Blue & Gold 2023: 5 Position Groups To Watch
Each Notre Dame Blue and Gold game has intrigue in its’ own ways and for it’s own reasons. This year is no different. There are multiple new staff members that are adjusting to their new dynamics. Then there is a roster that is in flux and is being shaped more and more in Freeman’s image by the month.
As Irish fans settle in to enjoy the game, there will be some common threads of curiosity throughout. There are so many key position groups that feature major competition for starting and supporting roles.
Let’s take a look at five specific areas of positional intrigue.
Renovated QB Room
Notre Dame quarterbacks Tyler Buchner (12) and Sam Hartman (10) during Notre Dame Spring Notre Dame Insider
After what seems like ages, Notre Dame features a QB room that seems to be full of potential and legitimate upside. The main theme this year is the competition for the starting role between Tyler Buchner and Sam Hartman. One that seems like it may run into Fall camp.
Fans would also love to see Freshman Kenny Minchey get some snaps as well. This group has true potential to emerge as a strength of the program and will also be adding C.J. Carr to the group next year. Blue & Gold should provide a great opportunity for someone to flash and stand out leading into the long summer layoff.
WR Room On Rise
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
It’s amazing how different this group looks in the span of one calendar year in terms of depth and athleticism. They may go from a major weakness to an actualized strength in quick order. Chansi Stuckey has done a terrific job in terms of recruiting & development and this is why he is on the NFL’s radar.
Can players like Tobias Merriweather, Jayden Thomas, and Deion Colzie continue to ascend? Where do the early enrollee freshmen fit in the mix? Do the quarterbacks and this group have some solid rhythm or is much work left to be done?
Defensive Line
Notre Dame defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) tries to tackle California running back DeCarlos Brooks (25) during the Notre Dame vs. California NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
Notre Dame Vs California
Notre Dame has lost 4/6 top tacklers along the defensive front and over half of their sack total from last year due to graduation and the NFL draft. There is a lot of production to replace.
Do Rylie Mills and Howard Cross look like reliable pieces? They have to be. How have guys like Jason Onye and Aiden Gobaira developed? How productive can Ohio State transfer Javontae Jean-Baptiste be?
Linebackers
Apr 23, 2022; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Marist Liufau (8) signals to his teammates in the second quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Do Marist Liufau, Jack Kiser, and J.D. Bertrand emerge from winter with the ability to be more consistent as a unit? How can athletes like Sneed and Zeigler claim more time?
This group has the luxury of some reasonable depth and can afford to experiment with many rotations and schematic setups. If they can be a bit more consistent this year it’d go a long way to supporting the new-look defensive line.
Secondary
Nov 5, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Joseph Ngata (10) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Morrison returned the interception for a touchdown. Notre Dame won 35-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Benjamin Morrison is a star. The issue is that Notre Dame needs multiple players on the back end to hold up so that Morrison can fully shine. Will we see Lorenzo Styles get snaps this weekend on defense? Can Xavier Watts use his ball skills to shine this year?
Is Jaden Mickey ready to make a huge jump with more experience? Is it D.J. Brown’s time to ascend? The backend of this defense has it’s leader and main playmaker. Who can support him?
For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.
