While the Notre Dame football program has signed top-15 recruiting classes in each of the last four cycles, the time needed for prospects to develop varies greatly.
In 2016, a handful of Irish who once earned significant recognition as prospects—meaning a 4-star rating or higher—will finally have a chance to occupy major roles.
Minimal playing time behind established starters, injury problems and a bit of slower-than-expected progress are among the factors that have delayed the following five talents.
Unless some sort of misfortune impedes the players once again, they'll be recognizable names by the end of 2016.