Notre Dame Football: 5 Under-the-Radar Players Who Will Explode in 2012

Notre Dame football is one of the most heralded college football programs in the nation. 

Recently, Notre Dame and its fans have been let down. Notre Dame has been far from the powerhouse it once was. 

Fans are hopeful that Brian Kelly may be able to turn the program around. The Irish have a few big players, but the amount of talent does not jump off the board. 

These under-the-radar the players will be key to the Irish's success in 2012. 

John Goodman

John Goodman only had one reception for the Irish in 2011. 

Expect that number to increase by a huge amount in 2012. Goodman is exactly what the Irish need. 

Notre Dame has plenty of small options to pass to, but not many tall outside options. Goodman is exactly that option. 

Standing at 6'3" and weighing 207 pounds, Goodman will be a solid target for whoever is throwing the ball for Notre Dame. 

Ben Koyack

Yes, Tyler Eifert is a stud and will be huge for Notre Dame in 2012, but the Irish need a solid backup tight end. 

Koyack is the most skilled tight end behind Eifert on Notre Dame's depth chart. According to Rivals, Koyack was the seventh best tight end in the nation as a senior.

Kelly can utilize Koyack nicely with two tight end sets. Koyack ran a 4.59 40-yard dash in high school and can present mismatches for defenses.

Defenses will be watching Eifert closely, leaving Koyack open to use his speed. 

George Atkinson III

George Atkinson III will be vital to the Irish offense, forming a backfield duo with Cierre Wood. 

Atkinson saw little action in 2011, but will be relied on much heavier this season. The Irish need another back as a compliment to Cierre Wood and Atkinson is the man for the job. 

Despite two fumbles, Atkinson showed some dazzling moves in the spring game. 

Atkinson must have better ball protection, but his elusiveness will help Notre Dame in 2012. 

Ishaq Williams

Fans and opponents better not have forgotten about Ishaq Williams. 

Williams was ranked as the second best weak-side defensive end by Rivals as a senior. As an explosive pass-rusher, Williams had high expectations as a freshman.

Unfortunately, Williams disappointed as a freshman by putting up minimal stats. Williams looked great a year later in the spring and is ready to step his game up. He has huge potential; he will explode on the scene at outside linebacker and put his hand in the ground to rush the passer in 2012.  

Everett Golson

Tommy Rees' time as the starting quarterback for Notre Dame is dwindling down the drain. 

Rees had a recent arrest according to the Washington Post, and had a poor spring game. He has forced Brian Kelly to think of more of an open competition at quarterback. Rees was only seven for 14 with 84 yards and an interception. 

Everett Golson completely outplayed Rees in the spring game. Golson went 11 for 15 with 120 yards and two touchdowns. Golson, more importantly, had no turnovers. 

Golson has stepped up his game, and given the chance, he will be Notre Dame's starting quarterback in 2012.