Possible Fifth-Year Graduating Students

Over the next month leading up to National Signing Day Brian Kelly has to figure out how his roster will look fitting 85 scholarship spots.  A piece of that puzzle is deciding on who to offer fifth year opportunities to.  Here is a look at the best bests to get one of those spots.

Austin Collinsworth, 6' 1" 205 lb Safety.  Although he played in all 13 games during his freshman year he has a year of eligibility left after missing his entire Junior season after a shoulder injury he sustained in spring practice.  His career has ebbed and flowed but has been a solid contributor overall.  Collinsworth may not bring the most to the table in ability and potential, although he does have both, what he does bring to the Irish is experience, leadership and depth.  He seemingly got better as the season moved on in 2013 and that could roll over into 2014.  I like this return and think his experience alone is worth having him on the field and in the locker room.

Christian Lombard, 6' 5" 315lb Guard / Tackle.  After redshirting his freshman season and serving as a backup and a special teams contributor (playing in all 13 games) Lombard started all 13 games of his Junior year at right tackle.  His Senior season was cut short after a herniated disk forced him into surgery after starting seven games at right guard .  This is a no brainer, having a guy who can and has started at multiple positions along the line, even with a stable of up and coming talent most of us are looking forward to taking the field.  Lombard will bring leadership and experience to a very talented but young(ish) offensive line (Steve Elmer, Nick Martin and Ron Stanley.

Kendall Moore, 6' 1" 251lb Inside Linebacker.  During his Redshirt freshman year Moore was named Scout Defensive Player of the Year.  For his outstanding scout team effort he was rewarded with backing up All-World Manti Te'o, not much of a chance on seeing the field much in that role.  Last season Moore backed up fifth year seniors Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese and middle linebacker heir apparent Jarrett Grace.  Kendall has not had a really opportunity to prove himself on the field in game situations.  However in 2013 Moore had some chances to step up and play and he made the best of those limited opportunities.  I believe Moore good have a breakout fifth year in South Bend in 2014.

Justin Utupo, 6' 1" 290lb Defensive Line.  Utupo has not done much after redshirting his freshman year.  With the exit of Nix and Tuitt along with the uncertainty of how Chase Hounshell and Tony Springman will comeback from missing last season due to injury Kelly and company needs depth along the defensive line.