Notre Dame football: Will any true freshman make an impact in 2022?

Notre Dame football: Will any true freshman make an impact in 2022?

Defense/Special Teams

The No. 1 prospect the Irish brought in via the 2022 recruiting class was Jaylen Sneed, a five-star linebacker who could have a major impact in Year 1. The problem for Sneed, however, is that the linebacker group is deep and talented, and with Freeman being a specialist when it comes to the position, he may want to move Sneed along slowly at the beginning.

In the secondary, one name to keep an eye on is Jaden Mickey, who has been excellent since stepping foot on campus and could challenge for significant playing time if some of the veteran corners falter. This was not a position of strength for this Notre Dame football team in 2021, but with guys returning who started last year, hopefully, that narrative will change.

Notre Dame football: Interview with 2022 freshman Nolan Ziegler

Notre Dame football is bringing in some excellent linebackers in the 2022 recruiting class, and we sat down with one of them recently.

In terms of special teams, Bryce McFerson will be battling it out with Jon Sot, a graduate transfer for the punting duties. However, outside of maybe Merriweather being a return man, which is unlikely, the main specialists are going to be veteran guys who have huge shoes to fill after the team lost Jonathan Doerer and Jay Bramblett this offseason.