Notre Dame's fourth annual Irish Invasion will bring a number of top prospects from around the country to South Bend on Saturday. The Irish are expected to host at least seven Rivals100 prospects and a number of other top targets for the invite-only camp inside Notre Dame Stadium.

While the focus of the event will be on selling prospects like five-star linebacker Baron Browning, Rivals100 defensive end Hunter Echols and Rivals100 offensive tackle Foster Sarell on playing at Notre Dame, the Irish coaches will also get a chance evaluate a number of recruits in-person for the first.

Blue & Gold Illustrated runs through the names of expected visitors.

Note: Full Visitors List ($)

The Skinny: Baron Browning arrives on campus as the highest ranked prospect to visit Notre Dame since Demetris Robertson was in town for the Texas game this past season. The nation's No. 1 linebacker has the Irish in his top 10 along with a number of other top programs, but Texas and Ohio State are believed to be the leaders. Still, Browning said this past weekend that he's eager to see what Notre Dame is all about ($). He will be travel with his brother, Barry Browning, who played for Irish offensive coordinator Mike Sanford at Stanford.

Bryan’s Take: It does not take one long to see why Browning is considered one of the nation's top players. The first thing that jumps out at you on film is his tremendous power. Browning is a punishing tackler that explodes through contact with ball carriers. What is scary - at least for offensive players - is that Brown has a lot of room for physical growth, which will result in him getting even stronger and more explosive.

Browning's rangy hits on the sideline are impressive, but the plays to look for when talking about him being a standout linebacker are the in-the-box hits. He shows good short area quickness and power, which are absolute musts for a linebacker. Those "phone booth" skills are what separate the best linebackers from everyone else. Browning is a savvy player that has a knack for stripping the ball, and he does a good job recognizing run-pass. His ability in coverage is outstanding for such a young player.

Wherever he ends up, there will be constant debates between the defensive line and linebackers coaches. Browning has the range and power to play linebacker, but also shows elite potential as an edge rusher/zone-fire defender. He can get away with it now, but in college Browning will need work at using his hands to keep blockers off his body and then disengaging (stack and shed), and getting his pads lower as he works in traffic.

The Skinny: Notre Dame is looking to add offensive linemen and Foster Sarell is right at the top of offensive line coach Harry Hiestand's board. The No. 1 prospect in Washington will spend four days in South Bend with his parents. Stanford looks to be the leader in the clubhouse, but Washington and Notre Dame remain very much in the picture. Sarell is arguably one of the most important visitors on the list given the needs at tackle this cycle and the fact that he is traveling across the country.

Bryan’s Take: Sarell is a massive young man that plays the game with outstanding power. He is a physical run blocker, firing aggressively off the line and driving his feet through contact. His quickness and agility at the snap is impressive, and when his size is factored in it provides even more wow factor. He shows active feet throughout the play and his straight line speed is impressive. When Sarell gets his hands on a defender and his feet get moving it is over.

It is obvious that Sarell has received good coaching during his prep career. His pass sets are sound, he takes good angles and his footwork at the snap is quick and efficient. Sarell also does a very good job keeping his eyes up, allowing him to see twists, and linebackers when he is working combo blocks. His instincts in the run game are impressive and his feel in the pass game is quite good. I would like to see Sarell be more violent with his hands, especially in the pass game. The punch is there, he just has a tendency to place his hands on defenders instead of being forceful.

Whether or not Sarell can play tackle is a question mark. Although his straight line speed is good, Sarell lumbers a bit when working laterally. He is also a heavy waste bender, showing stiffness in his lower body. If he can play on an island he has the skills to be a powerful right tackle. If he cannot, the skills are there to become the premier guard in the class.

The Skinny: It has been well documented over the years that Notre Dame has struggled to recruit pass-rushing defensive ends, but they will get one of the nation's best on campus in Hunter Echols. While the Rivals100 end might be committed to UCLA, he has stated in the past that he's high on the Irish and that the bid from Notre Dame was a dream offer of sorts ($). The goal for Notre Dame will be to position itself for an official visit down the line.

