Being the head football coach at Notre Dame has its perks and it has negatives. Legends like Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy and Ara Parseghian will forever be in Irish lore. If you win in South Bend, namely a National Championship, your name will never be forgotten. Consequently, if you lose, you will be the most scrutinized individual in collegiate sports or all of sports for that matter.

     Charlie Weis has found himself under the microscope since the very first press conference that announced his hiring. He came into controversial circumstances after the university had just made an unprecedented move in firing Tyrone Willingham after three seasons. Weis however, quickly silenced some of those critics after going 9-3 with a Fiesta Bowl appearance.

     Some, not all, however because of the way that some thought Weis had comported himself in an arrogant manner during press conferences. It was said before the Fiesta Bowl, that you cannot give Charlie Weis six weeks to prepare. Well, that notion was put to rest after the Irish lost by two touchdowns to the aforementioned Buckeyes.

     Weis has come from the Bill Belichick school of handling the media and that has obviously rubbed some the wrong way.
     Short and terse answers have shown to be commonplace during Weis’s press conferences in his tenure at Notre Dame.  In recent weeks, Weis has donned the halls of YouTube and message boards after his commentary at a couple of alumni “pep rally’s”.

     At an alumni gathering, Weis uttered “I’ve always been one never to make excuses and not blow hot air, and (I believe) you back your words by your performance on the field,” Weis said. “That’s the message our team is going to (use) on Sept. 6 with San Diego State. The first opportunity we’ll have to make a statement is that day.

     “Then we’ll listen to Michigan have all their excuses as they come running in saying how they have a new coaching staff and (all) those changes. To hell with Michigan.”

     This quote was not in press conference form, nor was it on a nationally syndicated talk show. It was in front of a bunch of rah rah alumni that Weis was attempting to energize after a disappointing 3-9 season.

     Should Weis have known better in this day and age in which the slightest reach can end up on YouTube or any college message board in less than sixty seconds? Yes, especially after the Dana Jacobson fiasco that was incomparable to Weis’s most recent comments, but not in coverage.

     Weis was also under scrutiny for saying that he “could get hoodlums and thugs and win tomorrow, (but) I won’t do it that way.” Critics thought the comment was a bit odd considering the Irish lost to Navy and Air Force as part of a nine-loss season.

     The banquet circuit is necessary for every college football coach as they attempt to energize or maintain the base. Weis merely has to watch his words and use better judgment because he may not even believe what he is saying, at least in the case of the Michigan comments, but it is those comments that has gotten him in hot water. How many head coaches are held accountable for comments made at alumni gatherings and spring game luncheons? The notion that certain media types across the country would hold any college head coach accountable for what they say in an alumni setting is ludicrous.

     Maybe Charlie Weis should just stay home or in his office and continue to do the immense amount of charitable work he has done while at Notre Dame and stay out of the headlines for a while. We all know those types of selfless acts garner no love in today’s media.

     (The Big Board details each position throughout the summer and into official visits during the season. An updated Big Board will be unvaled of current and realistic Irish targets every Monday.)

QB:

-Jon Budmayr (Illinois) 6′1 200lbs > (next commitment?, appears to be a Notre Dame/Wisconsin battle)

RB:

-Cierre Wood (California) 6′1 190lbs-4.5 Commit

-Theo Riddick (New Jersey) 5′11 185lbs-4.5 Commit

-Dalton Hilliard-(Ath) (Hawaii) 6′0 183lbs-4.48 - (being looked at as an athlete, slot, secondary)

FB:

-Mike Marrow (Ohio) 6′2 240lbs-4.7 > (Irish in the lead pack despite a lack of an offer)

WR:

-Uzoma Nwachukwu (Texas) 6′1 186lbs-4.42 > (intends to visit South Bend in June for a passing camp)

-Marlon Brown (Tennessee) 6′5 205lbs - (official visit seems likely for the Purdue game)

-Shaquelle Evans (California) 6′1 190lbs-4.45 - (looks to heading toward an official visit for the Michigan game)

TE:

-Jake Golic (Connecticut) 6′4 202lbs-4.7 Commit

-Tyler Eiffort (Indiana) 6′4 221lbs-4.62 - (An impressive camp showing could turn into an offer)

