Notre Dame Redshirt Freshman Prepare To Make Their Mark
By Andrew Hall
Several Freshman disappeared to Irish fans last season as they sat out their first season in a Notre Dame uniform. Notable players, including Quenton Nelson, Corey Holmes and Jhonny Williams, rode the bench despite high hopes of making an impact during their rookie campaigns. Which of the redshirt Freshman will make an impact during their second year in South Bend?
Quenton Nelson. Notre Dame’s lone 5-star prospect in the Class of 2014 may have been one of the five best Offensive Linemen last year. However, Kelly kept the redshirt on the player from Red Bank, New Jersey. The Irish still have a full compliment of Offensive Linemen. Notre Dame appears poised to start (left to right) Ronnie Stanley, Nick Martin, Matt Hegarty, Steve Elmer and Mike McGlinchey. However, Nelson could break the line up at Left Guard if Martin swings to Center.
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Nic Weishar. The 2nd-year Tight End from Chicago, Illinois may become buried on the depth chart behind incoming Freshman Alize Jones. However, with the departure of Ben Koyack, Weishar possesses a great opportunity to find his way on to the field with Tyler Luatau and Durham Smythe.
Tyler Newsome. Just like incoming Freshman Justin Yoon, Newsome is already anointed as the starting Punter. He will fill the void left by Punter/Kicker Kyle Brindza.
Alex Bars. Brian Kelly praised Alex Bars during a bowl game press conference. Could this be a boost for a young player or did he really believe Bars is becoming one of the best Offensive Linemen on Notre Dame’s roster? Like Nelson, he could fill in at Left Guard or even push McGlinchey at Right Tackle.
Jhonny Williams. Many believe Williams would find his way on to the field in passing situations. However, Kolin Hill jumped over him. Williams possesses ideal strength, speed and size to be a dominant pass rusher. Could he even become a 3-down player? If he weighs in at 250 lbs. or above, he could be ready.