Only two players in school history recorded more tackles as freshmen than linebacker Jaylon Smith,
who finished his rookie campaign with 67 stops.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: LB JAYLON SMITH
The outside linebacker is the future face of the program with his infectious
personality combined with playmaking skills (67 tackles, third on the team)
and imbued leadership qualities. The only two players in school history to
record more tackles as freshmen were luminaries Bob Golic (82 in 1975) and
Ross Browner (68 in 1973, not including the bowl game).
2. Steve Elmer — If anyone can be the future Zack Martin it is Elmer because of his combination of brains, brawn and work ethic. Whereas Martin
was on the scout team his entire freshman year, Elmer had established himself
as the top backup at both tackle and both guard spots by August, ending up
with four starts at right guard. His future is more likely to be at tackle.
3. Tarean Folston — Not even classified in most circles as the best Irish back
in his own class (behind Greg Bryant), Folston paced Notre Dame in rushing
over the final six regular-season games with 401 yards. His total of 470 yards
is the sixth-most ever by a Notre Dame freshman back.
