Special Teams
Because of the nature of the spring game, we barely saw the special teams at all. The kick return unit did not step on the field while the punt return unit also played in a limited capacity and not returning any of the punts. Justin Yoon also did not play on the day which raises questions on his health. Yoon had issues with inflammation in his leg last year which affected him at times. It is important for him to stay healthy as his contribution can make the difference in many of the tight games that Notre Dame plays, as it was seen last year. Otherwise, all of the special teams units will really need to step up, clean up the mistakes and the turnovers, and add any yardage and touchdowns in the return game that they can. While it is difficult to say that Notre Dame lost eight games last year due to special teams, it is certain that special teams contributed to it and often gave up momentum to the opposing teams which let them get back in the game. What is for certain is that Brian Polian will need to get his unit to show up every single Saturday if Notre Dame is going to make a comeback in 2017.
Strength and Conditioning
This remains a constant theme in the offseason after there have been so many rave reviews. The team certainly looked better conditioned on the day as they were up-tempo and explosive on offense while swarming to the ball on defense. What remains to be seen is if there will be significant gains in strength for this team. It is difficult to see what gains have been made in that department with the team playing among itself with limited contact as players would be prohibited from making big hits. What we’ll need to see come fall is whether the offensive line can push defenses at the point of attack, the defensive line can step up and be disruptive, and if the linebackers can deliver punishing hits to shut down the opposing running game.
Defensive Line
There were some questions answered on Saturday regarding the defensive front. For one, Daelin Hayes looked imposing and explosive on the day which has fans salivating at the bit to see him play this coming fall. His strongside counterpart will likely be Jay Hayes or Andrew Trumbetti, with Hayes putting in the more notable performance on the day. The linebackers looked very quick and will assist the defensive line in adding additional pressure, but more players need to step up along the line. No one stood out at the defensive tackle position yet as we’re hoping that Jerry Tillery will have a breakout junior campaign and someone else emerges to compliment him up the middle. Jonathan Bonner and Micah Drew-Treadway are two players who have improved throughout the spring, but we still have a long way to go. The defensive line is not devoid of talent, but needs players to step up and play to their potential and with more consistency.
Defensive Backs
There may be fewer questions here than defensive line. The cornerbacks look good and deep but questions remain on who will emerge as the starters. Nick Watkins looked great coming back from injury and will likely lock down the boundary corner position while there will be tough competition for the other corner position with Donte Vaughn, Julian Love, and Troy Pride competing for snaps with Love currently favored. This does not include Shaun Crawford who announced on Sunday via Instagram that he is fully healed and was cleared for all activity. Crawford is smaller than the others, but prior to his injury he looked to be a standout and playmaker at corner and could have easily won the job. At the very least, Crawford should contribute significantly in nickel situations. The safety positions have more question marks as it is not clear who the starter will be at this point. Nick Coleman has impressed for much of camp after being converted from cornerback while Jalen Elliot looked good on Saturday. Devin Studstill is the returning starter of the group, but had to play last year more of necessity than anything else. Isaiah Robertson looked very impressive for an early enrollee and after the performance he put in on Saturday, it will be surprising if he’s not seen on the field come this fall. Nicco Fertitta is another player who adds toughness to the back end, but has been out with an injury to his left wrist. Currently, it looks like Coleman may be favored at the free safety position (the WHIP) while Elliot and Studstill will have to battle it out at strong safety (the STUD). The comforting part is that defensive coordinator Mike Elko is their position coach and will likely have his starters ready to play this fall.
Recruiting
While not the biggest recruiting weekend, Notre Dame hosted some impressive talent which included Dallas Gant, Kevin Austin, PJ Mustipher, Chase Cota among others. Notre Dame has a great chance with Gant, Austin, and Mustipher and if they bring in one or two of these guys, it would go a long way to locking down a top 5-10 recruiting class this year. It is more impressive considering that this very team went 4-8 last year and hasn’t been back on the field since. Notre Dame also hosted a slew of 2019 prospects and the staff will be looking to get their first commitment as they ramp up their recruiting efforts for next year.
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