Notre Dame Football: Summer Enrollees to Watch for

The Notre Dame football roster will grow by 18 players when the remaining 2016 signees arrive on campus in the summer.

Some are headed for redshirts, but that decision won't be made official until after offseason workouts and fall camp concludes. In the meantime, the true freshmen will adjust to elevated competition and attempt to impress coaches in the process.

A few prospects may contribute in 2016, but that's not the only reason to track the newcomers. Others—like early enrollees Kevin Stepherson and Devin Studstill did in the spring—can develop quicker than expected and provide even more hope for the future.

Keep an eye on these players during the upcoming season.

Javon McKinley, Wide Receiver

There's a massive hole that needs to be filled at receiver in South Bend.

Will Fuller declared for the NFL draft, while Chris Brown and Amir Carlisle exhausted their eligibility. Additionally, Corey Robinson retired due to medical reasons.

Notre Dame still has a decent outlook at the position, but Javon McKinley absolutely has the opportunity to play.

During his last three seasons in high school, the 4-star pass-catcher collected 177 receptions for 3,724 yards and 42 touchdowns. McKinley will compete for valuable in-game reps as a freshman.

Chase Claypool, Wide Receiver

Expecting Chase Claypool to secure a significant role this season would be unwise. What's intriguing is tracking his progression from a playmaker who simply outathletes everyone.

"He's a blank slate," head coach Brian Kelly said, per Nick Ironside of 247Sports. "He's so raw that we're going to be able to create a player that can play so many different positions for us."

A 6'5", 205-pounder, he'll probably start at receiver. Claypool could also be moved to safety—or even linebacker, after gaining weight.

The months leading up to the regular season will provide an initial look at his ability compared to Football Bowl Subdivision talent and reveal if Claypool is ready to contribute in 2016.

Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg, Offensive Linemen

The starting offensive line is basically set for 2016. Mike McGlinchey (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Sam Mustipher (C), Hunter Bivin (RG) and Alex Bars (RT) are either locks or favored.

However, Notre Dame could use some depth. Tommy Kraemer—the second-highest-rated 4-star prospect in the nation—and Liam Eichenberg should provide it.

"Those two kids are as good as you're going to find in the country," Kelly said, according to Bleacher Report's Mike Monaco.

Soon, we'll find out if that translates to meaningful action in 2016.

Troy Pride Jr. and Donte Vaughn, Cornerbacks

Credit: 247Sports

Troy Pride Jr.

Stop me if you've heard this before: Injuries are affecting the Notre Dame roster.

For now, the secondary is one of the hardest-hit areas. Nick Watkins (fractured left humerus) missed the end of spring practice, and Devin Butler (broken foot) will be sidelined until October.

That doesn't mean Troy Pride Jr. and Donte Vaughn are certain to join the rotation. At least until Watkins returns, the duo—along with Julian Love—can battle for second-string duties.

Whether or not they climb the depth chart isn't a secondary matter. The freshmen will be tested right away, and how they respond is an important point to watch.

Jalen Elliott, Safety

In all likelihood, Jalen Elliott is one injury away from cracking the two-deep depth chart.

According to Ironside, the 3-star will begin at free safety. Elliott will serve as the third-stringer behind Max Redfield and Studstill, whose breakout spring performance will be difficult to match.

But if either Drue Tranquill or Avery Sebastian—a couple of injury-prone strong safeties—miss extended action, the Irish could move Elliott to the backup role there, too.

Immediate playing time will only encourage Elliott's development in preparation for when he'll be needed in 2017. All contributions before then are a luxury.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.