OL:

-Xavier Nixon-(OT) (North Carolina) 6′6 275lbs - (strong emphasis on academics, with a link to Corwin Brown)

-Patrick Ward-(OT) (Illinois) 6′6 295lbs-5.3 > (still waiting for an offer)

-Xavier Su’a Filo-(OT) (Utah) 6′4 275lbs - (official visit seems likely for unlikely Irish prospect)

-Stavion Lowe-(OT) (Texas) 6′5 292lbs-5.2 < (destined for the Big 12)

-Kyle Koehne-(OT) (Indiana) 6′6 290lbs - (needs to impress at camp showing this summer for an offer)

-Chris Watt-(G) (Illinois) 6′3 280lbs > (Two team race between the Irish and Ohio St.)

-Alex Bullard-(G) (Tennessee) 6′3 275lbs-5.0 - (Irish in top group after excellent Blue-Gold game visit)

DL:

-Tyler Stockton-(NG/DT) (New Jersey) 6′1 290lbs-4.98 Commit

-Ike Holmes-(DT/NG) (New Jersey) 6′3 295lbs - (Will visit this summer, cousin of Duval Kamara)

-Patrick Lewis-(NG/DT) (Louisiana) 6′1 300lbs-5.35 - (interior lineman translates to DT, will camp for an offer)

-Anthony LaLota-(DE) (New Jersey) 6′6 260lbs-4.64 > (summer commitment a high possibility)

-Chris Bonds-(DE) (South Carolina) 6′4 262lbs-4.7 - (Irish one of three guaranteed official visits)

-Gabe Ikard-(DE) (Oklahoma) 6′4 237lbs > (official visit set up for the Stanford game)

-Criag Roh-(DE) (Arizona) 6′5 230lbs-4.75 - (Had an excellent visit for the Blue-Gold game)

-Michael Buchanan-(DE/OLB) (Illinois) 6′6 220lbs - (will camp for an offer)

OLB:

-Jelani Jenkins (Maryland) 6′0 203lbs-4.45 - (Could be the surprise of this years class)

-Frankie Telfort (Florida) 5′11 194lbs-4.5 - (Uphill battle for Florida standout)

-Dan Fox (Ohio) 6′4 219lbs-4.6 - (will camp for an offer)

-Jonathan Stewart (Louisiana) 6′4 221lbs-4.64 - (Off the radar prospect, open to leaving the south)

ILB:

-Carlo Calabrese (New Jersey) 6′2 214lbs-4.7 > (Could be the next commitment)

-Manti Te’o (Hawaii) 6′2 230lbs-4.5 - (an official visit looks promising, teammate of Dalton Hilliard, Charlie Weis handling recruitment)

-Jordan Barrett (California) 6′3 225lbs-4.7 - (2008 speak for Marc Tyler)

CB:

-Brandon McGee (Florida) 5′11 186lbs-4.59 - (summer visit is likely)

-E.J. Banks (Pennsylvania) 6′0 180lbs-4.5 -  (positive Spring Game visit, could follow with an official visit)

-Branden Smith (Georgia) 5′11 171lbs-4.4 - (Atlanta product will be tough to pull from SEC country)

-Jordan Love (Virginia) 6′0 185lbs-4.41 - (offers racking up, not from Irish)

S:

-Darren Myles (Georgia) 6′3 180lbs-4.49 - (Father is a Purdue alumnus)

-Terrance Bullitt (Texas) 6′3 179lbs-4.58 - (Brother plays for the Indianapolis Colts)

K:

-Dustin Hopkins (Texas) 6′2 174lbs-4.58 - (Irish still looking for consistent kicking game)

+Weekly Notes:

-(S) DeVonte Holloman commited to Clemson (5/12)

-(QB) Jon Budmayr was offered today (5/12) by the Irish

-(S) Terrance Bullitt will take an official visit, Irish in top four

-(OT) Eric Shrive commited to Penn St. (5/15)

-(CB/WR) Corey Brown was removed because of a recent visit that was cancelled again, Ohio St./Michigan battle

-(S) Ray Ray Armstrong was removed because he will sign with one of the big three i.e. FSU/Miami/Florida

     Rich Rodriguez has a history of devaluing character when it comes to recruiting along with handling his own players. The list is long and illustrious. There are five-star prospects and currently suspended NFL stars. Character, Rich Rodriguez could not spell it. Integrity, just ask West Virginia if Rich Rodriguez understands the defintion.

