In 1972, the NCAA eliminated freshman ineligibility for good. Freshmen were permitted to play in 1951 during the Korean War, but they were not allowed to compete in the ensuing 20 years on the varsity level until they became sophomores.

Two areas where freshmen have especially been able to help for nearly 50 years are running back and wide receiver.

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That is again expected to be the case in 2020 with Chris Tyree — the first top-100 running back recruit signed by Notre Dame since the late Greg Bryant in 2013 — and five-star wideout Jordan Johnson.

Here is a 10 to 1 countdown of the Fighting Irish freshman running backs who had the most impact, not necessarily with just stats but in team success. Will Tyree make this list?