Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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envision all three earning a monogram there if they display enough this Au- gust. At running back, Adams might still face some skepticism the way 2006 Irish recruit James Aldridge did while com- ing back from major knee surgery, de- spite a strong senior year. That's why Dexter Williams might have an initial edge on paper, plus the competition he faced in Florida. Still, the lack of numbers at running back — although slots Amir Carlisle and CJ Prosise will have their carries, too — provides an opportunity for some action. MOST LIKELY REDSHIRTS Wide receiver Miles Boykin, cornerback Nick Coleman, defensive tackle Micah Dew-Treadway, wide receiver Jalen Guyton, center Tristen Hoge, offensive guard Trevor Ruhland, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, defensive tackle Elijah Taylor, defensive tackle Brandon Tiassum, defensive end Bo Wallace, cornerback Ashton White and quar- terback Brandon Wimbush This is based more on current num- bers and history. For Wimbush, each of the last four quarterback recruits under Kelly were redshirted: Everett Golson (2011), Gun- ner Kiel (2012), Malik Zaire (2013) and DeShone Kizer (2014). If there is a transfer at quarterback, the chances to play increase, but it's likely the goal is still to preserve a potential fifth season. Among the wide receivers, each of the top six pass catchers from last season return — and that doesn't even include Justin Brent and Corey Holmes, who made cameos as freshmen while not catching any passes. With Hoge and Ruhland, among the 28 offensive linemen signed by Notre Dame since 2007, the only two who were not redshirted were Trevor Robinson (2008) and Steve Elmer (2013), and both were early enrollees. Hoge is an early enrollee, too, but because we believe Nick Martin will return as a fifth-year senior, center is not a position of need. As noted with the defensive linemen, Tillery has the best chance to play as a freshman because for the first time in perhaps several decades, Notre Dame should have three full units this spring alone among its scholarship players. No one is arriving with the fanfare that Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt did in 2011. There will be more of a develop- mental phase to undertake. Cornerbacks Coleman and White are not arriving as heralded as Crawford, but like linebackers and safeties, it is a position group that has a better chance to carve a niche as freshmen on special teams. ✦ Due to Notre Dame's depth along the defensive front, tackle Micah Dew-Treadway is likely to red- shirt this season. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM