Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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does not expect a repeat in 2013. "We're going to bring in a number of freshmen that I'm certain are going to be involved in special teams, especially some of those bigger-bodied guys," Kelly said. "You've got Deeb and Randolph, and obviously Jaylon Smith, Max Redfield, to name a few." Deeb doesn't arrive with five-star accolades like Smith and Redfield, but at 6-2, 235 pounds and with advanced strength (reportedly 19 bench press reps of 225 pounds), he would appear to be a special teams fit. He also could be one of only three scholarship inside linebackers in the spring of 2014. At 6-3, 238 pounds, Randolph is nearly the physical equivalent that outside linebacker Romeo Okwara was at 6‑4, 239 as a freshman last year. The difference is Randolph will turn 20 on Sept. 5, while Okwara turns 18 this June 17. A few years ago, Smith would have been projected as a freshman starting outside linebacker at Notre Dame. The program has now evolved to the point where that isn't necessary. Incumbent senior Danny Spond returns at Dog linebacker (where Smith is projected) after a strong 2012, and Irish defensive coordinator Bob Diaco referred to Spond's backup, junior Ben Councell, as "the player of the spring" in terms of improvement. The 6-3, 225-pound Smith needs more armor on his frame to become a regular on defense, but in certain sub packages he could have a role and on special teams he undoubtedly will. Redfield is projected to play safety, but could be a dark-horse candidate at receiver (45 catches, 757 yards as a high school senior), where Notre Dame has more question marks. Special teams would appear to be more of a certainty. There is still some uncertainly whether or not Vanderdoes will honor his commitment to Notre Dame. Like Smith and Redfield, the five-star lineman could have stepped right in to start several years ago. He could have a 2013 role similar to the freshman years of Stephon Tuitt in 2011 (30 tackles, three starts) and Sheldon Day in 2012 (23 tackles), but there were questions in late May about whether he will enroll at Notre Dame (see sidebar). The door is open for Bryant at running back after the graduation of top two 2012 rushers Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood. Kelly has spoken glowingly of the 5‑11, 200-pound Bryant's combination of 1) his ability to run between the tackles, 2) natural instincts and 3) pass-receiving skills (23.2 yards per catch on 25 grabs the past two years), plus he was even used as a third-down back for pass protection — the Achilles' heel of most freshman backs — in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Chuck Martin notes that a rookie running back or receiver can be used piecemeal, whereas with a freshman offensive lineman you can't say he's ready to be a run blocker — but can't pass protect. "At a running back position and a receiver position, we play a lot of guys there," Martin said, "so they don't have to necessarily know the whole offense or be good at the whole offense.