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Notre Dame Football: 3 Freshman who will make an instant impact in 2021

By Blake Soffa

Dec 28, 2019; Orlando, Florida, USA; A detailed view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet prior to the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2019; Orlando, Florida, USA; A detailed view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet prior to the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame Football. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football: 3 Freshman who will make an instant impact in 2021

CB Philip Riley

Why Philip Riley? A tough, physical specimen gives his opposing wide receivers fits at the line of scrimmage. He’s physically ready for the next level already and he, along with Styles, are the two from this list who are also early enrollees.

Nick McCloud was a blessing in disguise for the Irish last year, and his transfer from NC State provided an every down, solid cover corner. He’s now gone. Tariq Bracy in 2019 showed he could be the next man up, but he had mental lapses consistently throughout 2020 that saw him sidelined.

Clarence Thomas stepped up and was a huge surprise as a freshman, but there is one position open and it’s anyone’s game. I think it may even be Philip Riley’s to lose without even playing yet. He’s big, strong, and has surprising speed for his stature. The Florida native is a tough defender and is undoubtedly one of the better DB recruits the Irish have had in recent years.

He could be CB2 for Notre Dame in 2021.

Next. 10 ways Notre Dame Football can make it back to the College Football Playoff. dark

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