A short sample of what the Michigan faithful has to look forward to in the coming years.

NFL Alumni:

-Adam “Pacman” Jones (currently suspended, traded to the Dallas Cowboys from the Tennessee Titans this past offseason)

-Chris Henry (currently suspended, recently released from the Cincinnati Bengals)

The West Virginia Rap Sheet (in the last 10 months)

(June, 2007) 

-Quinton Andrews-obstructing an officer

-Jason Gwaltney-underage consumption of alcohol, speeding as well as the failure to provide a drivers license.

(August, 2007) 

-Ellis Lancaster, James Thomas-transferring and receiving of stolen property

(February, 2008)

-Ed Collington, John Holmes, and James Ingram-felony possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.

2007 recruiting class

-Noel Devine-numerous incidents and near arrests, suspension(s) from high school, recent incident at West Virginia that resulted in a charge of misdeamor battery.

-Pat Lazear-drove the get away car in a robbery in high school

     Character and integrity may not mean anything to many prominent programs across the country, but that has not applied to Michigan. Well, unforunetly for the maize and blue that distinction is no longer applicable. Rich Rodriguez has brought a level of denegration and seediness to Ann Arbor that may or may not translate to wins over Ohio St. or Notre Dame.

     Notre Dame made what could amount to be the biggest offseason move in the country by adding former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta to the coaching staff. Tenuta brings an attitude and a coaching style not seen since the days of Lou Holtz and Joe Moore.

     Corwin Brown is still the teams defensive coordinator, but will now coach the defensive backs while Tenuta will take on the linebacking duties as well as having an assistant head coach title.

     There has been a different tone on both sides of the ball, but this has been especially evident with the linebackers. Tenuta has instituted some vocal encouragement that would rival an Ozzie Guillen post game press conference.

     Defensive line may be the biggest question mark going into the season. The key for this defense appears to be its versatility in both the 3-4 and 4-3 alignments. Hybrid players like Kerry Neal, Brian Smith and Mo Richardson will be key as they will play with their hand on the ground, in coverage and in stand-up rush situations. Both Corwin Brown and Jon Tenuta will want to employ as many looks with just as many blitzing schemes.

     The anchor of the line is sophomore Ian Williams who has established himself as one of the top young tackles in the country. Along with Williams at the tackle spot is what many Irish fans hope to be the temporarily defected Pat Kuntz. Kuntz is expected to be back by August and that would give this unit much needed leadership and toughness.

     Justin Brown is still the starter at one of the end spots even though that has not been based on his consistent play this spring or in the past. Brown possesses the talent, but the motor has simply never been there. In the 3-4, expect Emeka Nwankwo to make a push for playing time as well as early enrollee Sean Cwynar who both need more experience as that is the only lacking quality on their resume.

     The linebacking core expects to be the most improved on the defense. Maurice Crum has taken that proverbial next step in terms of leadership in being named a two-time captain. Toryan Smith will be used as the run stopping inside linebacker in the 3-4 as this is the strength of his game. On the outside are the aforementioned Kerry Neal and Brian Smith. Both of whom made freshman impacts after scratching the line-up early in the season and starting late.

     Darrin Walls is poised to make a run at a spot as an All-American this year. He possesses all of the qualities that a shutdown cornerback must have. Joining Walls on the outside is fifth-year senior Terrail Lambert along with Gary Gray and Raeshon McNeil in reserve for now. Each excell in different areas with respect to run support, coverage and blitzing respectively.

     The Irish appear stronger at the safety position with David Bruton and Kyle McCarthy along with a plethora of options. Bruton, like Walls, has All-American potential while McCarthy brings a great understanding of the position in terms of both coverage and in the box. Harrison Smith has been the star in spring practice that ended with a MVP performance in the spring game. Smith dabbled at the linebacker position, but his future lies at safety.

