Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1143622
www.BLUEANDGOLD.com AUGUST 2019 19 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss from its 2018 defense. Tranquill and Coney dominated the playing time last fall, but the Irish coaches have stated a desire to go with more of a rotation at the position during the upcoming season. Genmark Heath is in prime posi‑ tion for one of those roles, and class‑ mate Drew White could also chal‑ lenge for one if he can stay healthy. White missed much of the 2017 sea‑ son with an injury and didn't see much action last fall. He was, however, thrust into the lineup during Notre Dame's 44‑22 win over Navy. Tranquill went down early and White was his replacement, earning the first linebacker snaps of his career. White played well, regis‑ tering six tackles and showing the instincts and coverage ability that made him a top player for perennial powerhouse Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas. White entered the spring atop the depth chart at Mike linebacker, but after three practices he was sidelined the rest of the way due to a shoulder injury. It was a huge missed oppor‑ tunity for White, who now must not only compete with talented younger teammates with more athleticism, but he must also show the Irish coaches that he can stay healthy. If he can achieve that, he will be hard to keep off the field. FINDING A HOME The 2017 class has seen a number of players move positions, some small (Hainsey going from left tackle to right tackle, and both Banks and Lugg going from tackle to guard) and some much bigger (Robertson going from safety to wide receiver, Gen‑ mark Heath moving from safety to linebacker and Armstrong shifting from wide receiver to running back). Avery Davis was Notre Dame's lone quarterback signee in the class, but his time behind center didn't last long. He was aligned at running back in the spring of 2018, and a year later he was converted to cornerback. As expected, Davis struggled with the technical demands of the posi‑ tion switch, but he constantly drew praise from the coaches for his speed, quickness and the physicality needed to play on defense. Davis will get a chance to compete for the 2019 nickel role, assuming that he can pick up the system and become more sound with his foot‑ work. ✦ Players Signed: 21 Players Available in 2019: 17 (four-star defensive tackle Darnell Ewell re- tired from football due to injury; three-star linebacker David Adams retired from football due to injury; four-star running back C.J. Holmes transferred to Penn State; and three-star defensive end Jonathon MacCollister transferred to Central Florida). 2017 Recruiting Rankings: Rivals (No. 13), 247Sports (No. 13), Scout (No. 14) and ESPN (No. 16) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Jafar Armstrong* RB 6-1 220 Began his career at wide receiver, but is expected to be the lead back in 2019. Aaron Banks* OL 6-6 325 Athletic and talented big man who must remain focused to fulfill his potential. Avery Davis* CB 5-11 200 Has moved from quarterback to running back to cornerback. Jonathan Doerer PK 6-3 200 Expected to take over placekicking duties in 2019 after handling kickoffs the last two seasons. Jordan Genmark Heath LB 6-1 231 Former safety is competing for a spot at linebacker heading into his third season. Dillan Gibbons* OL 6-4 308 Physical blocker who will be a backup guard this fall. Robert Hainsey OL 6-4½ 298 Enters 2019 as arguably the team's top offensive lineman after starting 17 straight games at right tackle. Kurt Hinish DT 6-2 295 Takes over at nose tackle after being a rotation player the last two years. Cole Kmet TE 6-5½ 255 Showed promise in 2018, but now he becomes the team's top target at tight end. Joshua Lugg* OL 6-7 310 Versatile blocker can play tackle or center, but will also push Banks at left guard. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah* LB 6-1½ 215 Should take over at rover, assuming he can stay healthy. Isaiah Robertson* WR 6-1½ 202 Has moved from safety to linebacker to wide receiver. Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa* DT 6-2½ 286 Injuries cost him all but two games last season, but a breakout is expected in 2019. Kofi Wardlow* DE 6-2½ 245 Will provide the Irish with depth at both end positions. Drew White* LB 6-0 225 When healthy he gives the defense an intelligent and instinctive linebacker. Brock Wright TE 6-4½ 250 Has primarily served as a blocker his first two seasons, but a much bigger role is expected in 2019. Michael Young WR 5-10 190 Takes over at X after showing big-play potential last season. * Eligible for a fifth season in 2021 Junior Class Review Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, one of the most athletic players on the team, will be counted on to provide more impact plays at the rover position. PHOTO BY COREY BODDEN