3 Notre Dame true freshman who can make a significant impact for the Fighting Irish defense heading into the 2025 CFB season
Over the years, we have seen that head coach Marcus Freeman isn’t afraid to play true freshman, especially on the defensive side of the football. Notre Dame has received valuable contributions recently from players like Benjamin Morrison, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and Bryce Young in their initial seasons. The 2025 team should be no different. The Fighting […]
Over the years, we have seen that head coach Marcus Freeman isn’t afraid to play true freshman, especially on the defensive side of the football. Notre Dame has received valuable contributions recently from players like Benjamin Morrison, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and Bryce Young in their initial seasons.
The 2025 team should be no different. The Fighting Irish are bringing in an extremely talented group of defenders in the 2025 recruiting class. There are several who should fight for immediate playing time.
S JaDon Blair
We know that Adon Shuler is going to lock down one safety spot, but who fills the other will be interesting to watch. Notre Dame brought in former Virginia Tech standout Jalen Stroman to compete for the job. They also return Kennedy Urlacher, Brauntae Johnson, and Luke Talich to the room as well.
That type of depth means that Blair could potentially come along slowly. It’s very possible, however, that he could just be too good to keep off the field in 2025. At 6-5 and 195 pounds, Blair is a freaky athlete with all the potential in the world.
CB Dallas Golden or Mark Zackery
Leonard Moore and Christian Geay are set to star at cornerback this fall, and Devonta Smith should figure into the starting nickel role. The major question that is going to be out there is what the depth will look like at all three spots.
There is a chance that either Golden or Zackery could come in and find a role immediately. Golden is a bigger-bodied guy, while Zackery is smaller but dynamic. Each brings a unique style but are talented enough to earn immediate playing time.
LB Madden Faraimo
We saw a five-man linebacker rotation last fall. With Jack Kiser heading to the NFL, we know that Drayk Bowen, Kynstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaiden Ausberry, and Jaylen Sneed will get a lot of playing time in 2025. The question is whether another linebacker can fill that role as the fifth guy in the rotation, or if it’s even needed.
From a physical perspective, Faraimo is more than talented enough to fight for immediate playing time. Faraimo is long, powerful, and rangy from the second level. He also has the skills to play on the line of scrimmage when needed. There could be a role for him this fall.
3 Notre Dame true freshman who can make a significant impact for the Fighting Irish offense heading into the 2025 CFB season
Notre Dame true freshman who could carve out offensive roles in 2025.
