Notre Dame Football: Predicting which Irish freshman will have the biggest impact

Notre Dame football players are returning to campus this week. For Chris Tyree, Jordan Johnson, and Michael Mayer, that means it’s time to step up.

Notre Dame football welcomes some talented freshmen to the fold this season, and as the players return to campus for voluntary workouts this week, newcomers Chris Tyree (running back), Jordan Johnson (wide receiver), and Michael Mayer (tight end) will officially become college football players for the first time.

All three are highly-touted prospects and possess the talent to see the field in their freshman campaign. With the relatively recent NCAA rule change that players can see the field in 4 games and still be eligible for a redshirt, it is reasonable to infer that all three players will see some time in the Irish offense this season.

That said, which of the fabulous freshmen will have the biggest impact on the field this season? This question, frankly, is more difficult than some might suggest.

In taking a look at the tight end position, there is little question that Tommy Tremble will be the first guy on the field for the Irish. Tremble flashed as a pass-catcher and improved as a blocker as the season went on.

Behind Tremble are experienced players in Brock Wright and George Takacs, who both figure to have an edge on Mayer, especially given the circumstances of the Irish not being able to have much of an offseason.

Though no one doubts Mayer’s physical abilities, the tight end position is a demanding one, and the Irish have three guys who are more than capable.

But then the question comes down to who will see the field more between Tyree and Johnson, and that’s where things get a little more tricky: Tyree joins a running back room that is 6-deep, featuring Jafar Armstrong, C’Bo Flemister, Kyren Williams, Jahmir Smith, and graduate transfer Trevor Speights. In short, that’s a lot of guys Notre Dame will be looking to get carries, especially when Tyree is factored in.

While it’s reasonable to expect Tyree to see the field, it’s hard to really put a finger on how much.

Perhaps it’s Jordan Johnson who will have the best opportunity to make some noise in the Irish offense this season.

The talented five-star receiver enters into a fairly deep receiving room and likely immediately finds himself behind the likes of Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy on the outside. Austin and Lenzy figure to have starting spots locked down, but it’s not unreasonable to expect Johnson to compete for a backup role with graduate senior Javon McKinley and graduate transfer Ben Skowronek.

The point also can be made that receiver is perhaps the best position for a young player to make an impact in a college offense.

When pressed, most people might be likely to choose Tyree to answer this question, but there’s just something about Johnson’s game and personality that is really mature and likable. After all, Johnson committed to Notre Dame without a ton of fanfare and seemingly likes to fly under the radar. I wouldn’t be surprised if Johnson becomes the household name among Notre Dame freshmen next season.