Prediction No.12 for the 2016 Notre Dame Football Season: Devin Studstill Will Be the Most Impactful Freshman
By Bobby Norell
Devin Studstill will be the most impactful freshman in 2016.
Every season there seems to be one freshman that steps right in and makes a big impact on the Notre Dame football program. Last season it was Josh Adams. Many would probably claim the higher rated Daelin Hayes or Kareem Khalid would be that guy this season, it’s going to be free safety Devin Studstill.
He may not have been the highest rated recruit in Notre Dame’s 2016 class, but there might not be a freshman that the coaching staff speaks more highly of. It seems like the only thing Irish coaches have done is gush about Studstill and his ability. He could be one of those guys who comes in not highly touted by the “experts” and turns out to be a one heck of a player. As an early enrollee Studstill has been able to make quite the impression on Brian Kelly and his staff.
He’s been so impressive that he’s been able to take some reps away from senior safety Max Redfield and by some accounts he’s even outplayed Redfield. Studstill suited up with Drue Tranquil, who is expected to be the starter at strong safety, for the Blue and Gold game. All the signs are pointing to Studstill getting some serious playing time this upcoming season.
After watching his highlight tape, one thing is for sure about Studstill and that is he very versatile. He can come up an play the run, as well as blanket receivers in the passing game. If the Irish needed him to he could probably play cornerback, thats how good his cover and ball skills are. He should add tons of versatility and athleticism to the Irish defensive backfield.
The other thing Studstill has going for him is that his position of free safety is rather thin. Outside of Redfield, there really is no other upperclassmen at free safety. So this means that if its not Redfield starting at safety, it is most likely going to be a freshman and that freshman is most likely going to be Studstill. He’s going to get his chances to play, which will also give him chances to make an impact.