Notre Dame Football: 5 freshmen who could become instant starters in 2018

Yet another linebacker making the list? You better believe it. Notre Dame is graduating two starters at the linebacker positions and that means it’ll be an open competition this fall and summer. A player like Shayne Simon will instantly prove his worth and show the coaches just why he held over 20 offers.

The four-star outside linebacker may not be an early enrollee, but he has the skill set to become a dynamic threat on the defensive side of the ball.

Simon is an interesting athlete. He played a little receiver and safety in high school, but is bulking up in order to star at outside linebacker for the Irish. Greer Martini is graduating but it looks like Drue Tranquill will be moving from Rover to that Buck linebacker position, which means Simon could very well take over there.

It’s not quite a linebacker, but a defensive back/linebacker hybrid and Simon is well-equipped to excel there.

Simon stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 215 pounds and was listed as the No. 48 recruit in the class.