Ranking Notre Dame’s Players: #25-21
By Andrew Hall
Jan 5, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; West linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) during U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school football game at the Alamodome. The East won 15-8. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Since 2010, Inside The Irish’s Keith Arnold has ranked Notre Dame’s Top 25 players. He has already began counting down the 2013 version of the Fighting Irish. Arnold and his panel of voters have ranked 25-16 already:
- 25. Max Redfield
- 24. Elijah Shumate
- 23. Jaylon Smith
- 22. Ishaq Williams
- 21. Greg Bryant
- 20. Christian Lombard
- 19. Amir Carlisle
- 18. Carlo Calabrese
- 17. Jarrett Grace
- 16. Matthias Farley
Slap the Sign will be taking a crack a ranking the Top 25 Notre Dame players. Based on the comment section of Arnold’s post, there are some strong opinions about who is better than whom. However, how can someone quantify what an Offensive Linemen does over a Running Back. It is an impossible task. But, that is what is so fun at attempting to rank each player. Today, players #25-21 will be unveiled. We will continue to review Arnold’s list and make a final comparison to this one.
25. Jaylon Smith-OLB-Freshman
Smith is probably not the 25th most talented and athletic player on Notre Dame’s roster. To be honest, he may be near the top of that list. The only issue for Smith is finding a place to get on the field. Notre Dame has a solid two-deep at both OLB position (Spond, Councell; Shembo, Williams). Smith’s reps are going to be limited to Special Teams and situational plays. But, he was just too good to keep off of the list.
24. Max Redfield-S/WR-Freshman
Like Smith, Redfield may not see the field as a starter in 2013. But, he has all of the athletic skills need to be an outstanding player. Redfield may be able to break into the two-deep at the safety position. If he does not, he may get a look at the Wide Receiver position. Regardless, he will find the field and an impact.
23. Greg Bryant-RB-Freshman
Bryant is the most important Freshman on Notre Dame’s campus. He has an opportunity to become Notre Dame’s starting Running Back immediately. If he can, his ranking of #23 will obviously be a little low. Bryant does not look like a Freshman. He will be ready when camp starts. Can he pick up the system and become a playmaker?
22. Connor Hanratty-OL-Junior
Hanratty is slatted to be the Right Guard for Notre Dame. Could he lose his position? Yes. But, it is not likely at this point. Hanratty may be an upgrade over former Right Guard Mike Golic Jr.
21. Nick Martin-OL-Junior
Martin showed that he is one of the nastiest players on Notre Dame’s team this spring. It will be difficult for Martin to replace outgoing Center Braxton Cave but he has the tools to do it. Martin is a little bit undersized at under 300 lbs currently. This could affect his ability to play against elite defensive linemen.