Bryan’s Take: Echols is a smooth athlete that finished his junior season with 27 tackles for loss and 17 sacks, and he has the upside to develop into a dominant pass rusher in college. Echols gets off the ball extremely well and shows top-level closing speed, two imperative traits for a pass rusher. The 6-4 pass rusher has long arms and fast hands, with the frame to add a lot of strength and weight in the future. He is not quite as sudden as some of the other top ends in the class, but most lack his fluidity.

While other rushers will have to fill out and spend a lot of time developing their technique, Echols will enter college as a technically sound football player that only needs to add to his frame. He already possesses an advanced pass-rushing repertoire; he can speed rush, he uses his length to get into the body of blockers for bull rushers and he has an array of double moves. His stutter in and outside rip move is deadly, and it will play exceptionally well in college as he gets stronger.

Echols ability to rush the quarterback would fill a major need for the Notre Dame defense, but he is more than just a pass rusher. Echols has the tools to become a dominant all-around player, one who can defend the run and thrive in the pass game.

The Skinny: All eyes will be on Rivals100 defensive end Robert Beal this weekend. The one time Notre Dame commit returns to campus for the first time since he backed off his pledge in February. Many believe that Alabama is the team to beat, but Beal said over the weekend that he's open to Notre Dame and that the Irish are very much in the mix ($). We'll remain optimistic about Notre Dame's chances moving forward, but Beal seems set on rebuilding his relationship with the folks in South Bend.

Bryan’s Take: Beal is an intriguing player, one that has the listed size of a linebacker (6-3, 217) but the power to effectively handle the run game as a three-point stance end. Beal has elite pass rushing ability due to his combination of athletic and power rushes. All the traits you want in a pass rusher are there with Beal: length, quick burst, quick feet, fluid hips, fast hands, a strong punch and top-notch closing speed.

He flies off the edge, possessing the burst and speed to get around tackles on wide rushes. Once tackles start over-setting, Beal will jab outside and then rip inside, using his quickness to beat tackles in the inside gap. He will use an aggressive rip technique to power his way through the inside gaps. Beal will mix in power rushes, which he has the length and punch to effectively execute in college once he adds some weight and a bit more weight room strength.

Beal could play a number of different spots in the Notre Dame defense. Weakside end is the most obvious fit for Beal, where his speed rush and ability to excel with double moves is perfect for the position.

The Skinny: Rivals100 linebacker Justin Foster was a late addition to the visitors list, but he's a big one. The North Carolina standout is listed as a linebacker, but will likely grow into a defensive end. Many feel that Clemson and Tennesee lead, but the Irish are also on his short list of schools along with Stanford, Kentucky and Georgia. Forster recently said that he likes Notre Dame because it's 'like an IVY League school'.

Bryan’s Take: Foster brings back memories of former Notre Dame defensive end Darius Fleming, only bigger. At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Foster has the size and strength to play very early on in his career. He has the body, game and athleticism to play multiple positions in the Notre Dame defense. The Crest standout is a physical defender with top-flight lower body power. Foster has an excellent burst off the edge as a pass rusher and he complements his speed rush with a quick double move and a bull rush, traits that make him an ideal weak side end

Improved hand technique and anchoring better would make him a stout run defender, but the frame and toughness are already present. These traits make him an ideal strong side end, where his pass rushing skills would provide a significant boost to the Irish defense. Foster is a rangy athlete with good speed. He shows off good instincts in coverage and he has excellent timing as a blitzed out of a two-point stance. These traits would allow him to play some outside linebacker in Notre Dame's odd front and could make him an impactful player in its zone-fire schemes.

Lastly, Foster shows himself to be a bright football player. He diagnoses run-pass well, picks up play-action and he gets his hands up quickly against the short passing game.

The Skinny: Atlanta-based four-star offensive tackle Andrew Thomas is another top target for Hiestand that will be on campus. The Rivals250 lineman returns after visiting back in March, but this time he's coming with mom, who wants to see the academic presentation at Notre Dame ($). Clemson and Georgia are the two schools that lead for Thomas, with the in-state Bulldogs holding a slight edge. Hiestand will do what he can to change that.

