Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Davonte Neal MANDATORY CREDIT: US PRESSWIRE

As many of you are aware Notre Dame lost two more receivers from it’s class of 2012. Speedster and potential playmaker Davonte Neal is transferring closer to home (Arizona) to be with his newborn daughter. Justin Ferguson will be transferring as well though a destination hasn’t been decided upon it looks like he will end up somewhere in the south (most likely a school in Florida). Davonte Neal was known for his fair catches this past season on the special teams unit. Justin Ferguson mostly saw his time on special teams as well. Neal was suppose to fill the shoes left by Robby Toma, while Ferguson’s role was still up in the air. Just as the Irish were starting to gather depth they have seen 3 players transfer in the past 2 weeks, and these might not be the last according to Coach Brian Kelly. Here’s a look at a few players who might fit/benefit from the departure of Neal.

Amir Carlisle. Lets face it he was going to see the field a bunch this season regardless of who was on the roster. Brian Kelly raved about him during his first spring practice meeting. Unfortunately, he broke his collarbone and will be out the remainder of the spring. Look for him to fill the WR/RB, “slot” left by Toma and now Neal.

CJ Prosise. CJ was originally going to be cross-trained as a DB and WR.  He will now be given a shot at the spot vacated by Neal.  Brian Kelly has stated in his news conferences that CJ has been impressive so far this spring and look out for him during the Spring game.  He will need to show his ability while Carlisle on the shelf.

Tarean Folston.  While he is not on campus yet he could see his role increase before taking a step on campus.  If the aforementioned Prosise struggles in the spring and Carlisle continues to be injury prone Tarean will see the field often during his freshmen campaign.  In Brian Kelly’s offense he wants this hybrid to be a  WR/RB hybrid.  Folston possesses the skill set Kelly is looking for in the offense.  Time will tell if the job will be his.

Jan 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Davonte Neal. CREDIT: US PRESSWIRE

As the 2013 recruiting cycle has come to end we are all looking forward to seeing star recruits shine under the golden dome next season. Eddie Vanderdoes, Greg Bryant, Max Redfield, and Jaylon Smith are a few of the names many Golden Domer’s are patienly waiting to see come Saturday afternoons this fall. However as we all know these are only a few of the names that will compromise the 2013/2014 roster. I’d like to take a look at some of the freshmen from this past season’s team who will now be sophomores that are looking to put their mark on the upcoming season.

Romeo Okwara – OLB out of North Carolina; saw the majority of his playing time on special teams and occasionally got in the defense of rotation late in ball games. Romeo has all the tools to be a standout in Coach Diaco’s 3/4 scheme. He possess the speed and strength to be a force off the edge. Expect him to play a similar role Ishaq Williams played this past season.

Davonte’ Neal – The former 5 star athlete out of Arizona was ND’s primary punt returner this past season. Due to what many experts call poor return “scheme” we were not able to witness Neal’s true playmaking ability. Neal is downright electric with the ball in his hands. Robby Toma was ahead of him at the slot receiver this past season. Look for Neal to take over Toma’s role this year and to become one of Everett Golson’s favorite targets.

Jaron Jones – DE/DT out of NY redshirted this past season. He used this time to put on some size up to 295 per some reports. Jones is a monster standing around 6’7”. He will get his share of playing time this season along the defensive front most likely at defensive tackle. Jones’s size alone will cause problems for opposing Quarterbacks. Look for him to time rotate with Kona Schwenke at the defensive tackle spot this year.

Chris Brown – The Wideout can absolutely fly as we witnessed with his catch against Oklahoma this past season.  Unfortunately, this was one of his only highlights of the year.  A year in the weight room and a year to fully understand the playbook will only benefit the speedy receiver.  There wasn’t to much turnover at the the receiver position, but Brown will undoubtedly see his playing time increase.  Speed kills and Irish fans hope this speed will kill opponents this upcoming season.