because other than 2020, Kelly hasn't played freshman all that much in his time at ND. And, he's let more than enough talent squander trying to get cute with the 5th year crap. I think the redshirt game he tries to play is a bit stupid. Especially considering in more recent years players leave as Jr's and most by 5th year aren't worth the spot. I don't hear a lot of other teams constantly talking about trying to get 5th years out of kids. That's a thing of the past because of the money on the table. ND needs to change badly in this department.
Play them early. Let them use their talent and drop this nonsense he likes to say in the whole "they don't know how to play the game the right way". That's BS. Kids come ready these days and if you don't have freshman that are pushing for legit PT then you are probably recruiting the wrong kids. Kelly has had plenty of talent sit because he's waiting on the "5th year" and talent doesn't aim to stay in college 5 YEARS!!!! They shot for 3 years and out. Use it or lose it.