The backroom cabal of Irish bloggers we were inexplicably asked to join wanted to do a list of the Top 25 Irish players this season. This is the best players, not the most important, and of course it is entirely subjective and arguable. We've gotten a little behind so here's 20-6

Top 25 Notre Dame Players, 20-6

20. Cierre Wood - What the speedster from Oxnard, CA lacks in experience he more than makes up for with confidence.
19. Theo Riddick - Riddick showed flashes of dynamism last season, but also looked like a true frosh at times (Opening play fumble vs. Stanford). Look for him to show his explosiveness in the kick return game this season.
18. Darrin Walls - Last chance for the speedy, but inconsistent corner.
17. Jonas Gray - Fumbling issues have bugged Gray in his first two years, but his size, speed, and toughness are frequently lauded by fans.
16. Brian Smith - I may catch some grief for having "Puppy" this high, but I think the switch back to the outside, and to the 3-4 defense, will keep Smith out of the doghouse.
15. Braxston Cave - Cave likely beat out fifth-year senior Dan Wenger for the starting center spot and is reported to be putting up ridiculous numbers in the weight room.
14. T.J. Jones - He has yet to play a down for the Irish, but the early-enrollee had a fantastic spring and looks to have earned a starting spot already.
13. Shaq Evans - Showed flashes early as a frosh last year, but some iffy coaching decisions had him riding the pine for the second half of '09. Look for him to flourish a la Mardy Gilyard in Kelly's offense.
12. Steve Filer - Google "Steve Filer jumps out of a pool."
11. Armando Allen - Even though fans are higher on Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray right now, Allen will find enough seams in the spread to keep the Irish faithful cheering.
10. Darius Fleming - Fleming is a hair less athletic than his fellow Chicagoan Filer, but he's got football smarts to really make an impact in Diaco's "No-Crease" 3-4 defense.
9. Chris Stewart - Can we please nickname this fifth-year 1L "The Professor" or "The Judge?"
8. Kapron Lewis-Moore - The big man from Texas showed flashes last year after spending his redshirt bulking up. A true 3-4 DE, this could be a big year for the man they call KLM.
7. Ethan Johnson - The big muchacho is finally back where he belongs as a 3-4 DE. Let your talents show, sir.
6. Ian Williams - My little brother tells me that Ian Williams is a blast to hang out with. Also, he's big and awesome.