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2016 Preview: Notre Dame Eyes First Playoff Appearance

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish takes the field to start the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish takes the field to start the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is tackled by cornerback Shaun Crawford (14) in the second quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is tackled by cornerback Shaun Crawford (14) in the second quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Impact Freshman

After a great season by freshman quarterback Deshone Kizer last season, which freshmen will step up this season for the Irish? The first place to look on the offensive side of the ball is at wide receiver.

With so many wideouts gone from last year’s team, there will be plenty of opportunities for a freshman to step up and play a big role this season. The most likely to seize that opportunity is Miles Boykin. Boykin is 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and has a very large catch radius. If Notre Dame decides to transition Alizé Jones into more of a tight end role, that could open the door for Boykin to become the starter on the boundary side. Whether or not he begins the season as a starter, expect Boykin to be a key contributor by year’s end.

Similar to the wide receiver position, defensive back is another group which will be relying on inexperienced players. At both cornerback and safety, the Irish may start a freshman to open the season. Heading into fall camp, three corners are in the running to start across from senior Cole Luke. One of those players is redshirt freshman Shaun Crawford, who missed last season with a torn ACL. Crawford was projected to be the team’s nickelback last season before the injury, but will take on an even bigger role this season. He’s the favorite to win the number two spot opposite Luke and will be tested early and often by opposing quarterbacks.

While Notre Dame may have no choice but to start freshmen at WR and CB as a result of losing so many players from last year, another freshman will look to crack the rotation based on his ability to disrupt offenses. True freshman Daelin Hayes is a five-star recruit from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was ranked as the number one prospect in the state by rivals.com. Hayes played linebacker in high school, but is expected to make the move to defensive end with the Irish. Notre Dame has had trouble sacking the QB over the past few years and there isn’t anyone on the roster who had more than three sacks in 2015. That’s where Hayes comes in. He’ll begin the season as a pass-rush specialist who could prove too talented to leave on the sidelines on first and second downs.

Next: Key Starters

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