Has the Kelly factor began to kick in at Notre Dam? Whatever it is, The Fighting Irish have just received commitments from three players for the 2011 season.

At the top of the list is offensive tackle Conor Hanratty, son of former Fighting Irish quarterback Terry Hanratty, who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1966.

The 300 pound 6’4” New Canaan high school player made a verbal commitment to head to South Bend next year.

Hanratty is ranked 9 by scout.com in the offensive tackle position and is another addition to the famous father/son combos in recent times at Notre Dame ( joining the Montanas and the Collinsworths).

Hanratty was much sough after and his decision to commit to Notre Dame augurs well for the program’s future.

Other players to commit to joining the Irish in 2011 include offensive lineman Tony Springman from Bishop DeWenger in Fort Wayne, Indiana and linebacker Garrett Grace, out of Cincinnati.