Change We Can Believe In

With the arrival of Brian Kelly as new head coach at Notre Dame, it's a fresh start for Kelly, for Notre Dame, for its fan, but most importantly, for the players. With the depth chart swiped clean, here are five players that have the most to gain:

5. Harrison Smith - RS Sr. LB - 6'-2" 207

Smith started the 2009 season at safety, but ended at LB (or the bench) after his poor pass defense was quickly exposed. That being said, Smith remains one of ND's most talented and athletic players. The new defensive scheme gives Smith the opportunity to reinvent himself at a new position. I think the 3-4 allows Smith to move back to LB, and become the run stopping force for the Irish D.

4. Shaquelle Evans - So. WR - 6'-1" 203

While used sparingly throughout the 2009 season, Evans showed flashes of his capabilities. There's only room for growth regarding Evan's role in the new Irish offense. Furthermore, with Parris graduating, Tate entering the NFL Draft, and Floyd's status in jeopardy following his citation, Evans could be the #1 heading into spring ball.

3. Deon Walker - RS. Jr. WR - 6'-3" 193

Lost in the shuffle at WR since his arrival at ND, Walker has the most to gain regarding this 2nd chance. Walker's size and skills fit perfectly in Kelly's spread offense. Not to mention, the lack of depth at receiver means Walker has the perfect opportunity to start for the Irish in 2010.

2. Cierre Wood - RS So. RB - 6'-0" 218

Wood entered ND ready to play right away, but ended up red-shirting his freshman year, mostly due to the logjam at RB. Now, with the arrival of a new offense, especially a high-octane one, Wood has a chance to shine, as he possesses the flexibility to play multiple positions. I expect Wood to make an immediate impact in the return game.

1. Ethan Johnson - Jr. DE - 6'-4" 280

With the arrival of Diaco from Cincinnati, it looks as if the Irish will switch back to a 3-4. This means Johnson will move back to his original position. And seeing as how he is a beast, I expect him to make a lot of noise in the backfield of Irish opponents in 2010.

While there are many players I expect to make noise in the off-season, I expect these five to crack the starting line-ups by the time the 2010 season rolls around.

-DH