built his reputation on being an in-
stinctive player, a trait that should help
him quickly overcome his lost time.
With Coney and junior Greer Mar-
tini sidelined during the spring, Bilal
took full advantage. Bilal was slow
out of the gate, struggling to absorb
the complex defensive playbook, but
once he got his feet underneath him-
self his speed and playmaking ability
started to be on display.
No one on the roster — or any
other program's roster — can match
Smith's incredible athletic talents.
Yet Bilal's sideline-to-sideline speed
and in-the-box burst is what made
him a consensus four-star recruit
and Scout's No. 87 overall player in
the 2015 class. Notre Dame needs a
playmaker at Will, and Bilal has the
After returning both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown as a true freshman, CJ Sanders is looking to
make a bigger impact at slot receiver in 2016.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