Bryan’s Take: Thomas is a dominant prep lineman with the potential to become that type of player in college. He checked in this summer at 6-5, 318 and has a frame that reminds me of former Notre Dame All-American left tackle Ronnie Stanley. At this point, Thomas is all about power. He has active feet and a strong punch, which combined with his size allows him to throw opponents all over the field. Right now Thomas is more of a force in the run game; he's a great finisher and gets excellent movement.

Thomas has quality athleticism, showing impressive agility for a player his size, and the ability to accelerate through contact. His ability to fire out of his stance and work his feet allow him to quickly get to the edge and get a reach. If he chose Notre Dame, Thomas would be a perfect fit for Notre Dame's zone schemes and power schemes. Thomas looks comfortable on the edge and has outstanding length, which are pass game musts for an offensive tackle. Thomas has good lateral quickness and changes direction well, which suit the tackle position. His technique needs a lot of work, but if he gets the right position coach he could dominate as a pass protector.

Thomas has plenty of position flexibility. If tackle doesn't work, Thomas could move inside and be a dominant guard, much like current Notre Dame starting left guard Quenton Nelson. If he wanted to, Thomas could also be an effective 3-4 nose guard, a position he thrives at in high school, although his greatest upside is on offense.

The Skinny: Osiris St. Brown is the younger brother of current Notre Dame wideout Equanimeous St. Brown. He was offered by the Irish when Brian Kelly went in-home with his brother last winter. While Notre Dame might lock to be a lock on paper to sign Osiris given the family ties, he recently said that the Irish are tied with Stanford for his services ($). He was in Palo Alto for a Junior Day and multiple people in his camp say the the Pac-12 school should be viewed as a serious threat moving forward.

Bryan’s Take: St. Brown is not an elite athlete and lacks any single trait that stands out. What he has, is a quality all-around skill set that plays perfectly at the position. St. Brown gets off the line quickly and gets to full speed in a hurry. He accelerates out of his cuts very well and shows excellent body control. His ability to twist and turn for off-target and back shoulder throws is as good as any wideout in the country.

St. Brown is able to maximize the physical traits he does possess because he is such a fundamentally sound wide receiver. Everything he does is efficient; he gets off the line quickly, knows how to use his angle of release to manipulate defenders and he explodes out of his breaks. St. Brown knows how to use his hands to get off the press and his use of double moves helps him gain separation he cannot based on his speed.

St. Brown has outstanding ball skills. He has fast and sure hands, and just as important he is extremely confident in his ability to catch the football. While he lacks the size and speed of his older brother - current Notre Dame sophomore Equanimeous St. Brown - Osiris is a far more polished player and has superior ball skills.

The Skinny: Notre Dame will likely take two running backs this cycle and Colin Wilson is the perfect power back to add to the class. The Rivals250 prospect has taken recent recent trips to both Louisville and South Carolina, and Notre Dame is believed to be in the lead group along with two those schools ($). Wilson will be traveling with his high school head coach, who has ties in the area. He's expected to make a decision by the end of July or early August.

Bryan’s Take: Wilson is a physically imposing runner that has the game to match his body. He gets downhill with authority and shows a strong leg drive. Opponents have a hard time wrapping him up thanks to his thick build and power. Wilson is tight through the hips and must improve his pad level, but if he can make the necessary corrections he will be even more effective between the tackles.

Wilson is not an overly elusive back and lacks top-end speed. It takes him a few steps to get to full speed, but even when he is late to the hole he is able to use his power to pound forward for positive yards. For a big back, he does show nimble feet, which allows him to make quick cuts behind the line. He changes directions relatively well in space, showing quick feet and good second level vision. His anticipation skills behind the line help him make quick and effective reads.

Notre Dame could always use another power back, and that is what Wilson is at this point. His vision and power is where his big gains will come from, but there is some speed potential in his frame that could develop in college.

The Skinny: If Wilson fits the mold of the power back that Notre Dame wants in the class, four-star all-purpose back C.J. Holmes would be the ideal change of pace back. The Rivals250 prospect was offered by the Irish back in May after the coaches saw him workout in person. He has drawn comparisons to CJ Prosise ($) — which he likes — but Michigan appears to be the team out in front. Notre Dame will look to change that.

