Notre Dame Football: 3 freshmen who could start in 2021

By Dante Pryor | Jul 17, 2021

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Avon offensive lineman Blake FisherHigh School Football Super Team /

3. Blake Fisher, OT

A few college football programs that develop offensive linemen better than Notre Dame have the last five years. The Fighting Irish have become a modern-day “O-Line U” in many respects. The Irish have had a balance of stud recruits and developmental linemen.

True freshman Blake Fisher is making it too easy. The Avon, Ind., native evokes memories of another all-time great Notre Dame tackle, two-time All-American Aaron Taylor. His fellow true freshman Rocco Spindler could also be on this list.

However, Spindler is behind two players, Cain Madden and Jarrett Patterson, who could be early-round NFL draft picks. Fisher is likely to be the first true freshman to start at left tackle in Notre Dame football history.

Fisher benefitted from enrolling early and taking part in practices this spring. The 6-foot-6 tackle impressed both his coaches and teammates alike this spring.

“These guys are good. Rocco Spindler and Blake Fisher are damn good,” said senior nose tackle Kurt Hinish of the early enrollees. “They’re really good offensive linemen. They’re gonna be really good here. They’re the best two freshmen offensive linemen that I’ve ever seen that we’ve gone against. They’re supposed to be seniors in high school.”

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