Graduation, transfers, injuries and arrests have all taken their toll on the Notre Dame Football team. As I have mentioned before, it’s important to focus in on who we have and not who we do not have. There has been a lot of discussion of who has moved on to the NF (congratulations); those who have transferred (good luck - or good riddance for you spiteful types) ; injuries (get well soon); arrests (shape up or ship out - most likely the latter).
Looking forward, reinforcements are on their way. We have over a dozen players coming to South Bend on June 17th as freshmen getting ready for the fall. Although I am not expecting too many of the incoming freshmen to contribute at a high level right away, and several may not compete seriously for a starting role until their junior season, there is light on the horizon.
Here is a quick look at my predictions for the timelines of the incoming freshmen. Please note that I am a believer in redshirting whenever possible.
*Gunner Kiel - hopefully will redshirt, because although he is physically developed now, he can and should take the year to learn the college game. He will be ready for the field next year.
Davonte Neal - he had one of the best if not the best high school highlight film I have ever seen. He is needed for the fall and will be able to contribute.
Elijah Shumate - the Irish need to add depth in the defensive backfield and he definitely has the skills and talent to take the field in the fall in a backup and special teams role.
Keivarae Russell - after Woods and Atkinson, the Irish thin out a bit at running back and Russell can help add depth. It would be minimal though, so I hope Kelly is able to redshirt him.
Jarron Jones - a big fish in a little pond, much like Ishaq Williams coming out of New York State (which is not known as a football powerhouse), Jones should redshirt and learn how to use his 6’7” 300+lbs. at the college level. Although he was recruited as a defensive lineman, don’t be surprised to see him end up on the O-line.
Ronnie Stanley - great talent and good size would have him working early but with starting and back up roles set by the fall and a big and talented incoming class of offensive lineman behind him, he will redshirt and then better battle for a backup spot in 2013.
Romeo Okwara - even with the departure of Aaron Lynch, the defensive line does not need Okwara to jump in right away. I look for Okwara to redshirt and could be another of Kelly’s athletic recruits who is moved to a position of need.
C.J. Prosise - not unlike Elijah Shumate, the Irish do need to add depth in the defensive backfield. However, but he is not quite at the same level and should redshirt, but he may see action.
Justin Ferguson - Notre Dame already has a lot of potential and inexperience at wide receiver, so burning a year of eligibility to add one more won’t help in 2012.
Chris Brown - similar to Justin Ferguson we need to save eligibility and build our young receiver corps for the future.
Nicky Baratti - being so versatile, it may take a year for Kelly to decide where to play him, so he will likely redshirt him. He ran the wildcat at quarterback at high school, but will probably end up on the defensive side of the ball.
William Mahone - like Keivarae, redshirting would be best but being thin at running back in 2012 could thrust him on the field early especially if injuries hamstring the Irish.
Mark Harrell - another decent lineman recruit being sandwiched between the current solidified offensive line and the 2013 O-line all star recruits. I say he redshirts next year and fights for time in 2013.
John Turner - good player out of high school that would redshirt at most programs to become a very good player at the next level. South Bend will be no exception, look for him in 2013.
Scott Daly - most scholarship specialists as good as Daly usually start on special teams right away. However, since that was true for current Irish Long Snapper Jordan Cowart, he may either split punt and field goal/extra point duties or redshirt for a year and take over when Cowart leaves.
*Denotes early enrollee
