Dillon Powers is a star midfielder for Andromeda SC (Texas). He’s a youth national team player, has good height and great soccer instincts.

He’s also one of the reasons Notre Dame has the top recruiting class in the Big East Blue Conference.

Dillon, ranked No. 6 in TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Top 100 Men’s players, won’t be the only impact player taking the field for the Fighting Irish.

Chicago Fire winger Bob Novak, ranked No. 90 on the list, will join Dillon on the historic campus, bringing his strong technical skill and nose for the ball. Defender Grant Van De Casteele, another Andromeda product, is ranked No. 100 on the TDS list. He’s a tall defender who can dominate in the air and has the versatility to start an attack.

Kentucky United FC midfielder Kyle Richard and Sockers FC defender Dan O’Leary also highlights this exceptional class.

West Virginia
The Mountaineers could use a boost after sub par 5-9-5 season in which they failed to make the conference tourney.

This class is a good start.

Defenseman Travis Pittman is made for the college game. He has good size and speed and is tidy with the ball. A DC United player, Pittman has experience at youth national team camps.

Ian Christianson (red) is headed to Georgetown.

Fellow defender Eric Schoenle, of Yardley Makefield Soccer, could make waves along with FC United forward Matt Strauss.

DC United central midfielder Peabo Doue has good acceleration and imagination, and could be a bright spot among the eight newcomers that also includes Nate Adams, Tuan Doan, Paul Killon and Shadow Sebele.

Georgetown
The Hoyas only brought in five players, but it’s a quality group.

Chicago Fire midfielder Ian Christianson (No. 12) is a highly touted player and a coup for the program. A US youth national team camper, he has physical ability as well as intangibles that should guarantee continued improvement. He’s a hard worker, and a leader on the field.

Met Oval forward Marc Luxama has cat-like reflexes to go along with a good first touch. Defender James Nealis, of Massapequa SC, will join Matt Hammett (Real Colorado) and Tommy Muller (Orlando FC).

Marquette
After finishing last in the conference a year ago the Golden Eagles hope to bounce back with a class of eight.

Forward Andy Huftalin, of the Chicago Fire, stands out among the bunch. He’s a strong attacking player who can hold off challenges well and should fit in with fellow incoming freshman Andrew Krynski and Keith Sierra.

OTHERS
Connecticut and Providence didn’t officially announce their classes, but the Friars will welcome PDA winger Mark Cintron, a skilled offensive player who can shoot from distance.

Keep an eye on Huskies’ defender Jossimar Sanchez, also of PDA, as well as Pittsburgh’s goalkeeper Keegan Gunderson, of Shattuck-St. Mary’s.