     This unit has been much maligned over the past three years. There has been a lack of toughness, speed and overall talent that has plagued the Irish against the likes of Ohio St, USC and LSU amongst others. With the addition of Jon Tenuta and the baptism under fire that this defense went through last year, this is a unit that is poised for a breakout year of its own.

     The second of a series of “off-site” home games were announced as the Irish will take on Arizona St. at the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This game is to be played on October 5, 2013.

     Capacity will be 80,000 at the Cowboy’s new facility that is currently under construction and will open in the summer of 2009.

     The Irish and the Sun Devils will be meeting for the first time since 1999. In the first of a home-and-home series, Notre Dame defeated Arizona St. in Sun Devil Stadium in 1998 by a score of 28-9. The Irish also won the return game in South Bend with a 48-17 victory.

     Notre Dame football will begin the series of “off-site” home games in 2009 against Washington State in San Antonio. The idea is to play one game per season at locations in Texas, Florida as well as other cities.

     The Irish will come to the Dallas area for the first time since the end of the 1993 season, when the Irish defeated Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Notre Dame’s most recent trips to Texas have resulted in a 27-24 win against the University of Texas in 1996 and in College Station with a 24-3 loss to Texas A&M.

     The Big Board will begin to detail each position as the May Evaluation period begins. So, instead of a top 20 format with a list of honorable mentions, each week a new and updated Big Board will be unvaled of current and realistic Irish targets.

QB:

-Jon Budmayr (Illinois)-6′1 200lbs >

RB:

-Cierre Wood (California)-6′0 192lbs-4.5 Commit

-Theo Riddick (New Jersey)-5′11 185lbs-4.5 Commit

-Dalton Hilliard (Hawaii)-6′0 183lbs-4.48 <

FB:

-Mike Marrow (Ohio)-6′2 240lbs-4.7 >

WR:

-Uzoma Nwachukwu (Texas)-6′1 186lbs-4.42 -

-Marlon Brown (Tennessee)-6′5 205lbs -

TE:

-Jake Golic (Connecticut)-6′4 202lbs-4.7 Commit

-Tyler Eifert (Indiana)-6′5 221lbs-4.62 >

OT:

-Xavier Nixon (North Carolina)-6′6 275lbs >

-Eric Shrive (Pennsylvania)-6′7 285lbs-5.1 -

-Stavion Lowe (Texas)-6′6 292lbs-5.2<

-Kyle Koehne (Indiana)-6′6 290lbs >

G:

-Chris Watt (Illinois)-6′3 280lbs >

-Alex Bullard (Tennessee)-6′3 275lbs >

DL:

-Tyler Stockton (NG/DT) (New Jersey)-6′1 290lbs-4.98 Commit

-Ike Hopkins (DT/NG) (New Jersey)-6′3 295lbs -

-Anthony LaLota (DE) (New Jersey)-6′6 260lbs-4.64 >

-Chris Bonds (DE) (South Carolina)-6′4 262lbs-4.7 - 

-Gabe Ikard (DE) (Oklahoma)-6′4 237lbs >

-Craig Roh (DE) (Arizona)-6′5 230lbs-4.75 -

LB:

-Frankie Telfort (OLB) (Florida)-5′11 194lbs-4.5 -

-Jelani Jenkins (OLB) (Maryland)-6′0 203lbs-4.45 -

-Dan Fox (OLB) (Ohio)-6′4 219lbs-4.6 -

-Manti Te’o (ILB) (Hawaii)-6′2 230lbs-4.6 -

-Carlo Calabrese (ILB) (New Jersey)-6′2 214lbs-4.7 >

-Jordan Barrett (ILB) (California)-6′3 225lbs-4.7 -

CB:

-Corey Brown (Pennsylvania)-6′0 179lbs -

-Brandon McGee (Florida)-5′11 186lbs-4.59 -

-Branden Smith (Georgia)-5′11 175lbs-4.4 -

-Jordan Love (Virginia)-6′0 185lbs-4.41 -

S:

-DeVonte Holloman (North Carolina)-6′2 213lbs-4.5 -

-Ray Ray Armstrong (Florida)-6′4 218lbs -

-Terrance Bullitt (Texas)-6′3 179lbs-4.58 -

+Weekly Notes

-(QB) Allan Bridgford commited to Cal (5/8)

     When a team does not win a game until October and finishes the season with four losses of twenty points or more, there is only one direction to go and that is up. Well, it appears that the Irish have started that incline back to respectability with their progression throughout the spring.

