Notre Dame Recruiting: Available Scholarships 57+9+19=85

We last took a look at how many scholarships were still available in the current recruiting cycle a month ago. In the time that has passed since then Notre Dame has received verbal commitments from running back Jamel James and wide receiver/ cornerback Will Fuller.

The roster also took some hits in the form of attrition. Both offensive lineman Brad Carrico and running back Cam Robertson were put on medical hardships. In addition offensive lineman Jordan Prestwood left the team for "personal reasons" and is no longer listed on the roster. Prestwood could have a change of heart like Chris Stewart did but I will consider him gone for the time being.

When I last visited the remaining scholarships in July we had 17 verbals I was still expecting a class size of 21. With 3 additional roster spots opening up we are now expecting a class size of 24. So with 19 current verbals we now have five scholarships available for new recruits.

You can stay on top of the remaining targets and all other recruiting updates via our Recruiting Central widget in the left sidebar.

You all are familiar with our eligibility chart so I will get right to it. The Blue (2 deep) and Red (Injured) players are based on what we have gathered thus far through fall camp.

As you know we treat this as a living document and will continue to update it throughout the year. If you have any questions about that or anything else don't hesitate to bring them up in the comments.

2012 ND Roster Breakdown (13 August)

Math after the jump.

17 Freshmen

22 Sophomores

18 Juniors

9 Seniors that will be eligible to apply for a 5th year

19 Verbal Commitments

85 Total

19 Total scholarships available for new recruits if all 9 of the 5th year options are utilized.

9 Additional spots available as a 1 for 1 replacement of a 5th year option.

Below is a quick review of how I see the priority for keeping the players with a 5th year option and my take on how it will shake out.

Tyler Eifert- NFL Draft

Cierre Wood- NFL Draft is probable if he stays healthy and has another 1,000 yard season.

Zack Martin and Chris Watt- Locks to return for a 5th. Slight chance that a great 2012 pushes them to declare for the NFL Draft.

Carlo Calabrese/ Dan Fox- I expect one of them to return.

Nick Tausch- Total wildcard.

Tyler Stockton and Jake Golic- Most likely gone.

Based on the above I expect that only 4 of these 9 players will return for a 5th year in 2013. That leaves 5 spots remaining to round out a class of 24.

You are all familiar with our Big Board. How do you see this playing out down the stretch?