Early-Impact Freshmen

Most ND freshman football players report to campus today. Here are the five freshmen most likely to contribute in the fall. The Irish aren’t counting on many freshmen to play immediately. For 2010, freshman impact generally constitutes competing with the second unit.

1. T.J. Jones
Probable starter at WR after fast-paced spring. Expect his 2010 numbers to fall somewhere between Floyd’s freshman receiving record from ’08 and Kamara’s then-best ’07 numbers.

2. Luke Massa
Top Kelly target since the coach’s UC days, and Massa should give Nate Montana serious competition for the second-string job right away. He’s already been participating in voluntary summer drills for two weeks.

3. Christian Lombard
Played well in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Could be an instant second teamer at right tackle. On signing day, Kelly said Lombard was “going to help us short term.”

4. Austin Collinsworth
More likely to play in part because he’s the ultimate in versatility, although the coaches like him at WR. Kelly said Collinsworth “physically is going to be able to compete immediately.” Dad Cris included former pro teammates in saying he’s “never met a more competitive kid in my entire life.” Austin’s a winner whose high school dominated Kentucky competition to three consecutive state championships and a No. 3 USA Today national finish. Assuming his broken thumb from last fall is fully healed, he could make a special teams unit or possibly inroads at safety, a position of concern.

5. Bennett Jackson
He’ll be hard pressed to break into the WR two-deep but track speed and YAC penchant give Jackson a chance. More likely, he’s one solution to Kelly’s trial-and-error search for a dynamic returner.