     The biggest areas of concern heading into the spring were, well, at virtually every position. Well, that might be an over statement because the back seven on the defensive side to go along with the running backs are deep and talented.

     Jimmy Clausen has settled in as the starter and leader of this football team. He has packed on upwards of fifteen pounds to go with finally being healthy enough to show the arm strength he possessed in high school. Despite being only a sophomore, Clausen is ready to take control of what is now his team.

     The tri-fecta at running back has begun to sort itself out and that has started with Robert Hughes. The Chicago product has himself established as the lead back, even though Charlie Weis at least plans to share the carries amongst the three. Armando Allen has shown the burst he possessed in high school and he looks to be the ideal compliment to Hughes. That leaves James Aldridge, who just happed to be starter going into last season. Aldridge has yet to show the burst or power that made him a five-star prospect in high school.

     Getting the receiving core and the quarterback on the same page is essential to take the heat off of the running game and keep the defense from stuffing the box.

     Duval Kamara has established himself as the number one target while Golden Tate has shown flashes as a game breaker in the slot. Kamara has the size and athletic ability to create mismatches and the aggression to seperate himself from past Irish wideouts like Maurice Stovall and Rhema McKnight. Tate may have spent most of the spring on the diamond, but it was his 57 yard catch in the spring game that showed his explosive potential.

     A little note on the tight ends, and a little note because there was all of one scholarship player at the position during spring practice. Mike Ragone spent his freshman year adding weight to his 6′4 frame to go along with 4.5 speed that will allow him to line-up in the slot in some situations. Will Yeatman will be back, but the time away has allowed what may have been invevitable all along. And that was Ragone taking the starting spot.

     Out of any position on the team, it was the offensive line that seemingly showed its youth and overall lack of composure last year. This position looks to have turned the corner with a more veteran feel and overall improvement of terms of cohesion.

     The left tackle position has been a cause of concern and that is still the case. Paul Duncan has been less than adequate, but there are not an abundance of options to replace the senior. Matt Romine is the most natural fit on the left side, but he has shown the inability to stay healthy.

     Aside from that ongoing issue, the rest of the offensive line appears to have settled into roles that will show this offensive line to be marketably better than in the 2007 season. Sam Young has gained thirty pounds to his already huge frame that is now up to 330lbs. Joining Young on the right side is Chris Stewart, who weighs in at 340lbs. That is 670lbs on the right side that will be opening up holes for the backs. Dan Wegner has established himself as the leader at center to go with Eric Olsen at left guard. That would make four juniors and an interchangable senior and sophomore at left tackle and that leads to a more experienced and tested group.

     This is a unit that can only go up and that is exactly what appears is going to happen starting out against San Diego St. in September. Quarterback, runnig back, have established themselves to gain at least a little spring into the top echelons of offensive productivity in the country. The receiver and tight end position have the potential to the best, but lack the experience to make that a certainty. And last but not least, the offensive line. This spring, this group has taken the next step to keep the quarterback upright and give the running backs something to work with.

     The Big Board is a compilation of realistic and viable targets for the current recruiting cycle (2009). Most prospects have been offered and others are on the verge of an offer. Here is a top 20 of current targets, a couple of names on the cusp and the up to the minute commitment list.

