The Irish redshirted a number of freshmen last season which allowed them to become acclimated to the college game while preserving a year of eligibility. Some were redshirted because they may have needed to develop their football skills and others were redshirted because their services were not needed last season. No matter the reason, the clock is now ticking on their four years of game action. Most will be eased onto the field and will not see significant action for at least a year or two. Either way, performing at a high level is important now if they want to break into the depth chart sooner than later.
At 6’1”, 200 lbs., cornerback Jalen Brown has good size to play in a Division I defensive backfield and the second year player out of Texas will need to provide help on the field or at least motivate others to keep their starting roles at the start of the 2012 season.
Offensive lineman Brad Carrico will not crack the starting lineup this season, but if he wants to play in the future, he needs to work to move up the depth chart and make his presence seen as the O-line is beefing up for years to come with young talent.
Ben Councell had a great spring practice and an impressive showing at the linebacker position that should get him on the field regularly in 2012. With good size, talent and potential, Ben is being counted on by the Irish to be a solid contributor for years to come.
Darvaris Daniels joins a number of Irish receivers who are defined as inexperienced but have good to great potential. Daniels comes with a NFL pedigree (his father had a 15-year NFL career at defensive end).
Matthias Farley came to South Bend as a receiver after only two years of high school football experience (played soccer his freshman and sophomore years). Farley has been moved to safety to help bulk up a depleted defensive backfield and showed his natural athletic ability this spring and is a quick learner, but it will be very interesting to see how his college career plays out.
Everett Golson made the most of his redshirt year, being chosen the 2011 Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Many Irish fans are anxious to see this kid on the field, as he was so highly touted coming out of high school. His six foot listing may be a little exaggerated and as a supposed running / scramble running back at 185 pounds, can he fend off injuries at his level? He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and should be excited to show what he can do in a game.
Jarrett Grace is another linebacker looking to back-up Te’o, Fox and Calabrese, and probably will see game action to gain experience and develop in addition to special teams work.
Safety Eilar Hardy gave Kelly little choice in redshirting him as he was recovering from a knee injury. Hardy will have to perform soon to help shore up a suspect defensive backfield.
6’5” 305 lb. offensive lineman Conor Hanratty will work to get onto the depth chart this season and push starters. Hanratty would be working on a starting role at this point with many other programs, but with Notre Dame’s strong line he will have to work very hard.
Matt Hegarty game to Notre Dame with an impressive resume and stat sheet, including being a finalist for the Anthony Munoz lineman of the year. I look for Hegarty to be a contributor in the next couple of seasons.
Nick Martin is competing for not only playing time but possibly a starting position this year. Nick is hoping to follow the blueprint of his older brother Zack who made his presence felt his second year after redshirting his freshman year.
Nate Nichols is entering his third year of college football but has yet to see game action so I will put him is this group. At 6’8” and 320 lbs. he is a mountain of a young man and should contribute this season, but with such a stable of talent for the O-line it may or may not be as a starter. I compare him to Golson in the sense that I am very anxious to see this kid play.
Flip flopping from committing to Notre Dame, then signing with Florida State, then transferring to Notre Dame, Jordan Prestwood was a highly recruited lineman out of high school and now must show why. He will definitely add depth and see the field this season.
Linebacker Anthony Rabasa turned heads this spring and will get his opportunity to back up the starting crew of linebackers and position his career for the future.
Third year running back Cameron Roberson was redshirted his freshman year and was recovering from a knee injury last season, so he has ground to make up time in a hurry. I am not sure how Roberson will fit into the backfield this season, but we do need to remember he did receive the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year award as a freshman.
In state talent Tony Springmann should have a solid year and see the field throughout the season, rotating in to give Nix and Schwenke a break.
Overall, there is some good potential becoming available for the Irish although most will serve as special team help and in back up roles saving a year of eligibility, giving these athletes and the team an opportunity develop and to contribute for four more years as opposed to three.
I suspect the defensive backfield players may see more action sooner as depth is needed there. Wide receivers will be shuffled in to try to figure out how to fill the gap left by Floyd and of course depending on who the quarterback is, the style of play may contribute to who plays and who plays most. Offensive linemen, although talented, are trying to compete with a very talented and experienced pool.
