Notre Dame football: New faces having huge impact in 2020
The Notre Dame football team is dominating the college football landscape thanks to some new faces who have stepped up in 2020.
Notre Dame football is sitting comfortably at 9-0 and No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings – and much of that success can be attributed to freshmen, newcomers, and the young talent on this roster.
It might be hard to look at the big picture sometimes, but we are currently living in the most successful period of Notre Dame football within the last 30 years. The Irish are a win away from their fourth straight 10+ win season, something they have never done in the history of the program (granted playing more than 10 games in a season was pretty rare until the 70s).
Regardless, in modern times this consistent level of success hasn’t been seen since the 1988-1993 seasons when the Irish won 10+ games in four-of-five of those years.
This year’s team is arguably the most talented one Brian Kelly has fielded in his Notre Dame coaching career. From top to bottom, the talent, depth, and speed on the roster are proving to be among the best in the nation.
Add in the schemes and coaching of offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Clark Lea and there is certainly a lot to be excited about for Irish fans. Coming into 2020, we already knew that this year’s team was loaded with veterans and returning talent.
Obviously, fifth-year senior Ian Book headlined the list of returning talent. Joining him on that list was the entire starting offensive line as well as and guys like Kurt Hinish, Daelin Hayes, Drew White, JOK, Kyle Hamilton, and Shaun Crawford.
We all knew these players would be the backbone of the 2020 team, but it has been the play of the newcomers and freshmen that have elevated this year’s Irish squad. From true freshman to transfers and first-year starters, these players have undoubtedly provided much-needed depth and playmaking ability that has separated this Notre Dame team from previous seasons.
Let’s take a look at these players and their contributions thus far: