Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2018 25 helped Coleman show significant improvement on the practice field in fall camp. He was able to display his athleticism better, allowing him to make more plays. If he can carry that into games it will go a long way to- wards solidifying the safety position, which has been the prime concern on defense heading into the season. Fellow senior Shaun Crawford fi- nally seems to be healthy, and he has carved out an important role in the defense as the backup field corner- back and the starting nickel back. Crawford was a playmaker out of the nickel position early last season, but he faded late in the fall. If he can be more consistent in 2018, he'll be a vital figure in the Irish secondary. Safety Nicco Fertitta is likely to be a major player on special teams, and a strong fall camp has him in position to compete for minutes at safety. ROLE PLAYERS Senior linebacker Asmar Bilal is poised to start at rover. He is a qual- ity run defender, but coverage is not his strong suit, which means the In- dianapolis native will likely be in a platoon with younger rovers like sophomore Jeremiah Owusu-Kora- moah and freshman Shayne Simon, who are better cover players. Senior defensive tackle Micah Dew-Treadway is striving to stay healthy and find a home in the two- deep for the first time in his career. Senior offensive lineman Trevor Ruhland is a top reserve at guard and center, and he is getting groomed as a possible replacement for standout center Sam Mustipher in 2019. REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS There won't be a player in this class who will leave a greater mark on the Notre Dame record books than senior placekicker Justin Yoon. He already is the career leader in field goal percentage (minimum 50 field goal attempts), having made 80.8 percent (42 of 52) of his attempts. With 46 points this year, Yoon would finish his career atop the all- time Irish chart in points scored. He also could end up with the most made extra points and field goals. Yoon has been a steady force at Notre Dame, but the lack of oppor- tunities to kick game winners has allowed him to mostly fly under the radar. Do not be surprised if that changes at some point in 2018. ✦ SENIOR CLASS REVIEW Players Signed: 24 Players Available in 2018: 13 (Three-star running back Josh Adams declared for the NFL Draft fol- lowing the 2017 season; three-star linebacker Josh Barajas transferred to Illinois State; three-star wide receiver Jalen Guyton was dismissed from the team after the 2015 season and now stars at North Texas; four-star center Tristen Hoge transferred to BYU; four-star wide receiver C.J. Sanders transferred to SMU; four-star wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown declared for the NFL Draft following the 2017 sea- son; three-star defensive tackle Elijah Taylor was dismissed from the team following the 2017 season; three-star defensive tackle Brandon Tiassum was dismissed from the team following the 2017 season; three-star defensive end Bo Wallace was released from his letter of intent before enrolling; three-star cornerback Ashton White transferred to Buffalo; and four-star safety Mykelti Williams was dismissed from the team following the 2015 season and is now at Northern Illinois) 2015 Recruiting Rankings: Scout No. 6, Rivals No. 11, 247Sports No. 11 and ESPN No. 13 Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Asmar Bilal* LB 6-2 225 The special teams standout is projected to start at rover in 2018. Miles Boykin* WR 6-4 228 Expected to lead the Irish wideouts in 2018, his first as a starter. Nick Coleman S 6-0 194 Started all 13 games in 2017, had a strong fall camp and is expected to start again in 2018. Te'von Coney LB 6-1 240 Broke out in 2017, leading the Irish defense with 116 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. Shaun Crawford* CB 5-9 181 Injuries took away his first two seasons, but he has carved out a niche in the defense. Micah Dew-Treadway* DT 6-4 300 The career backup is hoping to finally crack the D-line rotation. Nicco Fertitta S 5-9 181 Will look to finish his career as a special teams stalwart and rotation player at safety. Alizé Mack TE 6-5 247 Ultra-talented figure has underachieved his first three years, but hopes to change the narrative this season. Trevor Ruhland* OL 6-3½ 295 Is a top back up at both guard and center in 2018. Jerry Tillery DT 6-7 305 After a strong junior campaign, is poised to become a top player nationally as a senior. Dexter Williams RB 5-11 215 Talent has never been the question, but he has yet to turn into a consistent, well-rounded producer. Brandon Wimbush* QB 6-2 222 Looks to build on his 2017 season, in which he accounted for 30 touchdowns (16 passing, 14 rushing). Justin Yoon K 5-10 198 Barring injury, will finish his career atop Notre Dame's all-time kicking record book. * Eligible for a fifth season in 2019 Nick Coleman struggled in 2017, his first full season as a safety, but a strong fall has him poised to fin- ish his career on a high note. PHOTO COURTESY FIGHTING IRISH DIGITAL MEDIA