Post-Spring Projection: Brandon Newman

After a strong week of work at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, Brandon Newman inspired a lot of people to tag him as the sleeper of the incoming freshman class. Some went so far as to suggest that Newman could duplicate what another under-the-radar recruit, Ian Williams, did for the Irish defensive line last year.

The potential is certainly there – like Williams, the 6-foot-1, 305-pound Newman has the ideal build for a lane-clogging nose tackle. But as has been previously stated, Notre Dame likely has trouble ahead if Newman is getting the same amount of playing time that Williams got in 2007.

He should, however, be able to get on the field in some capacity – although with Williams and Pat Kuntz both back in the fold, there would appear, at least on the surface, less of a need to rush a newcomer into action.

Newman has already played a big role in Notre Dame’s success – the loquacious Louisville, Ky. native was one of the more instrumental figures, along with the likes of Braxston Cave and Dayne Crist, in holding a stellar 2008 recruiting class together.

The next step will be anchoring the middle of the Irish defensive line – but the hope is that he won’t have to do that right away.

What’s A Good Season?

A season like Williams’ 2007 campaign would be absolutely fantastic, but if Notre Dame is going to be any good this year, then Newman likely won’t be able to get anywhere near that amount of minutes.

By any reasonable measure, a good year for Newman would consist of getting into the game-day rotation and staying there, providing opportunities for Williams and Kuntz to rest for a few plays here and there as needed. The same could be said of any of the five freshman linemen, really, but with defensive end a little more stocked in terms of bodies, Newman would appear to be the rookie most likely to crack the two-deep.