Notre Dame Football: Players to Watch in Fighting Irish's 2016 Spring Game
The 2016 Blue-Gold game is a chance for Notre Dame supporters—and perhaps detractors—to check out some potential under-the-radar contributors for the coming season.
Although the Irish's quarterback situation is the overwhelming topic of discussion, seeing which players will replenish departed depth is a major storyline to watch.
And it's not limited to one side of the football.
On both offense and defense, Notre Dame has a true freshman already challenging for a starting role—or at least significant playing time. Plus, a few veterans are pushing for additional responsibilities and the right to replace previous team leaders.
Kevin Stepherson, Wide Receiver
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Will Fuller, Chris Brown and Amir Carlisle are gone. Corey Robinson has missed a few weeks of spring practice due to a concussion, and his future is now in question. Meanwhile, C.J. Sanders will be sidelined until fall camp with a hip injury.
It's a good thing Kevin Stepherson is around.
Projected starting nickelback Shaun Crawford called Stepherson one of Notre Dame's two most difficult receivers to defend, per Mike Vorel of the South Bend Tribune.
Now, controlling the hype is a necessity, because a strong spring can create unrealistic expectations. Most true freshmen don't have a clear understanding of the playbook and all of its minute details.
But maybe Stepherson is an exception to the rule. He'll be carefully watched on Saturday.
Alize Jones, Tight End
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Since the Irish are dealing with inexperience and injury at receiver, head coach Brian Kelly is experimenting with Alize Jones.
According to Tim O'Malley of Scout, Kelly said the 6'4" tight end is also spending time outside.
"We're trying to find where he can best impact our football team against Texas. Is it as a hybrid player? Is it as a W (outside) receiver? Is it at tight end? I think it's apparent from what you saw today that he's a guy who can go down the field vertically and catch the football."
Jones could become a versatile weapon that creates mismatches, especially if the defense's personnel is prepared to match the sophomore when he moves to the outside.
Jarron Jones, Defensive Tackle
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Notre Dame needs Jarron Jones to replace Sheldon Day and anchor the defensive line, a responsibility certainly easier said than done—especially in the spring after a lost season.
Still, the staff expects a lot from the senior.
Kelly said, "[Jones is] still playing a bit tentative. He understands he's got to play with more confidence," per Rivals.
Jones missed the 2015 campaign due to a torn right MCL. Two years ago, Jones recorded 40 total tackles—including 7.5 for loss—and seven quarterback hurries.
If the Irish line Jones up opposite a few projected starting offensive linemen, the spring game will provide a realistic look at his current performance level.
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Nyles Morgan, Linebacker
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Joe Schmidt exhausted his eligibility and relinquished his spot at middle linebacker to Nyles Morgan.
"It's like having the keys to the kingdom," Morgan said, per Nick Ironside of 247Sports. "If it's yours, it's yours. You can own it. Take hold of it. And then from there, it's just keep climbing."
No player has received more praise during spring practice than Morgan, and it's not difficult to understand why, given his combination of quickness and a 6'1", 245-pound frame.
During the Blue-Gold game, though, he'll either fumble around looking for the right key or break open the locks.
Devin Studstill, Safety
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As we've already said, jumping on a freshman hype train can be dangerous. That hope often withers away once the regular season begins.
Devin Studstill appears to have a legitimate chance to unseat Max Redfield, who hasn't lived up to his 5-star billing at the college level.
On the other hand, the 3-star Studstill has been a pleasant surprise this spring. According to Scott DeCamp of MLive, Kelly said:
"[Studstill's] been really good, so we've been very pleased with what he's been doing and very, very happy with the way he's picked up our defense. Excellent ball skills, excellent retention. He's been probably the guy that has done the most back there."
The scrimmage will give optimistic Irish fans a chance to compare Studstill to his fellow safeties.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report College Football Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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