at Arkansas and Notre Dame at Georgia Tech on Sept. 2, followed by Florida State at Miami on Sept. 4 (Labor Day night).

Joey Johnston is NBCSports.com's college football expert and a columnist for the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune.

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