Notre Dame Football: 5 Biggest Offensive Playmakers for Fighting Irish in 2012

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Heading into the 2012 season, it's critical for Brian Kelly and his staff to identify their most dynamic playmakers.

It's no small task, especially since standout wide receiver Michael Floyd is now chasing his NFL dreams.

However, Kelly and Co. have recruited well since arriving in South Bend in December of 2009. Could a few impact players be Kelly recruits?

Follow the slideshow to find out.

5. DaVaris Daniels, WR

DaVaris Daniels, who will be a redshirt freshman in 2012, may just be the answer at wide receiver that the Irish are looking for.

The Vernon Hills, Illinois native was considered a 4-star prospect by Rivals.com as a senior at Vernon Hills High School in 2009. Daniels was also ranked 21st on the site's list of receivers in the 2011 class.

His size is debatable, as Daniels has been listed anywhere between 6'1" and 6'3". Regardless, he's destined to make things happen on the field, given his speed (4.45 in the 40-yard dash).

While Daniels doesn't match Michael Floyd's overall size, he still has the capability and raw talent to be a dynamic playmaker in Brian Kelly's spread offense.

4. George Atkinson III, RB

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George Atkinson III left no doubt about his physical abilities during his freshman season in South Bend.

The son of former Oakland Raiders standout George Atkinson displayed his blazing speed by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in 2010.

Recruited as a wide receiver, Atkinson was moved to running back during fall camp, but the possibility of a move back to receiver isn't out of the question.

Either way, Atkinson is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands, especially in space.

Irish offensive coordinator Chuck Martin is likely to design more than a few plays for the speedster from Stockton, California.

3. Theo Riddick, RB/WR

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Theo Riddick's career at Notre Dame has been defined by potential. The unfortunate part is that he has yet to reach that potential.

Riddick's abilities as an athlete go without saying, but we have yet to see that speed and elusiveness leave opposing defenders in their tracks.

His productivity at receiver in 2010 was meager, as the senior-to-be had 38 receptions for 436 yards and three touchdowns before being moved to running back after Jonas Gray went down with a torn ACL against Boston College.

Riddick looked uncomfortable at running back, to say the least.

Against Stanford, Riddick carried the ball four times for six yards. And against Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl, he managed only 36 yards on eight carries.

It's clear that he belongs at receiver, considering the fact that he racked up 10 receptions for 128 yards at Michigan State in 2010.

2. Tyler Eifert, TE

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Opposing defenses on Notre Dame's 2012 schedule have already figured out that Tyler Eifert will be the Irish's most lethal pass-catching weapon.

The 6'6", 249-pound tight end was one of the most productive in the country last season, accumulating 803 receiving yards on 63 receptions and five touchdowns.

Eifert made the decision to return to school for his senior season, which let everyone associated with Notre Dame football breathe a big sigh of relief.

His size makes him a matchup nightmare for virtually any defense in the country, and his ability to absorb contact during the catch is second to none.

Expect to hear Eifert's name being mentioned in droves next season.

1. Cierre Wood, RB

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Cierre Wood will be, by far, Notre Dame's most dynamic playmaker in 2012.

In 2011, Wood became only the 20th player in school history to achieve 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, finishing with 1,102 yards on 217 carries.

Wood was also a threat as a receiver, snagging 27 receptions for 189 yards.

He should be considered as one of the most explosive running backs in the nation next season.

With three starters returning on the offensive line, expect to see Wood eclipse the 1,000-yard mark once again in 2012.