Bryan’s Take: It is easy to see why programs value Holmes, a do-it-all athlete that projects at several positions at the next level. Holmes is a smooth and fluid athlete with loose hips and impressive agility, traits that allow him to change direction with ease. His top end speed is good, but his initial burst and acceleration could stand to improve, and if they do he'll be even more dangerous as a runner.

Holmes has the necessary running back traits to thrive at the position, and his body is perfect for the backfield. His frame is going to fill out, and he runs with good pad level, which will help him develop more power at the next level. Holmes makes good reads and anticipates relatively well, and with more experience at the position those traits will become even greater strengths. Holmes is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and can even line up out wide and provide the same type of matchup a receiver can have against linebackers and safeties.

Holmes could play safety or slot receiver for Notre Dame, but his best spot might very well be running back. He is a zone runner who projects to become an even more dynamic athlete once he gets college strength training. His ability out of the backfield would add a unique dimension to the Irish offense.

The Skinny: Louisiana wideout Michael Young might be the best bet on the visitors list to commit to the Irish this weekend. The three-star prospect arrived in town on Thursday and will stay through Sunday with his family. He said earlier this week that he isn't looking to end his recruitment, but he also isn't ruling out a commitment. Oregon and Texas A&M also remain in the mix for the quick wideout, who has been described as a 'fit' both on and off the field at Notre Dame.

Bryan’s Take: Do not let his three-star ranking fool you, Michael Young is an extremely gifted wide receiver. Much like current Notre Dame freshman Kevin Stepherson, Young has a skill set that outplays his ranking. He showed this summer at the Nike+ Football The Opening Regional in New Orleans just how explosive he is, posting a 4.01 pro-shuttle time and a 39.1-inch vertical leap. While those summer times are impressive, the most important factor is that Young shows off that explosiveness on the field.

Young gets exceptional jumps off the ball, showing the ability to quickly accelerate and get to full speed within a couple of steps. He eats the cushion of defenders in a hurry, and his ability to explode out of cuts makes him a matchup nightmare, especially for safeties. Young has smooth hands and snatches the ball crisply out of the air. He shows a natural understanding of how to find soft spots in the zone and he's a quality route runner. Young is dynamic once he gets the ball in his hands. His toughness shows up when he has the ball in his hands, but it is never more impressive than when he is blocking in the run game.

What likely keeps Young from being ranked as high as he should is his lack of height. He checked in this summer at just 5-10 1/2. For Notre Dame, that height is not an issue. He would fit in extremely well at the Z receiver position that puts a greater emphasis on athletic skill, instincts and ball skills than it does height. Notre Dame's starting Z receiver has been as tall or shorter than Young in five of Brian Kelly's six years in South Bend. Young could also play the X position in the Irish offense.

The Skinny: If Young is on a commit watch of sorts, Florida-based wideout Jordan Pouncey's name would be on the same list. The three-star prospect has spent the past week touring a number of schools around the country. While he doesn't claim a leader, he will end his travels in South Bend at a school that he says he grew up cheering for as a child ($). That could be enough to push him over the edge and end his recruitment.

Bryan’s Take: Pouncey is a smooth pass catcher that brings a lot of versatility to the game. As a wideout, Pouncey is a long-strider with above-average speed and quick feet. He is more of a vertical player at this point, showing off a good understanding of how to beat defensive backs with his route technique. He is not going to make his living doing work after the catch, but he does show some nimbleness with the ball in his hands. Pouncey has quality ball skills, but his ability to go up and get the football using his 36.5-inch vertical jump bumps that part of his game up a bit.

He can certainly play receiver at the next level, but Pouncey's best position in college might be in the secondary. The Winter Park athlete has a chance to shine on defense should he choose to go that route. Pouncey is rangy defensive back that shows off quick feet, loose hips and the ability to change direction well. He is an instinctive player that gets his hands on a lot of throws. His athletic skills and instinctive ability project at both safety and cornerback, depending on the defense.

Pouncey is a willing tackler and as his body fills out, his ability to deliver punishment will become a strength of his game.

