Inside Linebacker Michael Deeb Verbally Commits to Notre Dame!

Coach Brian Kelly received his 16th verbal commitment for the 2013 class today from ILB Michael Deeb (Fort Lauderdale, FL - American Heritage). Deeb is listed at 6'2" and 237 lbs.

Deeb chose the Irish over offers from Florida State, Penn State, Vanderbilt and South Florida among others.

Recruiting Service Rankings:

ESPN - 4 star (#72 FL, #17 ILB), 81 Grade

Rivals - 3 star (#73 FL, #26 ILB), 5.7 Grade

Scout - 3 star (#27 MLB)

247Sports - 3 star (#125 FL, #48 ILB), 84 Grade

More after the jump.

Highlights (click to go to video)

Impact:

Immediate Future:

Deeb plays the MLB in a more traditional 4-3 high school defense, so some of the nuances of Bob Diaco's system will have to be picked up rapidly if he wants to see the field early on defense. I think he projects to the WILL (or weak side) linebacker in college and has the skill-set to be a difference maker.

He already has a solid build at 6'2"/237 lbs but will probably need to get to around 245-250 and redistribute weight in order to play serious reps as a freshman. I can see him contributing on special teams right away regardless.

Long Term/Career:

Deeb's highlight film shows that he plays the game exactly the way you want a linebacker to play-physical, tough, not afraid of contact but still under control. Reminds me a bit of Luke Kuechly in that way-always around the football but arrives ready to make the tackle. He shows great instincts and really has a nose for the football. His film also displays good pursuit without over-pursuing the ball carrier. He also does a nice job dropping into zone coverage and rerouting receivers.

Some things he will have to work on include wrapping up better on tackles as he tends to use his a little too much without wrapping. He does a nice job shedding blockers at the prep level, but will have to work on strength and technique to be as effective with interior linemen at the next level. Overall, he is an excellent prospect at linebacker who is still flying a bit under the radar at this point-don't be surprised to see him move up the recruiting boards before February.

Welcome to Notre Dame Michael!