With at least 18 starters back on a team that Brian Kelly admits is the most experienced and deepest in his six years coaching at Notre Dame, the logical assumption was that the 23-man class of incoming freshmen would have to learn the ropes and bide their time this season.
Yet, as training camp rolls through its second full week, the contributions made by the rookies have been notable and encouraging, both for the short- and the long-term. Expect at least a third of these first-year players — and maybe more — to be called on in some capacity Sept.