Notre Dame Football: 5 Redshirt Freshmen Ready to Contribute

As coach Brian Kelly enters his sixth season at Notre Dame, the program stands on solid ground. While both 2013 and 2014 fell short of their high-end expectations, Kelly has the program on the best footing we've seen since Lou Holtz roamed the sidelines. 

That has allowed the Irish to build their depth chart and stockpile talent that develops on the right timeline. 

A young roster in 2014 turns into an experienced group in 2015. And after sitting out as true freshmen last year, expect five redshirt freshmen to make their mark come this fall. 

With spring practice set to begin next week, let's look at five redshirt freshmen who are poised to make an impact.

Alex Bars

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Alex Bars from

When Ronnie Stanley decided to return for his senior year, Alex Bars' ascent into the starting lineup seemed likely to be delayed a season. But the talented Tennessee native might still find his way onto the field, especially with Matt Hegarty making the decision to transfer elsewhere for 2015. 

Bars is an offensive tackle by trade, but that won't keep him out of the competition for vacancies along the offensive line. With Nick Martin returning to center, the open guard job opposite rising junior Steve Elmer could see Bars make his move. 

In many ways, Elmer's trajectory is one to watch when it comes to Bars. Most assumed Elmer was a tackle, as well, but when he was thrown into the lineup at guard as a freshman due to an injury to Chris Watt, Kelly and offensive line coach Harry Hiestand showed that they want the most talented linemen to play—something that'll likely dictate the fifth starter on the offensive line in 2015. 

Last December, Kelly raved about Bars' abilities. Having not been rushed into the lineup as a true freshman, Bars will enter spring hoping to get into the mix at the only opening up front. 

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Kelly says Alex Bars one of the best he’s seen in 25 years. “Clearly the guy that stands out on offense.” among younger players.

— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) December 20, 2014"

Jonathan Bonner

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It was clear before he ever took a snap that Jonathan Bonner had a good head on his shoulders. But after impressing on the scout team as a true freshman, Bonner will enter the competition for a role on a defensive line looking for playmakers. 

The opportunity to earn playing time will be there. Defensive tackle Jarron Jones is out this spring as he comes back from a Lisfranc injury. Starters Sheldon Day and Isaac Rochell are pretty much proven commodities. And new defensive line coach Keith Gilmore is getting his first look at everybody. 

But Bonner—who weighed 269 pounds as a true freshman—possesses the type of athleticism and size that should be more than intriguing. Likely serving as an immediate understudy to Day, Bonner opened his career as a jumbo-sized outside linebacker, meaning he certainly moves well enough to work on the edge, as well.

Last year, Bonner opened some eyes by showing an impressive vertical leap. This spring, he'll have a chance to make his mark on the field.  

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BK: At 269 pounds, Jonathan Bonner had a 35 inch vertical this summer

— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) August 1, 2014"

Corey Holmes

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There might not be a position on the Notre Dame roster that will be tougher to break into than wide receiver. But expect Corey Holmes to do his best to get in the mix this spring. 

After playing briefly early last season, Holmes saved a year of eligibility while also getting a taste of what it takes to play at this level. That'll do him good entering spring, when he'll have new offensive coordinator Mike Sanford and current position coach/associate head coach Mike Denbrock taking notice. 

Holmes has the speed to get vertical, a trait Sanford mentioned in his introductory press conference. He also has the versatility to play inside or out, allowing him to play every receiver spot on the field. 

Some have speculated that Holmes is the type of athlete who could get a look at safety this spring. While Justin Brent's physique makes him a more likely candidate, a position switch should be looked at as only good news for Holmes, especially after seeing the success of players like Matthias Farley, Austin Collinsworth, C.J. Prosise and James Onwualu. 

Wherever he lines up, keep an eye on Holmes. 

Quenton Nelson

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In Quenton Nelson, many believe that the Irish have their next rugged mauler along the offensive line, and after seeing Matt Hegarty move on, most assume Hiestand and Kelly think so, too. 

Like his classmate Alex Bars, Nelson looked like an offensive tackle when he arrived on campus, especially after being ranked No. 62 in 247Sports' composite recruiting rankings, making him the fifth-best offensive tackle in the country. But Nelson slid inside last season on the scout team, likely with a quick ascent in mind. 

At 6'4 ½" and 325 pounds, Nelson has plenty of size to play on the outside. But having been shifted to the interior, he's immediately at a physical advantage when battling defensive tackles as opposed to quicker players on the edge.

Nelson's physical strength was apparent when he was out-bench-pressing guys at the NFL combine as a high schooler. That'll help him in a competitive offensive line battle this spring.

Jhonny Williams

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When Notre Dame began recruiting Jhonny Williams, they felt like they had discovered a hidden gem just miles away from campus. While it took longer than some suspected for Williams to see the field, expect the defensive end to quickly become a part of the equation along the defensive line. 

Williams was a track athlete and basketball player throughout high school. But after nearly nine months in Paul Longo's strength program, Williams now looks the part of a college football player, not a small forward. 

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Redshirting players who have grabbed @CoachBrianKelly's attention during bowl prep: DL Jonathan Bonner, DL Jhonny Williams & OT Alex Bars.

— Eric Hansen (@EHansenNDI) December 20, 2014"

With enough length at 6'4", Williams played last season at around 250 pounds. He'll likely check in this spring with an additional 10 to 15 pounds of heft, ready to take his shot at a defensive end position still looking for answers. 

While Andrew Trumbetti and Grant Blankenship got plenty of work as freshmen, Kelly and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder called on Kolin Hill to be their situational pass-rusher. Williams should easily find time in that role this spring, especially working with new defensive line coach Keith Gilmore to refine his technique.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.