The skinny: Backing up Jimmy Clausen, Crist played in only four games last season after redshirting his freshman year. He threw his first career touchdown pass in the final minutes of Notre Dame's 40-14 win over Washington State. Later in that game, though, Crist tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and spent the winter rehabilitating. He was healthy for spring practice, though, and enters 2010 as the unquestioned leader of the Irish offense.

2010 projection: Assuming Crist is 100 percent healthy, and there's no reason to believe he won't be, the Irish will be just fine at quarterback. Like the rest of the offense, it may take a little time to pick up the nuances of new coach Brian Kelly's spread offense, but Crist ran a similar offense in high school, and his skill set is a perfect fit for Kelly's style.

The skinny: Montana enrolled at Notre Dame in 2008 as a preferred walk-on. He left the school before last season to play in junior college. Despite struggling at Pasadena City College, Montana returned to the Irish this spring. Jimmy Clausen's departure made Montana the No. 2 quarterback, and the son of Irish legend Joe Montana surprised with a strong performance in the Blue-Gold Game.

2010 projection: As good as he was in the spring, if Nate Montana is ever the starting quarterback this fall, the Irish are in trouble. There's a good chance one of the three incoming freshmen quarterbacks will overtake Montana on the depth chart, but it was good to see that if he ever is called upon in an emergency situation, Montana is at least a competent quarterback.

The skinny: Allen led the Irish with 733 yards on the ground last season, but only found the end zone three times. Allen possesses the speed and quickness to break long runs but has yet to truly live up to his game-breaking potential.

2010 projection: New coach Brian Kelly said in the spring that Allen is currently the clear No. 1 running back on the Irish depth chart, but with a talented group of players behind him, he'll need to perform to keep that position. Allen has shown effectiveness on screen passes, which should be a staple in the 2010 Notre Dame offense.

The skinny: Highly touted coming out of high school, Wood didn't play at all his freshman year. New coach Brian Kelly brought a fresh slate for Wood, though, and the sophomore impressed the new coaching staff in spring practices. In the 2010 Blue-Gold Game, Wood broke a 44-yard touchdown run and finished the game with 10 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

2010 projection: Spring game success doesn't always carry over to the next fall (anyone remember Junior Jabbie?), but Wood seems to be one of the players most positively affected by the coaching change. He still has two or three more experienced backs ahead of him on the depth chart, but Wood's explosiveness and big play ability could make it hard to keep him off the field.

The skinny: Hughes seemed to get lost in the running back shuffle last season. A true workhorse back, Hughes is the type of runner who gets better the more he carries the ball. Though he saw limited opportunities, Hughes averaged 4.7 yards per carry and totaled 416 yards rushing and five touchdowns.

2010 projection: It's difficult to see exactly where Hughes fits in Kelly's offense. The spread favors quicker, smaller backs, and the emergence of Cierre Wood in spring practice certainly doesn't bode well for Hughes' playing time. The senior has always kept a positive attitude, though and should, at the very least, provide a valuable goal line back for the Irish in 2010.

The skinny: Gray had always shown the potential to be a star running back, but he fell out of favor with the previous coaching staff due to his tendency to fumble in key situations. He took advantage of a clean slate with the new staff, though, and rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown in the 2010 Blue-Gold Game.

2010 projection: Kelly likes to rotate multiple running backs, so the junior will definitely get a chance to show his skills. Gray has shown breakaway speed, but is also big enough to earn yardage after contact. With so many talented running backs pushing for playing time, though, Gray will need to hold on to the football if he wants any chance of seeing the field.

The skinny: Floyd set nearly every Irish freshman receiving record in 2008, despite missing two games due to a sprained knee. The injury bug bit Floyd again last year when he broke his clavicle against Michigan State. Even though he missed five games, Floyd finished second on the team in catches (44), receiving yards (795) and touchdown receptions (9).

2010 projection: If Floyd can stay healthy, which hasn't happened his first two seasons, he is one of the truly elite receivers in college football. Already named a preseason All-American, he's dominant on jump balls in the end zone, but also has deceptive speed to run past defenders after the catch. The switch to the spread shouldn't greatly affect Floyd, who would be a star in just about any offensive system.

The skinny: Kamara was one of the few bright spots during Notre Dame's dismal 3-9 2007 season. He hasn't been as productive the past two seasons, but the breakouts of Golden Tate and Michael Floyd may have had something to do with that. Though he went largely unmentioned by Kelly during spring practice, Kamara spent the sessions working with the first team offense, and appears to have a starting job heading into the fall.

