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With every freshman class that enrolls, an inevitable inquiry is how many will be redshirted as rookies to preserve a fifth season.

The new redshirting rule in 2018 that now permits a freshman to play in any four games without losing a year of eligibility has not affected the Notre Dame coaching staff in how it handles the new rookie class.

Among the 27 freshmen last year, seven burned a year of eligibility: Wide receiver Kevin Austin on offense, and then on defense/special teams tackle Jayson Ademilola, linebacker Bo Bauer, rover Shayne Simon, nickel Houston Griffith, cornerback Tariq Bracy and safety Paul Moala.