Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Upon Further Review todd D. burlage ment in this "me first" era. "They have never once said, 'We're the freshman group that has made this a better football team.' They have blended so well to an established identity within this football team. It takes a humble group of guys, and that's why it's a pretty good dynamic." Only time will tell where this 2013 group rates in the hierarchy of recruiting classes at Notre Dame. But in terms of physical and mental development, Kelly said his rookies are well ahead of the curve. With a heavy presence on special teams against Temple, and many more first-year players game-ready on offense and defense, linemen such as defensive end Isaac Rochell (6‑3½, 280) along with offensive tackles Steve Elmer (6-5½, 317) and Hunter Biven (6-5½, 291) are just three of the standout rookies already pushing for playing time at positions typically reserved for the more physically mature juniors and seniors. "Notre Dame has reached the point in recruiting where they know what they want their prospects to look like physically before they even extend an offer," Wiltfong said. "And most of the guys that fit into the mold are guys that are going to be ready to play pretty early in college football." Freshman wide receiver Corey Robinson — a 6-4¼, 205-pound star in waiting — became a backup to senior TJ Jones and stole the show during training camp with his acrobatic catches against some of the best Irish cornerbacks. Talented rookie Cole Luke also became a second-stringer at the difficult cornerback position, impressively leapfrogging more experienced players while also becoming the top nickel back. The physical gifts and maturity among the freshmen in this class are obvious. But retention and dedication are the areas that have the Irish coaches celebrating this group the most. The players stay after practice and study film. And many in this group are among the first ones to practice and the last ones to leave — a routine typically seen only by veteran players. Kelly said he seldom worries about his rookies repeating mistakes during practice, and the summer workouts and training camp proved to the coaches these freshmen aren't interested in biding their time for playing time. Where many first-year players hit the proverbial wall after a difficult summer of conditioning, weight training and culture change, this group continues to push forward. "They can take on more," Kelly said. "They're a pretty remarkable group of kids both on and off the field. And from a football standpoint, we can heap even more on them." Another great testimonial for a terrific class, a bright future, and hopefully the sustained success Kelly and his staff promised when they arrived four seasons ago. ✦ Todd D. Burlage has been a writer for Blue & Gold Illustrated since July 2005. He can be reached at tburlage@blueandgold.com