Freshman In Forefront … And The
Chris Badger, who re- turned from a two-year Mormon mission this summer after enrolling one semester at Notre Dame in 2010, nine of the 16 freshmen who signed with the Fighting Irish last February have been in the lineup. The mainstay has been
Background Not including safety
KeiVarae Russell, a start- ing cornerback since the opener and the team's fifth-leading tackler (43) during the 9-0 start. Defensive end Shel-
don Day also has been in the rotation every week, recording 13 tackles and two sacks, as has nickel back/special teams player Elijah Shumate. Safety Nicky Baratti
cracked the two deep at safety and played in crucial situations this season, including an interception in the end zone against Michigan. Outside linebacker Ro- meo Okwara — maybe the youngest player in the Football Bowl Sub- division after turning 17
Freshman quarterback Gunner Kiel has impressed head coach Brian Kelly with his work on the scout team.
PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND
in June — has been too physical and athletic to take off special teams. On offense, wide re-
ceivers Chris Brown, Justin Ferguson and Davonte' Neal each
caught one pass during the first nine games, and Neal was the top punt returner with 34 yards on 13 attempts. Tackle Ronnie Stanley also has made two appearances
