The problem Is not only do we need them their freshmen year.  The problem Is they never reach their full potential and players younger than them end up better than they are.  Guys who stay around too long and level off too early create a log jam at the position and waste a scholly.  I love the Golics but Jake Golic was never deserving of a scholly.  That Is one scholly we could have used for the last 4 years that was tied up.  Another example would have been Crist, Mcdonald, and Ragone.  There Is three scholarships we could have used because they leveled off for whatever reason and didnt push anyone In competition.  Crist In my opinion Is the only one who earned their keep and that Is only because he was a good leader and unselfish teammate.  ND Football Isnt a charity. You get your shot but If your not going to keep up your end of the deal then you need to move along after your four years. 

atlabuck wrote: Not sure I understand the downside of preserving a kid's redshirt year his freshman year and then not offering him a fifth year if he doesn't pan out. Seems like a win-win to me if you don't need him on the field his freshman year.

So back to the original question. Assuming all fifth year eligible players come back next year, how many slots would ND have.  After that, which 5th year guys are unlikely to be invited back?