(Part 7)

1. Xavier Nixon (OT)-North Carolina-6′6 275lbs-

2. Ike Hopkins (DT/NG)-New Jersey-6′3 295lbs-

3. Eric Shrive (OT)-Pennsylvania-6′7 290lbs-5.1

4. Chris Bonds (DE)-South Carolina-6′4 262lbs-4.7

5. Anthony LaLota (DE)-New Jersey-6′6 260lbs-4.64

6. Chris Watt (G)-Illinois-6′3 270lbs- 

7. Carlo Calabrese (ILB)-New Jersey-6′2 214lbs-4.7

8. Jordan Barrett (ILB)-California-6′3 225lbs-4.7

9. Frankie Telfort (OLB)-Florida-5′11 194lbs-4.5

10. Brandon McGee (CB)-Florida-6′1 190lbs-4.59

11. Uzoma Nwachukwu (WR)-Texas-6′1 186lbs-4.42

12. Alex Bullard (G)-Tennessee-6′3 275lbs- 

13. Stavion Lowe (OT)-Texas-6′5 294lbs-5.2

14. Marlon Brown (WR)-Tennessee-6′5 205lbs-

15. Gabe Ikard (DE)-Oklahoma-6′4 237lbs-

16. Craig Roh (DE)-Arizona-6′5 230lbs-4.75

17. DeVonte Holloman (S/OLB)-North Carolina-6′2 205lbs-4.5

18. Jon Budmayr (QB)-Illinois-6′1 200lbs-

19. Nick Kasa (DE)-Colorado-6′7 235lbs-4.6

20. Allen Bridgford (QB)-California-6′4 215lbs-4.7

Others receiving votes: Jordan Love (CB)-Maryland, Michael Schofield (OT)-Illinois, Dalton Hilliard (Ath/RB)-Hawaii, Dan Fox (OLB)-Ohio, Terrance Bullitt (S)-Texas, Jelani Jenkins (OLB)-Maryland, Patrick Ward (OT)-Illinois

Commitment List:

-Jake Golic (TE)-Connecticut-6′4 202lbs-4.7

-Cierre Wood (RB)-California-6′1 190lbs-4.5

-Tyler Stockton (NG/DT)-New Jersey-6′1 290lbs-4.98

-Theo Reddick (RB)-New Jersey-5′11 185lbs-4.5

Reasons of Change:

-Corey Linsley was dropped due to his commitment to Ohio St.

-Allen Bridgeford was added because of an impending offer that could come as soon as Friday

-DeVonte Holloman moves into the top 20 based on Spring Game

     Although there was not an Irish player drafted in the first round, Irish draftees still made an impact over the weekend in the NFL Draft. The Irish had four players selected with three of those in the first three rounds.

     John Carlson got the ball rolling in the second round after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 38th pick. Carlson was the best overall tight end available in this years draft from a pass catching and run blocking perspective. Joining Anthony Fasano three years ago, Carlson is the second tight end to be drafted under Charlie Weis and the earliest to be drafted at the position since Irv Smith in 1993.  Carslon finished his Notre Dame career with 100 receptions and 1,093 yards with 8 touchdowns.

     Trevor Laws soon followed in the second round after the Philadelphia Eagles chose Laws with the 47th pick. Laws was statistically the most dominant defensive tackle in the country this past year. Laws becomes the second defensive tackle to be drafted in two years after Derek Landri (Jacksonville) was taken in the second round last year. He joins former teammate Victor Abiamiri in Philadelphia. The 47th pick was the highest an Irish defender had been drafted since Bryant Young in 1994. Laws ended his Notre Dame career with 224 tackles, 10 sacks and 22.5 tackels for loss.

     In what was considered a surprise, Tom Zibikowski was selected in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens. In 2005, Zibikowski seem destined to be a high NFL draft pick, but his play in 2006 and 2007 did not match that expectation. Nevertheless, the Baltimore Ravens felt that the former two-time captain was worth taking to play opposite Ed Reed. Zibikowski worked out extremely well at the combine and then at the Irish pro-day. If put in the right situation, Zibikowski can be a John Lynch type safety with his toughness and overall athletic ability.

     John Sullivan rounded out the Irish representation in the sixth round after being selected by the Minnestoa Vikings. Sullivan was a captain last year on a 3-9 Irish team that struggled to run the ball. Akthough, Sullivan has the potential to be a starting center in the NFL. What Sullivan lacks in overall strength, he makes up in technique to go with his drive-blocking style that will fit in as Matt Birk’s heir apparent.

