Every year you expect a freshman to arrive onto campus, make an impact right away and contribute to the team. Last year it was safety Kyle Hamilton, exploding onto the national scene, becoming a Freshman All-American, and setting himself up for a huge second season in South Bend.
Yesterday, not only did Brian Kelly speak on raising money for COVID-19 during “The Fight,” but he also had a chance to speak about the upcoming season. Kelly was pretty positive that “a true freshman will emerge and play significant time on both sides of the ball.”
This past year’s recruiting class for Notre Dame had a total of 17 players, which was good for 17th overall in a nation according to the 247Sports composite. There were plenty of good players which signed with the Irish and Brian Kelly will have to figure out which ones can see the field early. Today, we will look at some of the offensive freshman that could make an impact.
Tight End Michael Mayer
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Mayer is the lone five-star prospect in the class, but even if he wasn’t there would be an opportunity for the Kentucky native to see playing time early. Gone is Cole Kmet, drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bears, and in comes the 6’4” and 232-pound Mayer as his potential replacement. Mayer will have to battle upper-classmen Brock Wright, George Takacs and Tommy Tremble for playing time, but he should be able to crack the rotation due to his impressive skill set.
Running Back Chris Tyree
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The speedster out of Virginia fills an immediate need, gamebreaker in the backfield. With Tony Jones Jr. using up all his eligibility, the opportunity for Tyree to make an impact early is there. Tyree’s size at 5’10” and 180-pounds won’t allow him to be a 20 carry a game back, but 10-15 touches a game for the freshman seems very logical. Like Mayer, the depth chart is in Tyree’s favor, with Jones Jr. leaving no other back on the team registered more than 48 carries, so playing time is there. I expect to see Jahmir Smith as the starter, but Tyree should be a good change of pace back and see plenty of time on the field as a true freshman.
Offensive Lineman Tosh Baker and Michael Carmody
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The offensive line isn’t a need for an instant impact freshman, every starter returns from last years squad, but the need is looking towards the future. Six seniors will graduate from the offensive line next year, although three of them could return for a 5th year, the need is still there for the future of the program. Getting Baker (6’7” and 271-pounds) and Carmody (6’5” and 283-pounds) ample playing time would be ideal, especially considering the Irish will be breaking in a new starting quarterback in 2021. Having an offensive line that can give a first year starting QB plenty of time would make the transition much easier.
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These are just a few of the talented offensive freshman that could make an impact early in their Notre Dame careers. Tomorrow we will take a look at which freshman defensive stars could emerge for the Irish during the 2020 season.