These rising sophomores are expected to contribute in a big way for the Fighting Irish this fall.
Center Jarrett Patterson – Patterson made the transition from tackle to center in the spring with no issues. In fact he locked on to the starter’s job early replacing departing senior Sam Mustipher. Patterson will be the only starter on the line with no starting experience but he’s been getting rave reviews all spring, summer and now fall.
WR Lawrence Keys III – Initially Keys was not on my list at all but with the injury (broken collarbone) to starter Michael Young last week and the “suspension” of fellow sophomore Kevin Austin it has opened up a starting spot for Keys.