Almost every year, a big time program has a true freshman that is skilled enough to get on the field and add a new kind of explosiveness to an already formidable team. That team is then propelled to heights that would have been unattainable otherwise. Reggie Bush for USC, Adrian Peterson for Oklahoma, Ted Ginn and later Terrelle Pryor for Ohio State. These are some names that come to mind. Notre Dame has been lacking in this department lately (though Michael Floyd certainly impacted the offense last year), but every year brings a new possibility.

So…which of the Irish new bloods have the talent to make an impact for the Irish this year?

Tyler Stockton, DT. Look, the Irish still lack depth up front, and this kid is big enough (6′1, 290) and strong enough to play as a true. Defensively, the only guys that are true 300 pounders are Ian Williams and Brandon Newman, so this kid has the physical stature to play. The recruiting word was that he has great quickness for an inside guy, and could mature into one of the best defensive tackles in this class. Lack of depth, along with a size, strength, and quickness combo mean that this kid could play in his first season.

Tyler Eifert, TE. At 6′6, and 220, this kid has a receiver’s build and athleticism. He will be a matchup nightmare for linebackers. He will also be a blocking liability, but should get a chance to play when Mike Ragone injures himself dunking Oreo cookies in milk during a late night snacking session.

Jordan Cowart, LS and Ben Turk, K. Giving a scholarship to a kid solely because of his talent to missile a football from his crotch while leaning over means that Cowart has to play. As for Turk, the Irish kicking game is often a mess, so he has a chance to either kick off, or put the ball through the uprights.

Shaquelle Evans, WR. Another receiver for the Irish with size (6′1, 205) and speed. An Army All-America, Shaq was considered one of the best receivers in the nation, backed up by the fact that Pete Carroll and USC coveted him. He can play small and quick versus safeties or tall and strong (jump balls) versus corners. Has a chance to lay receiver if Kamara, Goodman, and Walker falter, and if that doesn’t happen, his explosiveness could lead him to kick return duties.

Cierre Wood, RB. A 6 footer with long legs and good speed, Wood could bring a perimeter threat to the Irish running backs. Quick and elusive, he can make something out of nothing, and that is something Notre Dame running backs have been lacking for years. Armando Allen is the guy, but if Hughes and Jonas Gray don’t improve, Wood can find his way into the mix. Then again, the most likely scenario is that he impacts the return game with fellow Californian Shaq Evans.

Manti Te’o, LB. The most likely freshman to make a big impact. 6′2 and 225, he has the size and strength to be on the field from day 1. Combine that with explosiveness when closing in on the ball, and being able to read plays and move laterally-this kid has all the tools. The Irish have talent with Fleming, Filer, Toryan Smith, and Anthony McDonald, but these guys haven’t proven to be a certain thing. Manti has as good chance as any to chase opposing offenses out of Notre Dame Stadium.