The Skinny: Notre Dame has had plenty of success recruiting Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) High over the years and the Irish will get another top PBG prospect on campus in three-star safety Amari Carter. He arrives with Notre Dame in his top group of schools ($), but some think that Miami might be the leader in the clubhouse. Irish defensive backs coach Todd Lyght will try to change that. So will former high school teammates Devin Studstill and Tevon Coney.

Bryan’s Take: Carter and Studstill were a great complement to each other last season at Palm Beach Gardens. Studstill could hit, but he built his reputation on his smooth all-around game. Carter made his name as a thumper. Carter is a safety that is at his best flying downhill in order to deliver knock out blows on running backs and receivers. He is a physical football player whose power will only increase once he enhances his lower body strength.

Carter is a quality all-around athlete that has above-average physical skills, lacking any elite traits but also not possessing any significant weaknesses. As a prospect he is unique in that his long frame should be able to add quite a bit of weight and strength, which could very well result in a bit more burst as a runner, giving him more range.

Being a run-stopping safety does not mean Carter lacks ability in the pass game. He can handle himself in man coverage against tight ends, but matching up against slot receivers all game is not his strong suit. What makes Carter so effective is his instinctive skills as a zone defender. He anticipates extremely well and takes good angles when driving down on routes.

The Skinny: With Young the unofficial 'best bet' to commit this weekend, three-star defensive Jonathan MacCollister would be another prospect that has favorable odds to commit to the Irish while in town. The Orlando defensive end is good friends with recent enrollee Parker Boudreaux and has Notre Dame in his top group of schools along with Ohio State and Oregon ($). He'll be making the trek to South Bend with his parents, which is nothing but a good sign for the Irish.

Bryan’s Take: MacCollister is in the mold of current freshman end Khalid Kareem; his game is all about power, making him the ideal fit for Notre Dame’s three-technique position. His game is a bit of a cross between Kareem and junior Jonathan Bonner, but MacCollister has a bit more quickness at this point than both of those players at the same age. His combination of high-motor, quickness and power should help him develop into a quality pass rusher/run defender combo player.

Notre Dame has gotten excellent run defense from that position with Isaac Rochell, but it needs more of a pass rush, which MacCollister could bring in time. The Bishop Moore standout also has the current size and frame projection to eventually grow into a three-technique, giving him much-needed positional flexibility in a year when landing quality and quantity at the defensive line position is a must.

The Skinny: Notre Dame also likes length on the boundary, and three-star cornerback Latvious Brini has plenty of size at 6-2, 184-pounds. He hasn't had his name linked much to Notre Dame in the past, but contact in South Florida believe that the Irish are right in the thick of things along with Miami, Florida State and Georgia. His brother, Montavious, is a top freshman prospect and already holds a handful of offers.

Bryan’s Take: Notre Dame has been looking to add length to the cornerback position ever since defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder arrived on campus. It took a big step last season when it landed current freshman Donte Vaughn, and now the Irish are looking to add more length in the 2017 class. Brini is one of the best big corners on the board for the Irish. He is 6-2 with long arms, and he knows how to use his length to his advantage.

Brini lacks ideal speed and he has some tightness when he transitions in coverage. He does have quick feet and fast hands. Brini is very physical at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route. He shoots his hands quickly and then gets into the hip of the receiver. His ability to read and ride the receiver's route is impressive, and helps him overcome his lack of speed. Even when receivers have a step on him, Brini is able to make plays thanks to his length and ball skills.

He is a physical player against the run. Should his lack of speed and his tight hips prevent him from being effective as a coverage corner, Brini is a good enough tackler to make an easy transition to safety.

The Skinny: Atlanta running back Deon Jackson will make his first trip to Notre Dame after landing an invite from the Irish coaches. He said that the goal is to walk away with a bid in hand from Notre Dame ($) although he knows that's not going to be easy. Duke, Northwestern and Maryland are also in the mix. He camped at Georgia this week.

Bryan’s Take: This is one of the most underrated backs in the country. It was not until the fifth game of the season that Jackson became the lead ball carrier for Atlanta Pace Academy, but he shined once he took over, finishing with 1,138 yards (7.3 per carry) and 10 rushing touchdowns. Jackson checked in at the Nike+ Football The Opening Regional in Atlanta at 6-0 and 203 pounds. One does not have to view his film for very long to see he knows how to use that size. Jackson runs with authority, showing a good leg drive and the necessary balance to pound teams between the tackles.

