What Notre Dame football true freshmen could make an impact?

This story appears in the Blue & Gold Illustrated 2024 Notre Dame Football Preview. To order your copy of the 160-page, full-color, glossy magazine, click here .

With a bevy of fifth- and sixth-year players on Notre Dame football’s roster, the Fighting Irish return one of college football’s most experienced lineups. Yet, coach Marcus Freeman’s program has recruited at such a high clip that it should give his squad a handful of first-year players positioned to contribute in key spots.

Here are five true freshmen who could make an impact in 2024.

1. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

Freeman told reporters on March 7 that Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa has “a chance early.” Then, the 6-foot-3, 236-pounder followed Freeman’s favorable comments with a solid spring.

Viliamu-Asa, a four-star recruit, finished his prep career at Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco as a Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker) finalist. His résumé included 114 tackles (56 solo), 13 stops for loss, 3 passes broken up, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery in 13 games as a senior.

On3’s No. 6 linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class can see the field early now that JD Bertrand and Marist Liufau have moved on to the NFL.

2. Running Back Aneyas Williams

Aneyas Williams could join the same company as Chris Tyree , Logan Diggs and Jeremiyah Love . In three of the last four seasons, each of those Notre Dame running backs registered at least 50 carries as a freshman.

The 5-10, 203-pound Williams, a four-star recruit from Hannibal (Mo.) High, arrived in South Bend with 4,255 rushing yards and 3,249 receiving yards in high school. On3’s No. 24 running back in 2024 can also contribute to the passing game.

He broke out in the spring game with 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Also, do not be surprised if fellow freshman running back Kedren Young finds his way into the mix with a healed hamstring.

3. Wide Receiver Micah Gilbert

In a different season, Micah Gilbert might have been a starting wideout. However, with the additions of Beaux Collins , Jayden Harrison and Kris Mitchell , the  6-2, 204-pound pass catcher’s immediate contribution might be delayed.

Yet, the potential for the four-star wide receiver’s growth and increased role as the season progresses is exciting. On3’s No. 32 wide receiver in the 2024 class had a tremendous spring that showed signs that he would become a great addition to the Irish’s passing game.

4. Defensive End Bryce Young

Gilbert’s teammate at Charlotte (N.C.) Christian, Bryce Young was the highest-ranked recruit in Notre Dame’s defensive 2024 class. The four-star finished the cycle as On3’s No. 1 prospect in North Carolina, and No. 7 edge and No. 42 overall player nationally.

While there is a logjam of talent up front on defense, some inconsistency on the second string could allow the 6-7, 246-pounder to creep into the rotation by the season’s end.

5. Offensive Tackle Guerby Lambert

West Roxbury (Mass.) Catholic Memorial’s Guerby Lambert was the highest-ranked offensive recruit. The five-star ended up as the No. 1 recruit in Massachusetts, and the No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 18 overall player in America per On3.

With projected starting bookends Charles Jagusah and Tosh Baker only combining to start four games, Lambert’s inexperience should not hold him back from getting the nod if he gets up to speed once he enrolls in June. His talent is undeniable.

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