     The NFL Draft has been an indictment on the overall talent on the Irish roster for the last decade. It is not essentially the lack of any draft picks, but from a depth position there is work to be done. Of course, the Irish are now dealing with a very young yet ultra talented roster.

     The Notre Dame secondary has come a long way since the arrival of Charlie Weis. At that time, the secondary lacked both depth and overall speed to contend with top rivals USC and Michigan.

     Weis and the staff have recruited both cornerback and safety as better as or better than any other program in the country.

     The talented and deep set of cornerbacks starts with potential All-American Darrin Walls. Walls was Weis’s second recruiting coup at the position when he chose the Irish over Florida, Michigan and Pitt. Walls made 32 tackles and 1 pick which were returned for a touchdown against Penn St.. The only negative that surrounds Walls is in the run support area where he must get more physical. His 6’0 frame is ideal for the position, but the need to add an additional ten pounds of muscle will require a new offseason regime. Walls has lockdown ability and appears to on his way to being a first round draft pick in the NFL.

     Starting opposite Walls appears to be the most experienced member of the secondary in fifth year senior Terrail Lambert. Lambert has logged the most minutes at corner, but his productivity has not met his time on the field. Lambert posted 34 tackles with 1 interception and 0 pass break-ups. Unlike Walls, Lambert strength is run support. This will go a long way in asserting Lambert opposite Walls.

     This is where the depth is shown because the Irish have two players in reserve that would start for almost any program in the country. Raeshon McNeil and Gary Gray represent the kind of recruiting makeover the Irish secondary has gone on in recruiting. McNeil has shown a knack for getting after the quarterback while making 9 tackles and 3 pass break-ups in limited duty. There was also a low profile run in with Corwin Brown that put McNeil out of favor for most of last season. Gray was an instant hit last year after early enrolling and participating in spring practice. Unfortunately, Gray suffered from a broken arm in the first week and was held out for the year. Gray has the most natural ability aside from Walls in the Irish secondary and if any player will challenge Lambert it will be Gray. There might not be a stronger nickel and dime package in the country considering the depth at cornerback.

     David Bruton has been lauded as a great special teams player and now it is time for him to reach that type of accolade at safety. Lost in the disaster of last season was Bruton’s breakout year.   Aside from being the leading returning tackler, Bruton recorded 3 interceptions to go with 2 pass break-ups which showed how far Bruton had come at the safety. Possessing the necessary size and speed, there is little doubt that Bruton has first round potential at the position.

     Replacing a two-time captain and a starter of forty-eight games would appear to be a daunting task, but that is not the case with the depth of the Irish secondary. Kyle McCarthy earned reps that pushed the aforementioned Zibikowski to a hybrid linebacker position in some situations. McCarthy has shown himself to possess a high football IQ and an improved confidence at the position.

     If McCarthy starts opposite Bruton, he will have earned it with players like Sergio Brown and Harrison Smith pushing for playing time. Sergio Brown may be the team’s best athlete possessing a SEC type of a speed and size combination. While Harrison Smith has been gaining reps at linebacker this spring, do not expect him to find a home anywhere but safety. These elite athletes lack experience, but there athletic ability will be hard to keep off of the field.

     Like corner, there is an abundance of depth at safety. Players like Jashaad Gaines and Leonard Gordon should be able to contribute in the form of special teams if they are expectedly passed up on the depth chart. Ray Herring adds a veteran sub although injuries have plagued him the last two years.

     Unlike past years where the Irish needed immediate help from the incoming freshmen in the secondary, this year marks a change with the available depth. Jamoris Slaughter and Robert Blanton add versatility having the ability to play both corner and safety. Dan McCarthy, the brother of the aforementioned Kyle, suffered a serious neck injury in high school and it is expected that Dan will take a “red shirt” year to recover. All three players have the potential to be multi-year starters by the time they are done at Notre Dame.

     The Irish are in an enviable position with the young talent and depth in the secondary. Unlike in past years, there should not be a formation that the Irish do not have the personal to deal with. Considering the question marks in the front seven, this group will have to play to its potential if the Irish defense is to make that next progression into a dominate unit.