Jackson is not a burner, but he does have a second gear in space that helps him rip off big runs. Jackson is not a sudden runner, showing more of a one-cut type of slashing style where he looks to get north-south. Jackson stays light on his feet for a bigger back, displaying a weaving running style that allows him to get through tight holes as he grinds out extra yards. His vision and instincts are solid, but could and should improve as he gains more experience. Jackson also catches the ball well out of the backfield and shows natural downfield ball skills.

In many ways Jackson is similar to 2016 running back signee Tony Jones Jr. His body type and frame should allow him to make big strides in regards to quickness and speed. Jackson is more elusive than Jones, and his ball skills makes him an even better prospect.

The Skinny: There might not be a more intriguing prospect on the list than Jackson Perkins. The local basketball forward-turned-defensive end is raw, but he has plenty of upside and that's why Notre Dame wants to see what he can do against some of the nation's best offensive linemen. Navy, UCF and Wyoming have offered.

Bryan’s Take: Intriguing is certainly the right word to describe Perkins. There are legit questions about how well he projects to the next level, but there is also a lot to like about his game. Perkins is still thin and obviously must build up his strength, but he plays an aggressive brand of football and surprised me with his toughness and willingness to fight. Perkins is a scrapper, and if he can learn to keep his pads low at the snap he will become even more effective.

Perkins is a quality athlete that really hasn't come close to reaching his peak. He shows a good burst at the snap, good closing speed and I like how well he changes direction. His hand speed and coordination in that regards is excellent. I was surprised - and impressed - by how well he got off blocks and the pop he showed with his hands. His motor is also something that stands out on film.

Recruiting Perkins is all about projecting his frame. I think his frame can carry a lot more size and strength. Perkins reminds me of a thicker version of former Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph, a lanky basketball player who grew to be 260 pounds in college once he gave up his basketball career. Perkins looks to have the frame to get to 260 and possibly beyond. Potentially growing into a 280-plus pound 5-technique in odd looks or a 3-technique in even fronts is not unthinkable.

The Skinny: Kwity Paye, the top recruit in Rhode Island, will travel to Notre Dame with his high school coach in hopes of landing a bid from the Irish. He's currently committed to Boston College, but that hasn't stopped Notre Dame from keeping in contact. The Guinea native also holds offers from Rutgers and Syracuse.

Bryan’s Take: Paye is one of my favorite recruits in the class. If you like the physical part of the game of football, Paye is a prospect whose film you must watch. This young man plays the game with anger and force; he wants to inflict harm upon ball carriers. Paye has very good natural strength and the frame to add good weight. His power moves are highly effective when executed effectively. Paye has an idea what he is doing on the football field, but he needs a lot of work when it comes to properly getting off blocks when engaged.

Paye is a high-motor player and a quality athlete. He shows a very good burst at the snap and the speed to get around blockers on the edge. Paye closes quickly on quarterbacks and can explode through contact. He has quick feet when working vertically and shows sudden change of direction skills as a running back, but his lateral agility is not as strong as his other traits. This limits him to positions where he can work in short areas, like defensive end, as a standout edge rusher and possibly an inside linebacker.

The major question I have about Paye right now is whether or not he is as big as advertised. If he shows up this weekend and is the 6-4, 226 he was listed as at The Opening regional in New Jersey, I would offer him on the spot.

The Skinny: Elkhart safety Cedric Mitchell is another local prospect that's looking to earn a spot in the class ($). The three-star recruit was on campus for a spring practice and holds offers from Iowa State, Cincinnati, Western Michigan and a number of MAC programs.

Bryan’s Take: Arguably no player has more at stake this weekend than does Mitchell. The local athlete was a dominant force at Concord, averaging 23.6 yards per catch and hauling in 10 touchdown passes, racking up 65 tackles, picking off four passes and returning two kicks for scores. The problem is Mitchell did it against well below average competition.

