The problem with Notre Dame recruits isn't with the recruits, but the standards that ND holds them to. Unlike Ohio State and USC, and every team in the SEC, Notre Dame won't allow reprobates and illiterates into the school. It makes the recruiting of the nation's best skill players problematic, to say the least.
ND is not what ND was 15-20 years ago. Not even close. There is little draw to go there any longer not being a state college that is going to a BCS Bowl which is usually how it works.
Without mentioning names, I know first hand of some reprobates that have played for ND unde Willingham and Weis.
NDs problems seems to have been more in the trenches. ND has probably one of the most talented offensive skill players, as a unit, in college. But the defense has been pathetic.