Notre Dame Football: 5 early signees who’ll have instant impact in 2019

5. Kyle Hamilton, S

Kyle Hamilton, a safety out of Atlanta, Georgia, is Notre Dame’s highest rated 2019 recruit according to 247Sports. While there isn’t necessarily a role carved out for Hamilton as it stands right now, the Irish may end up shifting things around with rover Asmar Bilal’s future still up in the air.

In what has been a positive trend for the Irish defense as of late, Hamilton is the second safety in as many years to top Notre Dame’s recruiting boards. Last year, safety Houston Griffith surpassed wide receiver Kevin Austin as Notre Dame’s highest rated 2018 recruit. Griffith would go on to make immediate contributions for the Irish, recording 14 tackles and two passes defensed in seven games.

Likewise, Hamilton has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Griffith, even if safeties Jalen Elliott and Alohi Gilman refuse to budge from their starting statuses. After all, the presence of Nick Coleman at nickel made it seem as if there would be even fewer opportunities for Griffith to make an impact. Nevertheless, Griffith found his way onto the field time and time again.

Players with Hamilton’s talents often find ways to contribute in their first year, now more than ever with the updated redshirt eligibility rules. Regardless, Hamilton may be one injury away from carving out a significant role for himself on a deep Notre Dame defense.