On film, Mitchell shows himself to be a quality athlete. He has good speed, he changes direction well and he's a legit playmaker. His offensive film is just as impressive as his defensive film, and he's a force on special teams as well. The question is how does his athleticism stack up against other top players. If he can perform well against the top prospects in the camp, Mitchell could see his recruitment take off.

The Skinny: Texas running back Rajan Cunningham had the looks of a big-time prospect before a knee injury his junior seas derailed his recruitment. He'll camp this weekend in hopes of showing running backs coach Autry Denson that he's fully healed and ready to play at the next level.

Bryan’s Take: Prior to his knee injury, there was a lot to like about Cunningham's game. He showed off an exceptional burst and potential home run speed. Cunningham is a highly elusive runner that combines sudden cutting ability with the ability to weave in and out of traffic. His running style makes him very hard to get a clean shot on, which helps him overcome his lack of ideal size.

Cunningham has the other running back traits coaches look for. He has outstanding vision, his instincts when contact arrives is impressive and he makes very good decisions. The question about his game is two-fold. First, has he recovered from the knee injury that cost him his junior season? Second, is he big enough to be more than an occasional change of pace back at the next level? If he checks off both of those categories and shines at the camp, Cunningham could find himself in line for an offer.

The Skinny: Notre Dame already has its first commit for the class of 2018 in Rivals100 quarterback Phil Jurkovec, but the Irish would love to add the second this weekend in Rivals100 cornerback Houston Griffith. He returns to South Bend after visiting for a spring practice back in April and remains a priority for the staff. The sophomore hasn't named a leader, but Notre Dame has positioned themselves to be in that top group.

The Skinny: Amon-Ra St. Brown is the youngest sibling of the St. Brown family. He was offered by the Irish last summer during the Sound Mind Sound Body camp in Detroit but will be in town for the first time as an "offered prospect" this weekend. Like with Osiris St. Brown, Stanford appears to be Notre Dame's top competition to land his signature.

The Skinny: One of Harry Heistand's lone offensive line offers in the class of 2018 will be on campus in Atlanta Pace Academy guard Jamaree Salyer. The Rivals100 prospect was in town for the Junior Day back in March. He holds early offers from Clemson, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan and Florida State.

The Skinny: Notre Dame loves everything about Malik Vann and the Ohio defensive end is already considered a priority for the Irish in 2018. He was on campus for the Blue-Gold Game and left with high remarks for the program ($). Michigan State is also heavily involved along with Kentucky. Ohio State could be the team to beat should they offer Vann.

The Skinny: Markese Stepp will be back in South Bend after visiting for the Blue-Gold Game. He likely won't workout, which has been the case throughout the spring, but he'll get a chance to interact with the Notre Dame coaches. The Irish look to be out in front ($), but other schools like Michigan and Michigan State loom for the talent in-state back.

The Skinny: Michigan commit Leonard Taylor might be listed as a tight end, but Notre Dame likes him on the defensive line. He'll camp after landing an offer from the Irish during the spring evaluation period. Penn State is also involved, but Taylor noted there's some interest in Notre Dame ($).

The Skinny: Notre Dame hasn't offered Micah Jones, but many think that if the Chicagoland prospect held an offer from the Irish, they would be the outright leader. The lengthy wideout holds bids already from Northwestern, Illinois and Iowa. He could possible grow into a hybrid tight end a la Alize' Jones.

The Skinny: Notre Dame hosted Dallas Gant during the season when he was an unknown 2018 prospect. Now he returns as a commodity in Ohio and one with offers from Michigan State, Iowa State, Boston College and Rutgers to his name.

The Skinny: Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Sanford already has his 2017 and 2018 quarterbacks locked up, so now he'll turn his focus to his lone 2019 target in JT Daniels, who returns to campus after visiting back in April ($). The MaxPreps Freshman Player of the Year already holds offers from UCLA, California, Washington, Arizona State and BYU.

The Skinny: Bru McCoy is another 2019 Mater Dei prospect that will be back in South Bend after visiting in April. It might be early in the process but the wideout holds early offers from Alabama, Oregon and Notre Dame which makes him likely a national name moving forward.