Players I am most excited to see on Saturday. (Not that all of them will actually see the field)

As a parent you are supposed to say the “you love all your children equally,” but let’s be realistic, folks.  The opening game is often compared to Christmas and like on Christmas morning, ripping through new presents is more exciting than playing with your old toys, so that is why there are so many first time players on this list.  Players like Nix, Tuitt, Calabrese and Fox are like Woody in Toy Story.  We love them and they are great, but let’s see what Buzz Lightyear can do.  So in no particular order, let’s go.

Corey Robinson:  The word potential is interchangeable with his name heading into South Bend.  His height, rave reviews from his coaches and his athletic DNA should have every Irish fan looking for him running routes into the corner of the end zone.

Nick Martin:  His first time starting a football game at center, this will be his opportunity to form his own legacy and set himself apart from his stud offensive lineman  brother, Zack.  Filling the shoes of three-year center Braxton Cave is no easy task.

Ronnie Stanley:  At nearly 6’6” and 320 lbs., it should be at the very least interesting to see how this young mountain of a man handles himself at right tackle.

Steve Elmer:  A true freshman that Head Coach Brian Kelly says is already playing at a high college level and could play anywhere on the O-line should be a sight to see.

Amir Carlisle: Traditionally, a junior who has appeared in eight games (as a freshman at USC) would not be considered a new comer to the college football scene, but Amir has not had the traditional career.  It’s time for him to put aside the injuries and show everyone what he can do.

Jaylon Smith:  When was the last time a true freshman started at linebacker in a season opener?  The Great Manti? Nope.  It was Korey Minor in 1995.  Smith is slated to start on Saturday and we will get to see what this five-star can do right off the bat.

 

Jarron Jones:  The Irish need solid depth at the defensive end position since the loss of Springman and Hounshell.  Measuring 6’5.5” and 300 lbs. (give or take), he should have learned enough during his redshirt freshman year to put that size to use. 

Max Redfield:  With most people (including the Irish coaching staff) saying he may be too talented to keep off the field this season as a freshman even though he does not currently show up on the two-deep Notre Dame depth chart, I want to see how good he really is.

Woody (aka Tommy Rees) may have plenty of game and starting experience, but it is a little different this time around.  For the first time in four years Rees is the starting quarterback at the start of the season with no ifs, ands or buts…at least until his first snap.

Honorable mentions:  Hunter Bivin, Troy Niklas, James Onwualu, Isaac Rochell, Jarrett Grace. And T.J. Jones returning punts.