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Notre Dame football: 3 newcomers who’ll have biggest impacts in 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 22, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Kaleb Smith (80) runs the ball in after a catch for the score during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Kaleb Smith (80) runs the ball in after a catch for the score during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

It was tough to choose between Kaleb Smith and one of those talented freshmen coming to reload the receiving corps, but I went with the veteran transfer who will most likely crack the starting lineup.

While I think the world of Jaden Greathouse, Braylon James, and Rico Flores, I think that Smith has the ability to come in and have an immediate impact given his experience.

The Virginia Tech transfer has the ability to come in and become the team’s WR1 right away, gelling this offseason with Sam Hartman. He had his best season with Virginia Tech last season, smashing all of his career bests in receptions (37), yards (674), touchdown catches (3), and yards per reception (18.2).

Smith has a strong frame, runs good routes, and he’s as sure-handed as they come. His final season at Virginia Tech set him up to choose wherever he wanted to go and Notre Dame is a good fit since the Irish will be looking for a WR1.

I think he has a career year with the Irish in 2023.

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