Blue and Gold Illustrated

June-July 2019

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com JUNE/JULY 2019 17 to rover in the spring after play- ing safety and special teams as a freshman. He and junior Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah seem to have that position locked down, and Moala will be counted on to provide perim- eter snaps on defense in the fall to go along with his special teams role. BACKFIELD IN MOTION Notre Dame's sophomore class will provide depth in the backfield in 2019. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec showed flashes of playmaking ability in the spring despite not being able to use his legs, which are a big part of his game. He needs to continue working on timing, going through his progressions and finding a con- sistent delivery, but the physical tools are present. Despite battling injuries through- out the spring, sophomore run- ning back Jahmir Smith made a lot of plays as a runner. If he can stay healthy in the fall and improve his pass blocking, the Sanford, N.C., na- tive will lock down the third running back role. When Smith was out, classmate C'Bo Flemister took advantage and made plays using his quickness and speed. The pair provides the running back position with capable backs that have a complementary skill set to each other. ✦ Sophomore Class Review Players Signed: 27 Players Available in 2019: 25 (four-star cornerback Noah Boykin an- nounced plans to transfer in April and three-star offensive lineman Luke Jones is transferring to Arkansas) 2018 Recruiting Rankings: 247Sports (No. 9); ESPN (No. 10) and Rivals (No. 11) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Jayson Ademilola DT 6-3 286 Vital rotation player in 2018 that will be tasked to provide more playing time as a sophomore. Justin Ademilola* DE 6-2 250 Power and penchant for making plays could earn him snaps at a loaded position. Derrik Allen* S 6-2 220 Rangy athlete who must become more assertive to earn playing time behind veterans. Kevin Austin WR 6-2 210 Potential to be a dominant playmaker, but his game needs to mature. Bo Bauer LB 6-3 230 A special teams regular as a freshman, will push for the Mike job this fall. TaRiq Bracy CB 5-10 172 One of the best cover players on the roster will push for a bigger role this season. D.J. Brown* S 6-0 192 Moved to safety in the spring and earned a spot in the two-deep. John Dirksen* OL 6-5 310 Showed physicality in the run game during the spring, earning him a backup role at guard. C'Bo Flemister* RB 5-11 195 Has to add more strength, but his speed could earn him snaps as a rotation player. Ja'Mion Franklin* DT 6-1 308 A foot injury caused him to miss the spring and raised questions about his health for 2019. Houston Griffith CB 6-0 205 Competing for a starting spot at cornerback after playing safety and nickel as a freshman. Micah Jones* WR 6-5 215 Long pass catcher is a strong blocker, but is buried on a deep wideout chart. Phil Jurkovec* QB 6-5 225 Poised to step into the backup role as he continues to develop. Lawrence Keys III* WR 5-10 172 A matchup problem for the defense all spring and has a chance to earn major snaps this season. Jack Lamb* LB 6-4 227 Highly athletic linebacker will be hard to keep off the field in 2019, assuming he can stay healthy. Braden Lenzy* WR 5-11 184 Banged up during the spring, but when healthy he brings home-run speed to the offense. Cole Mabry* OL 6-5 273 Capable edge blocker who needs time to develop physically. Paul Moala Rover 6-0 210 Former safety made a smooth transition to rover, where he provides depth and special teams production. Ovie Oghoufo* DE 6-3 230 A spring standout with a very bright future, but veteran depth remains ahead of him. Jarrett Patterson* OL 6-5 300 Had an outstanding spring and cemented himself as the starting center. Shayne Simon LB 6-3 230 Played all three linebacker spots in the spring and was mostly up and down. Jahmir Smith* RB 5-11 207 Battled injuries, but when he was healthy he showed strong running prowess. George Takacs* TE 6-6 255 Possesses all the traits to thrive in the Irish offense, but needs more time to develop. Tommy Tremble* TE 6-3 237 Exceptional speed and pass catching skills could earn him targets in the fall. Joe Wilkins Jr.* WR 6-2 190 Heady and steady player who is pushing for playing time at wideout. * Eligible for a fifth season in 2022 If he can stay healthy, athletic linebacker Jack Lamb has the potential to play an important role for the Irish defense. PHOTO BY ANGELA DRISKELL

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