Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Under the Dome Freshman Class Displaying Class Eight members of Notre Dame's top-five freshman class — prior to five-star defensive end Eddie Vanderdoes' departure to UCLA — made Notre Dame's two-deep that was released prior to the Aug. 31 Temple opener. Headlining the group was the top-ranked player, five-star Jaylon Smith, who was listed as the No. 1 Dog linebacker after 2012 starter Danny Spond's football career came to an end because of health ailments. "I don't know that there were many times where we had to remind him that, 'Hey, you have to work for it' — but he had to work for it," head coach Brian Kelly said. "… He comes from a good family. He comes from a great program where they obviously did a great job of teaching him how to go about and do his thing. … He's put himself in a position now to do some great things." If all goes according to plan, Smith could become Notre Dame's third straight Freshman AllAmerican on defense, joining 2012 cornerback KeiVarae Russell and 2011 defensive end Aaron Lynch (now at South Florida). Joining Smith on the defensive two-deep is cornerback Cole Luke, who also has been working as the nickelback, and end Isaac Rochell. On offense, the two-deep included five frosh: right tackle Steve Elmer — who could be the top backup at both tackle or guard slots — left tackle Hunter Bivin, receivers Corey Robinson and James Onwualu, and running back Greg Bryant, who was listed as the "or" as the No. 2 back, along with juniors Amir Carlisle and Cam McDaniel, behind junior starter George Atkinson III. Others were expected to play a role on special teams, including safety Max Redfield and maybe running back Tarean Folston. Cornerback Rashad Kinlaw is also helping as a scout team quarterback. "They have a great respect for the game and a great respect for their teammates," Kelly praised. James Onwualu, whom head coach Brian Kelly identified as the offensive rookie who impressed him the most in camp, is one of eight freshmen to appear on Notre Dame's two-deep to begin 2013. Photo by joe raymond "No trash talking. … Every day I see these guys wanting to get better, staying out, they're here to watch film. It's not new to them anymore. They haven't leveled off. "I think what's impressed me the most about this group is that they're in it for the long haul. They've had a long summer. They go through a very rigorous bridge program. They're here all summer, weight training, conditioning, and they can still take on more." — Lou Somogyi