Notre Dame Football: 2016 Recruiting Awards

Most Likely to Make the Earliest Impact

Recipient: Khalid Kareem, Defensive End, Farmington Hill, MI

Due to the lack of depth on Notre Dame’s defensive line, Kareem should get a chance to play early. The Irish have two veterans at both defensive end positions in Isaac Rochell and Andrew Trumbetti, so Kareem should be able to work his way into the rotation. Unlike most freshman his body is almost where it needs to be to play college football. Kareem stands at 6’4″ 257-pounds, he should be able to hold his own as a freshman.

Much like Studstill, Kareem also offers versatility as he can play either inside or outside, similar to former Irish lineman Sheldon Day. That will also help contribute to him making the earliest impact. He is a ferocious pass rusher, which is something Irish desperately need after not being able to generate much a pass rush the last two seasons.

He is also an early enrollee, so he will also have the luxury of getting some practices under his belt before fall practice starts in the fall.

*If wide receiver Demetris Robertson does wind up committing to Notre Dame, he easily could take this spot.

Others Considered: Daelin Hayes, Julian Okwara, D.J. Morgan, Donte Vaughn

Next: Biggest Flip of the Class