2010 projection: With Tate departing early for the NFL, Notre Dame is in need of a second receiver to complement Floyd. Kamara's big frame and strong hands make him a threat all over the field, and it's possible that a renewed work ethic under the new coaching staff will allow him to return to his freshman year form.

The skinny: Jones enrolled at Notre Dame early out of high school in order to take part in spring practices. The son of former Irish defensive end Andre Jones, he surprised the coaching staff and was practicing with the first team by the end of the spring. In the 2010 Blue-Gold Game, Jones caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.

2010 projection: It's always hard to predict how a freshman will adjust to the rigors of college football, but Jones' pedigree (his godfather is former Notre Dame star Raghib "Rocket" Ismail) seems to indicate that he'll be ready. Jones will probably be used primarily out of the slot position, and his speed and agility make him dangerous in the open field.

The skinny: Goodman's playing time increased as the 2009 season went on, and he stepped up when Michael Floyd went down with injury. Goodman caught his first career touchdown pass from Crist against Washington State and has developed a good relationship with the new quarterback.

2010 projection: Like all the other receivers not named MIchael Floyd, Goodman will be fighting for one of the starting spots opposite the preseason All-American. His relationship with Crist won't hurt, and Goodman has shown good speed and athleticism. The former high school quarterback could also see time out of the wildcat formation.

The skinny: Riddick saw action mostly as a kick returner in 2009, but he also rushed for 160 yards on 29 carries as a running back. One of Kelly's first significant personnel moves was to shift Riddick to wide receiver, and the sophomore has embraced the change.

2010 projection: Since he was limited in spring practice recovering from shoulder surgery, it's hard to say how well Riddick has picked up the wide receiver position. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Riddick isn't a big, physical receiver. His biggest asset is his ability after the catch. Riddick could be dangerous on screen and swing passes in the spread offense.

The skinny: Rudolph solidified his position as one of the nation's elite tight ends in 2009. Even though he missed some time with a shoulder injury, Rudolph caught three touchdown passes for the Irish.

2010 projection: With Mike Ragone's situation unknown after a May 8 arrest for marijuana possession, Rudolph may be the only experienced option at tight end. That said, an All-American season is a very real possibility. New coach Brian Kelly said he intends to keep Rudolph on the field for almost every snap and plans to use him extensively as a receiving option.

The skinny: Martin came to Notre Dame ranked as one of the top offensive tackles in the country. He played in the Under Armour All-American Game in high school and redshirted his freshman year in South Bend. In spring practice this year, Martin wasted no time climbing up the depth chart. By the end of spring practice, he was working at left tackle with the first team offense.

2010 projection: Martin's starting position is hardly assured, but the fact that he was working with the starters in the spring is at least an indicator that Kelly thinks he has the talent to earn playing time. The offensive line will likely be in flux throughout fall practice, so it's difficult to say exactly where Martin will end up.

The skinny: Arguably the most talented offensive lineman on Notre Dame's roster, Robinson started three games as a freshman in 2008 and 11 games last year as a sophomore. At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Robinson certainly has the physical tools to eventually become an All-American offensive lineman.

2010 projection: Though he has spent most of his time at right guard, Kelly moved Robinson around in the spring, and the junior is versatile enough to play either guard or tackle. No matter where he plays, Robinson will certainly be starting for the Irish next year and should be expected to continue his development as an elite offensive lineman.

The skinny: After an inconsistent beginning to his Irish career, Stewart came into his own in 2009, locking down a starting job and becoming one of Notre Dame's most dependable offensive linemen.

2010 projection: Stewart, who will be a first-year law student when the Irish take the field in the fall, is virtually a lock to be starting at left guard Sept. 4 against Purdue. At 345 pounds, he certainly has the strength to push around opposing defensive lineman. Stewart also lost about four percent body fat in the off-season, which should allow him the mobility to succeed in a spread offense.

The skinny: Originally slated to be a backup this season, Cave played his way ahead of fifth-year senior Dan Wenger and was running with the first team by the end of the spring.

2010 projection: At 6-foot-3 and 309 pounds, Cave certainly has the size to be a starting Division I center. Like most of Notre Dame's offensive line, though, he lacks significant college experience. It will be up to Kelly and offensive line coach Ed Warinner to mold Cave into a solid center.

The skinny: Lewis-Moore didn't play at all his first year in South Bend, and spent his freshman campaign bulking up in the weight room. In his first season of action last year, he was second on the team with seven tackles for loss and led all linemen with 46 tackles.

