Expectations are at an all time high for the Notre Dame program. A big reason for that is the offense potentially making a massive leap forward under Mike Denbrock.
If the unit does take a big step, it will be because the offseason acquisitions were a hit. While it will be a veteran group of players for the most part on offense, there are several freshmen that will need to be counted upon. Here are the ones who may be counted upon to play in 2024.
Pick a running back
Under running backs coach Deland McCullough, Notre Dame has enacted a healthy running back rotation over the last couple of seasons. With the preseason injury to Gi’Bran Payne, the depth behind Jeremiyah Love and JaDarian Price now has its questions. That’s especially true in short yardage situations, where Payne was integral last season.
That should open the door for freshman running backs Kedren Young and Aneyas Williams to get some opportunities. Young is the bigger, and more gifted runner of the two at 229 pounds. Williams, on the other hand, is the better pass receiver and is built very low to the ground. The latter took advantage of increased reps in the spring, appearing ready to help the Irish in 2024. Opportunities are out there for both this preseason.
Do the same with wide receiver
It was once thought that wide receiver was going to be a position that needed a freshman to come in and play a prominent role early on. With the additions of former FIU speedster Kris Mitchell, Clemson pass catcher and Marshall All-American kick returner Jayden Harrison, that need has decreased. All of a sudden, the Irish appear to have one of the deeper wide receiver units they’ve had in several years.
Even with that depth, a freshman still has a chance to become a serious snap getter in the rotation. The popular name will be Cam Williams, who was a five-star talent from the state of Illinois. His combination of length and explosiveness is something very unique on the roster, which gives him a chance to find a role. The other name to know is Micah Gilbert, who impressed a ton in the spring. He is a big body and looks to be physically ready to compete in the boundary in 2024.
OT Guerby Lambert
There is a competition brewing at right tackle between Tosh Baker and Aamil Wagner. Both had pretty good springs but there are some who are not overly optimistic about this battle. There is hope that someone steps up and takes the opportunity to help solidly an extremely talented offensive line, but skepticism still exists.
Lambert enters the program as one of the more physically gifted offensive lineman that Notre Dame has signed in several years. That says a lot at a place like Notre Dame, where they develop the position as well as anyone in college football. Since Lambert didn’t arrive in South Bend until the Summer, it’s unclear whether he will do enough in a short amount of time to shake things up early in the fall. If he doesn’t, he’s still a player to watch closely throughout the season if he develops.
TE Jack Larsen
This is a position that might be more predicated on depth long term. As of now, Larsen won’t have to play a role in 2024. The team has Mitchell Evans returning, who is one of the best tight ends in all of college football when healthy. Eli Raridon and Cooper Flanagan should be excellent compliments, bringing different styles to the table.
The problem is that two out of three of the tight ends mentioned have had issues with staying healthy. They are one major injury away from Larsen being pressed into duty. Based on what we saw this Spring, it did look like Larsen was far enough along to add some depth this fall. You just hope he’s ready if he’s called upon.
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