In less than 12 days, the Notre Dame football team kicks off its 2015 campaign against the Texas Longhorns. Fans expect the Irish to land in the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame will not battle its way to the playoff if they do not receive great contributions from Freshman players.
In 2012, then Freshman Cornerback KeiVarae Russell started all 13 games for the Fighting Irish. Russell finished 5th on the team in tackles with 58. He also added 2 interceptions and 2 tackles for loss.
Other Defensive players had excellent Freshman seasons as well. Defensive Linemen Sheldon Day, Nickel-back Elijah Shumate and Safety Nicky Baratti all made contributions on Defense.