2010 projection: Now listed at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, Lewis-Moore has all the tools to be a force at defensive end. During the spring, he admitted that the Irish were better suited for the 3-4 defense they will adpot, and there's no reason to think Lewis-Moore won't take another step up in 2010.

The skinny: Williams has played in every game in his Notre Dame career, dating back to 2007. His play has been inconsistent at times, though part of that could be attributed to the fact that the Irish defensive scheme has changed every year since he enrolled.

2010 projection: Unfortunately for Williams, Notre Dame will be switching it up again this season, going back to a 3-4 defense. The senior, though, should be well-suited for the change and experienced success in the 3-4 in 2008. His role will be to clog the middle of the field so perimeter players like Ethan Johnson and Darius Fleming can make plays on the outside.

The skinny: Johnson appeared headed for stardom after notching two sacks in Notre Dame's 2008 Hawaii Bowl win. The switch back to a 4-3 defense, though, forced him to play out of position at defensive tackle, and Johnson totalled only four tackles last season.

2010 projection: Back in a 3-4 base defense, Johnson should excel at his natural position of defensive end. He appears to have a starting job locked down and could be trouble for opposing quarterbacks in 2010.

The skinny: So far in his career, it's hard to call Nwankwo anything other than a disappointment. After recording just two tackles in 2008, he didn't play at all last season. However, reports out of South Bend are that Nwankwo was rejuvinated by the coaching change and developed a stronger work ethic in spring practice.

2010 projections: While Sept. 4 is still a long way away, defensive line coach Mike Elston indicated in the spring that Nwankwo would see playing time in the fall. Athletic ability has never been an issue, and a newfound motor may have Nwankwo in the rotation at defensive end.

The skinny: Coming to South Bend as one of Notre Dame's most highly touted defensive recruits in recent memory, the Hawaiian certainly didn't disappoint in his freshman campaign. Te'o showed his athleticism and nose for the ball, playing in all 12 games and racking up 63 tackles.

2010 projection: It may have come to a surprise to Irish fans when new coach Brian Kelly said Te'o "wasn't very good last year." Technically, Te'o does have plenty of room to improve, and Kelly sees the incredible potential in the young linebacker. Te'o seems to be one of the sure things in the Irish defense next year and will start at one of the middle linebacker positions in Kelly's 3-4 defense.

The skinny: One of the vocal leaders on the Irish defense, Smith led the linebackers with 71 tackles in 2009. Even though his natural possition is outside linebacker, Smith was forced to play inside for most of last season due to a lack of talent in the middle.

2010 projection: The emergence of Manti Te'o at inside linebacker allowed Smith to move back outside in spring practice. He should be fine in pass coverage, and his athleticism will make him a threat rushing the passer in 2010.

The skinny: McDonald appeared in all 12 games last season but saw limited action and only totalled 10 tackles. This spring, Kelly identified him as one of the favorites to start alongside Manti Te'o at inside linebacker in defensive coordinator Bob Diaco's 3-4 defense.

2010 projection: McDonald's 6-foot-2, 230-pound frame gives him the big body Kelly is looking for in his second middle linebacker. Though his starting spot is anything but guaranteed, McDonald's downhill, physical style of play could make him an Irish fan favorite.

The skinny: Fleming led the Irish with 12 tackles for loss in 2009, splitting time at linebacker and defensive end. Fleming's speed off the edge make him most valuable as a pass-rusher in an attacking defense.

2010 projection: Like so many of his teammates, Fleming should be aided by the switch back to a 3-4 defense. The new scheme will allow him to play more on the perimeter as an outside linebacker, his natural position. Fleming's primary role will be rushing the passer, and another year of experience under his belt can only help.

The skinny: Easily one of the most athletic players on the Irish roster, Filer has been a mainstay on the Irish special teams over the past two seasons, even if he hasn't notched significant playing time on defense. In the 2010 Blue-Gold Game, Filer led all players with 12 tackles.

2010 projection: It may sound like a broken record, but Filer could really benefit from the switch to a 3-4 defense. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Filer's body type never really fit in Jon Tenuta's 4-3 scheme. A YouTube video of him jumping out of a swimming pool is evidence of Filer's athletic ability, and an increased football I.Q. should have him battling with Darius Fleming for playing time at outside linebacker.

The skinny: Neal was another player caught somewhat out of position in Notre Dame's 4-3 defense. Recruited as an outside linebacker, Neal played primarily at defensive end in 2009. Neal had a breakout rookie season in 2007, notching 20 tackles and two sacks but has since been unable to improve on those numbers.

