SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The first batch of BCS rankings have arrived and a good number of teams already have posted enough victories to ensure bowl berths.

But in a little more than three months arrives the day that can generate almost as much interest and angst as a regular season game — signing day.

With Feb. 4 approaching, Notre Dame sits with 16 commitments. Last year’s group was widely considered to be the nation’s No. 2 group (behind Alabama), a ranking that likely won’t be achieved this year.

With that said, the following is a position-by-position breakdown of where ND stands and what it most needs.

Quarterback
With current starter Jimmy Clausen and top-five QB Dayne Crist signing the last two years, Notre Dame isn’t expected to ink another signal-caller this year. Look, however, for the Irish to again target one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2010 recruiting cycle.

Running back
Notre Dame has received commitments from two standouts — Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick. Wood is the big name, although Riddick himself is putting together a very good season. Charlie Weis and his staff appear to be done at this spot as well.

Wide receiver
Freshman Michael Floyd’s emergence could be what drives phenom receivers to South Bend. Nyshier Oliver recently committed, but the big target remaining is Shaquelle Evans. Evans had been "silently" committed to USC but had a good visit to South Bend recently. Notre Dame has a good shot, but the longer he waits, the better the chance a case of “out of sight, out of mind” works against the Irish.

Tight end
Notre Dame’s depth chart has taken a big hit this season with injury and off-the-field problems, and two reinforcements arrive next year in Jake Golic and Tyler Eifert. The Irish are done for this year, but expect them to identify a top-rated player at the position the following year.

Offensive line
In a weak year nationally at the position, Notre Dame has compiled what will likely be one of the nation’s top hauls at the position with Chris Watt, Alex Bullard and Zach Martin.

The big target is tackle Xavier Nixon, and landing him would cap the class.

Defensive line
Nose tackle Tyler Stockton committed months ago, but a lot of work remains to be done at this spot. In fact, it’s probably Notre Dame’s weakest position on the team, and right now in recruiting as well.

The good news is that ND remains involved with a number of high-profile players. They include Devon Kennard, perhaps the nation’s best pass-rusher, Corey Adams, Nick Kasa, Xavier Su’a Filo, Davon Custis, Chris Bonds and Gabe Ikard.

Both starters — Pat Kuntz and Justin Brown — are gone following this season, so early playing time is Weis’ biggest selling point. It’s a spot at which the Irish are basically hanging out a “Help Wanted” sign.

Linebacker
Good, young talent is on campus, and three solid commitments are in the fold in Dan Fox, Carlo Calabrese and Zeke Motta.

But two of the nation’s best — Jelani Jenkins and Manti T’eo — remain. Weis so covets T’eo that he made a quick trip to Hawaii during the recent bye week to watch him play. We’ll see if he made an impression or did nothing more than pad his frequent flyer miles.

Cornerback
Notre Dame’s recruiting at this spot since Weis arrived has been textbook, and this year is no exception. The big name is Marlon Pollard, and E.J. Banks could play corner or safety. Notre Dame is done for this year, and will likely continue its pattern of landing at least one big name next year.

Safety
Notre Dame has also had good success here, and can afford to not sign anyone this year. Current freshman Dan McCarthy was a big name last year, and he probably will not play this year, which in effect drops him into next year’s class. Motta is a high school safety and could offer position flexibility if the need arises.

Kicker/Punter
Like it is at many positions, ND is finished. The Irish have commitments from punter Ben Turk and kicker Nick Tausch.

Tausch’s arrival next year will mean that ND will have three scholarship kickers, not exactly ideal, although low scholarship numbers don’t make it a critical problem.

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