As spring goes on, some personnel questions are already being answered. Here are 5 Irish players that appear to be taking it to the next level this spring. Come next season, look out.

5.) Kapron Lewis-Moore. Unless you’re a die-hard, you haven’t heard of this guy. He is a sophomore that didn’t play a single down last year. But he is thoroughbred defensive end (he just needed a little seasoning as a frosh). 6′4″ and 260lbs, wearing a wide receiver number (#89), and showing the same type of athleticism, he is as far above the Irish offensive lineman as Andy Dufresne was above the Shawshank prison guards. He has 3 year starter Sam Young seeing a shrink between practices.

4.) Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is finally showing that he understands that to be a quarterback, you need to be a leader. Word is that he was seen taking some pom-poms from the cheerleading squad so he could encourage teammates that were down in the dumps.

3.) Harrison Smith. Back at his natural safety position, this guy is gonna be all over the field this year. He is showing his playmaking skills every day at practice. He can play centerfield Willie Mays-style, or he can treat a play at the line of scrimmage like Seth Macfarlane treats the FCC.

2.) Armando Allen. Running harder and more decisive than ever. I used to ask the Magic 8 Ball if we would ever see his speed on the field, and all signs are finally pointing to yes.

1.) Darrin Walls. He hasn’t missed a beat, and Corwin Brown is saying that he is playing at at a higher level than when he left. He has the smoothness of a Motown crooner, and Michael Floyd has given him props as a cover guy. He will be a starting cornerback, and give opposing receivers fits this year.