Notre Dame Football Recruiting: The 10 Most Important Names To Know Right Now

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish currently have the #8 ranked recruiting class for 2018 according to the industry standard, 247 Composite Rankings. The class has 18 commitments and insiders fully expect all 18 to sign on the first early signing day period that begins on December 20.

After those 18 players, the Irish have about 20 serious prospects on their radar to help fill this class. From that 20, there are 10 that I believe fall in the categories of "most important" and "possible."

Here is a quick look at those 10.

5 Star WR, Amon-Ra St. Brown

The #1 target on the board is becoming more of a longshot. This is basically a battle with the USC Trojans, and SC has St. Brown's high school quarterback in the fold for the 2019 class. Still, he represents THE most star power of any recruit left on the board committed or uncommitted.

4 Star CB, Houston Griffith

It has been a long story with Griffith and the Irish. At one point the Irish led for his signature, but then he committed to the Florida State Seminoles. One decommitment later, and Griffith is expected to commit to Notre Dame to help fill a HUGE need at cornerback.

3 Star DE, Malik Langham

The Irish may lead right now for the Alabama native, but he has visits set up this winter for schools such as Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. He represents a certain body type that Notre Dame has desperately been recruiting - but falling short.

4 Star CB, Kyler Gordon

Did you know Notre Dame is in need of cornerbacks? Gordon does, and he very well might have the Irish in front over the Washington Huskies. Gordon has a trip to make for the Notre Dame awards banquet, and if he does make the trip, the Irish are in the driver's seat.

4 Star LB, Solomon Tuliapupu

There is hope for the California linebacker after last weeks visit from the coaching staff. Notre Dame really wants to continue to add to its linebacker group, and Tuliapupu is a huge priority. While the USC Trojans probably lead, it has been said that no one is recruiting him harder than the Irish. The Ohio State Buckeyes are also a player here.

4 Star WR, Tommy Bush

Bush was a big name for Notre Dame at the start of the cycle, but that faded quickly. Still, the Irish coaching staff will be out to see Bush and he might visit for the awards show. Bush has a ton of potential and is a dynamic receiver at 6'5". After Amon-Ra, he's probably the best WR on the Irish board.

4 Star WR, Lawrence Keys III

Keys might actually be the best bet to be the next WR commit for the Irish. Keys is a Louisiana native, and the Irish are going head-to-head with the LSU Tigers for his services. Perhaps Keys will wait until after the Citrus Bowl game to evaluate his options further.

3 Star OT, Luke Jones

With Bielema out as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Jones's recruitment is picking up for Notre Dame. Most insiders believe he'll be Irish when it is all said and done.

4 Star OT, Nicholas Petit-Frere

Petit-Frere is a quiet kid and his recruitment has reflected that so far. The Florida lineman has a lot of options in front of him, but Notre Dame checks off every box for him - both athletically and academically. This may still take a while to shake out, but Notre Dame will make room if needed.

3 Star TE, Tommy Tremble

At one point last summer, Notre Dame looked to be the clear leader for Tremble and a summer commitment seemed likely. That didn't happen, and the Irish have found themselves in a real battle with the Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines for his services. Still, Notre Dame appears to be out in front for Tremble.