A look at the top five 2016 recruiting classes from Group of 5 teams and Independents:
National rank: 16
The Fighting Irish's 2016 class is led by a pair ESPN 300 offensive linemen out of the state of Ohio in Tommy Kraemer and Under Armour All-America Game tackle Liam Eichenberg, along with four-star guard Parker Boudreaux out of the state of Florida. ESPN 300 receiver Chase Claypool out of Canada might have the highest upside in the class. On defense, ESPN 300 end Khalid Kareem starred in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl on Jan. 3. ESPN 300 athlete Daelin Hayes will play linebacker in South Bend. It has been a few classes since Notre Dame signed a prospect out of North Carolina, but the Irish have landed a fine prospect out of the Tar Heel State in front-seven defender Julian Okwara.
