NOTRE DAME – A lopsided loss to Alabama in the BCS National Championship game apparently hasn’t hurt Notre Dame in the recruiting process.

The Fighting Irish most certainly will finish in the top five recruiting classes when all is said and done today – National Signing Day.

Notre Dame already has national letters of intent from safety Max Redfield, running back Greg Bryant and linebacker Jaylon Smith among others. Redfield, who originally committed to USC, Bryant and Smith are all 5-star recruits.

As of 10:30, the Fighting Irish had received letters from 22 of their 23 verbal commits. The only player who verbally committed to Notre Dame that has yet to submit his letter of intent is Tarean Folston.

Also, Notre Dame is still in the hunt for defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, who will not announce his college choice until 8 p.m.