The Most Important... Freshmen

Traditionally college teams rely on the experience and proven game action of upper classmen.  Most freshmen get redshirted while serving on scout team.  This gives young players the opportunity to learn the game at eh college level while saving a year of eligibility.  This year for numerous reasons; graduations, potential team dismissals, schemes and injury Brian Kelly has made it clear that a lot of players will see the field during games this season.

This class had two early enrollees in wide receiver Justin Brent and defensive lineman Andrew Trumbetti.  Brent has the physical traits to have an impact early in his career and it will be tough to keep him off of the field this year however there is enough depth (maybe not experience) at the receiver position that Justin is not necessarily needed for the offense to be successful.

This class as most coning into South Bend is loaded with potential.  There are several freshmen who have the potential to play this year whether it be because of skill and or size, even if it is in mop up duty but are probably going to redshirt because there is more than enough talent ahead of them on the depth chart.  The following freshmen could see action but won't see action (or hopefully wont to save a year of eligibility)  this season include; Jimmy Byrne, Alex Bars, Sam Mustipher and Quenton Nelson.  It is no coincidence that these are all offensive linemen,  Kelly and Offensive Line Coach Harry  Hiestand have for the past several years have done a great job recruiting.

Just as the Irish have plenty of talent, experience and depth on the offensive line the opposite may be true for the defensive side f the ball.  Kelly and crew have talked about rotating players in and out since spring and that message has only amplified throughout camp this summer.  I expect the following players to see the field this fall and contribute at some level; Jhonny Williams, Daniel Cage, and Greer Martini.

With all of that being said the most important freshman will be Andrew Tumbetti and Nyles Morgan.  Kelly has already said that Turmbetti will be a starter.  That is a huge responsibility for any player especially for a true freshman.  Since he is a freshman many have not seen him in action.  If you have not seen his high school highlights check it out.  With so many questions at linebacker it will most likely be necessary for Morgan to play early and often.

This may not be the best freshmen class Notre Dame has ever had but it may be one of the most important and one with the highest participation.

The most important... Sophomores

With 33 sophomores on the rosters second year players are the biggest group on the team.  Many of them did not see any game action during their freshman year meaning they have saved a year of eligibility while learning the college game.  With Brian Kelly saying that a lot of players will see the field this season depth will be important and that means a considerable number of sophomores will probably see the field.

An argument and an easy one at that could be made that the best player on the this years team will come from the sophomore class.  With the proven talents of Jaylon Smith,  Tarean Folston, Steve Elmer and Corey Robinson coming into their second seasons anyone of them could continue on their upward trajectory and not only be a leader on this team but the most valuable player.  This season players with huge potential and high expectations including Greg Bryant, Max Redfield, and even Malik Zaire will have the opportunity to showcase their ability during their sophomore year.

Isaac Rochell

Because of the need for quality depth and or the need for the next man in due to injury or poor performance is will be important for some players to step up and contribute earlier than expected and at potentially critical times. 

Isaac Rochell saw some game action during his first season for the Irish and played well especially for a freshman.  It is very important that he be able to play at a higher level and for more snaps this year.  Rochell has good size, speed and technique but Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder will need him to go from good to great.

Durham Smythe

Durham Smythe has had the coaches raving about him since he has arrived.  It is important for Smythe to have a solid year as the number two tight end behind Ben Koyack, but in may be even more important for Durham to become the next great tight end at Notre Dame.  After this season he would be the most experienced tight end on the roster.

What this investigation really means.

Usually when you try to put things into perspective you highlight the positive or at least try to see how a situation may not be so bad.  However the recent academic and honor code issues have left Irish fans a bit unsettled to say the least.  Over the past several years the Notre Dame Football program has seen more than its fair share of improprieties as it pertains to its players.  Some people may say these issues are not a big deal in the landscape of college sports compared to other programs and players who have had matters that have arisen into criminal charges.  We know that Notre Dame is not like other programs and our student athletes are (or at least should not be) like other players.

These have been Notre Dame issues not football issues, meaning the college deals with students who happen to be on the football team.  Notre Dame has always been seen as a elite level institution of higher learning.  The Golden Dome has been tarnished in the past to be sure, maybe it is the timing but the question is being raised about the level or "type" of players the Irish are bringing to South Bend.  To recap; Everett Golson, Tommy Rees, Caro Calabrese, Davris Daniels, and now Keivarae Russell, Kendall Moore, Ishaq Williams and again Davaris Daniels.

There is little doubt that this could hurt the Irish in terms of football; possible vacating of previous wins, loss of talented players which could lead to loss of games and potential NCAA penalties.  The higher you are the greater you will fall and that is true even in South Bend.  Speaking to alumni who were not Notre Dame Football players they want the University to hold everyone accountable, to have high standards and although this may be embarrassing it must be addressed.  It is more disturbing to have the reputation of the school than to have a subpar football team.  Unfortunately at Notre Dame they have been able to have both in the past.   

What's the worst case scenario?  The internal investigation ends in the dismissal of all four students from not only the football program but from the university itself.  The 2012 undefeated season is no longer undefeated as wins from 2012 and 2013 are forfeited.  Notre Dame's reputation is permanently stained hurting future recruitment.

From a football perspective; it is The Next Man In.  Overall the Irish have as much potential and depth as they have inexperience.  It is not so much the potential loss of talent and experience here (exception of Keivarae Russell) but the thinning of the depth chart and with Kelly saying there will be a lot of players seeing the field depending on situation and scheme it is all hands on deck.  It also could be a huge distraction for the players on and off the field.

There is little doubt listening to Brian Kelly he is frustrated.  Some may point to Kelly for blame but I am not one of those people.  Kelly is accountable since these are his kids, he recruited them and it is happening under his watch.  Kelly does not hide from controversy but he does need to fix it.

I understand that we are talking about 18-21 year olds but they need to understand that they are not only under a microscope but tut they are also expected to be held to a higher level, although doing your own work is not being held to a higher level.  It is at the very least disappointing, it should be and is embarrassing and needs to be fixed not to ensure wins on the field of play but to ensure wins in life for those going to Notre Dame.