Keep an eye on these Irish freshman in fall camp

Make sure to keep your eye on these freshman in fall camp.

Fall camp is just days away and there is plenty to be excited about if you’re an Irish fan. You got the quarterback battle between DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire. There was a ton of turnover from last year’s team, so it’ll be interesting to see how and who fills those holes. Fall camp is also the first time we get to see the incoming freshman.

Brian Kelly hauled in another impressive class in 2016. It was the 13th best class according to Rivals. He did a great job of addressing needs such as the secondary and defensive line. Theres much about this freshman class to be excited for. There are plenty of talented freshman that have the ability to step in and play right away, but will they get the chance? That’s a whole different question. Heres a look at what freshman to keep tabs on during fall camp.

Devin Studstill – DB

The Irish were able to nab Studstill away from instate power Florida, and so far he’s turned out to be quite the find. He wasn’t the highest rated recruit as he was only a three-star on Rivals, but Kelly has a knack of taking lower rated recruits and turning them into stars, a la Will Fuller and C.J. Prosise. Studstill was an enrollee and did nothing but impress in spring ball. He played so well that he garnered first team reps at free safety. Of all the freshman I think he will contribute the most. He’s definitely worth looking out for during fall camp.

Daelin Hayes – OLB/DE

Hayes was the highest rated recruit in the 2016 class. A five star on Rivals, Hayes was the seventh best linebacker in the country. Perhaps the best part of Hayes’ game is his versatility. He has the ability to line up on the edge as a pass rusher, or drop back and cover like a linebacker. Hayes also was an early enrollee, but did not participate much as he was recovering from an injury he suffered in high school.

Khalid Kareem – DE

Kareem might have been the biggest get and the biggest position of need. The Irish lost Sheldon Day and Romeo Okwara from last year’s team, two guys who were pretty consistent and dominant pass rushers. That’s where Kareem can step in this season. Notre Dame is still relatively thin on the d-line, and because of that I believe Kareem could net some playing time. He’s a big and physical body with a relentless motor. Look for Kareem not to start, but to regularly rotate in on defense this season.

Troy Pride Jr. – DB

Personally, Pride was my favorite player in this class. I’ve watched a decent amount of video on Pride and he’s the definition of a ball hawk. He’s always around the ball, making some type of play. He has great cover and ball skills. My favorite part of his game is his ability to turn around and find the ball in the air on defense. It’s almost as if he’s a receiver. That’s something I haven’t seen too much from Irish corners in quite some time. Since Notre Dame is suddenly pretty deep in the defensive backfield (they brought in seven DBs), its unsure if Pride will see much time at all this fall. Still, he has tons of upside and if he doesn’t make an impact this season he surely will down the road. Also, he seems to be a pretty good guy off the field as well.

Tommy Kraemer – OL

Kraemer was the second highest rated recruit in the 2016 class, only behind Hayes. At 6’5″ 310 lbs. he already has the size to play college football. The Irish are losing three guys from last year’s offensive line, so there are a few openings. While I think an upperclassmen will ultimately win out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kraemer threw his hat into the ring. Look for him to compete for the right guard spot with Colin McGovern and Hunter Bivin.

Julian Love – DB

Love has a little bit of everything in his game. He can play corner, safety, slot, running back and even return kicks and punts. Although, I see him sticking on the defensive side of the ball. Love and Pride’s games are very similar. Love also has great cover and ball skills. He also is very smooth. It’s almost like he’s gliding across the field, as if he’s not trying. Everything seems to be so effortless for him. I’d expect to see Love in on special teams this season, with a more expanded role on defense in 2017.

Kevin Stepherson – WR

Stepherson and Studstill have very similar stories. Both weren’t highly rated. Both were early enrolles and both impressed the heck out of the coaches in fall game. Kelly has praised him for his ability to miss a step as he catches the ball. Stepherson should be in the two deep this fall, and should see some meaningful snaps. This could be one heck of a find for Kelly and his staff.

Next: Alize Jones ruled ineligible for 2016

Other Notables

-Jalen Elliot

-D.J. Morgan

-Chase Claypool

-Javon McKinley

-Spencer Perry.