2010 projection: Back at outside linebacker, Neal will likely be competing with close friend Brian Smith for playing time on the weak side. While Smith will almost certainly be the starter, Neal could be a very important role player on the Irish defense.

The skinny: After missing last spring due to personal reasons, Gray emerged as an option in the Irish secondary last season. In his first career start against USC, Gray notched a crucial interception that set up an Irish touchdown.

2010 projection: The cornerback position is certainly a question mark for the Irish heading into 2010. There's plenty of talent there, including Gray, but inconsistency has riddled the unit over the past few years. A physical corner with good ball skills, if Gray can provide the steady play Kelly is looking for, he'll have a job in Notre Dame's defensive backfield.

The skinny: Walls is the most experienced player in the Irish secondary. After missing the 2008 season due to personal reasons, Walls led the team with six pass breakups in 2009. While he was solid in coverage, Walls only notched one interception, and did not have the breakout season many had hoped.

2010 projection: Walls was the first to admit that the year off left him rusty at the beginning of 2009. His play became more consistent as the year went on, which may indicate that he's only now returning to game shape. Walls was highly touted coming out of high school, so 2010 may be the year he finally plays up to his full potential.

The skinny: Blanton burst onto the scene in the third game of his career in 2008 against Purdue. Then a freshman, he notched five tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. After a strong freshman campaign, Blanton failed to significantly improve upon his numbers in 2009.

2010 projection: Blanton has shown his athleticism and coverage ability in the past. His strong hands and return ability make him a big play waiting to happen. For Blanton, it's ultimately just a matter of playing consistently.

The skinny: Motta came to Notre Dame as a linebacker, before stepping back to safety last fall. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact on special teams, playing in all 12 games and notching 12 tackles.

2010 projection: If there's any position that's ripe for the taking at Notre Dame, it's safety. Harrison Smith is experienced, but has been inconsistent throughout his career, and Motta will get a chance to show what he's got. Motta has shown good tackling ability on special teams, and if he can demonstrate coverage ability in practice, he should see meaningful playing time.

The skinny: Originally a safety, Smith moved to linebacker in 2008 before finally reverting back to safety last season. His superior athleticism makes it hard to keep him off the field, but Irish coaches always had a difficult time finding the right place for Smith.

2010 projection: Kelly knows where Smith will be playing this fall. At the beginning of spring practice, Kelly said, "If he can't play safety (for us), he can't play." Smith is one of the few experienced players at a thin safety position but will need to complement his athletic ability with improved ball skills and football intelligence to become a force on the Irish defense.

The skinny: Slaughter has shifted between cornerback and safety throughout his Notre Dame career but finally settled at safety late in 2009. He was a valuable special teams performer last season and earned his first start at safety against Washington State.

2010 projection: Notre Dame has few options at safety besides Slaughter going into 2010. Slaughter is likely slotted to be the starting strong safety, and his previous work at cornerback could serve him well. His main skills are in coverage, but his work on special teams showed that he can play physical as well.

The skinny: Tausch quickly usurped Brandon Walker as the Irish starting kicker heading into the 2009 season. As a freshman, he broke a school record by connecting on 14 straight attempts early in the season. A foot injury cost him the final three games of the year.

2010 projection: There's no reason to think Tausch won't pick up where he left off before the injury last season. He's shown consistency and, barring injury, should be the only Irish placekicker to see action in 2010.

The skinny: Perhaps more than any player, this is the man Irish fans are waiting to see. Kelly began his head coaching career at Grand Valley State in 1991. In 13 years with the Lakers, Kelly won five conference titles and two Division II National Championships. Since then, he spent three years at Central Michigan and three years at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to back-to-back Big East titles.

2010 projection: At Notre Dame, Kelly will be working with more athletically talented players than he ever has in the past. While it may take some time for the team to adjust to Kelly's spread offense, a weak schedule means the Irish should be in contention for a BCS berth late into the season.

Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers: Bob Diaco
Director of Football Strength and Conditioning: Paul Longo
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Charley Molnar
Wide Receivers: Tony Alford
Outside Linebackers: Kerry Cooks
Tight Ends: Mike Denbrock
Defensive Line/Special Teams Coordinator: Mike Elston
Running Backs: Tim Hinton
Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator: Chuck Martin

The skinny: Perhaps the most notable addition to the staff is Longo, who has a reputation as one of the best strength and conditioining coaches in the country. His presence should be a welcome change for an Irish team that often tired late in games last year.