Notre Dame Football: 3 new potential impact players on defense in 2021

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Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; A Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet sits behind the bench during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football: 3 new potential impact players on defense in 2021

No. 1: Philip Riley or Ryan Barnes

The Notre Dame Football team added quality defensive backs within the 2021 recruiting class, including two cornerbacks who should see the field in Year 1. Both Philip Riley and Ryan Barnes have the talent to play right away for the Irish, and we saw this spring that they are going to make a push for legitimate playing time as true freshmen.

Last year, we saw Clarence Lewis come out of nowhere to be a solid player for the Irish as a true freshman, earning a starting job. While Riley and Barnes may not earn starting jobs out of camp, I like both of them to eventually get the kind of playing time that is going to set them up to be key players down the road.

Barnes will be a boundary corner, with Riley playing the field, and I believe that when all is said and done, one of them will have made a big impact in Year 1.

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

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

Notre Dame Football is losing talent on both sides of the ball this offseason, but some freshman should come in and make an instant impact.

Overall, the defense for the Irish is going to be a good one, and many of the true freshmen may have to redshirt in 2021. However, these three players appear primed to make a big impact in Year 1, and the hope is that all the new talent brought in can continue to move this program forward.

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